For the second time in less than a week bystanders in Nanaimo have intervened in a violent incident.
The latest happened Saturday night, when a Mountie was trying to detain a woman for her own safety, as she was acting erratically and wearing only a bathing suit.
At that point her male friend began punching the officer, and a fight broke out.
Nanaimo RCMP spokesman Constable Gary O’Brien says when the 33 year-old suspect broke away and tried to run, several motorists stopped him:
" He was arrested for assaulting the police officer, and assaulting one of the civilians. He hasn't formally been charged yet so we can't release his name. He's got a court date pending of April 9th."
The officer's glasses were broken, and both he and a civilian suffered bumps and bruises. O'Brien says it's good to know the community has their back.
Meantime the 38-year-old woman was located nearby and taken to hospital for a medical assessment.
Last Wednesday 5 bystanders stopped a stabbing attack on a 30 year old woman, and detained the 17 year old suspect until officers arrived.