Nanaimo RCMP have arrested a man for assault in a “bizarre incident” where he allegedly dropped a log onto a pair of kayakers from a clifftop.
The incident happened Saturday evening, as a 43-year-old man and 39-year-old woman were paddling by Jesse Island, near the entrance to Departure Bay beach.
According to police, the pair were involved in a “short exchange” with someone standing above them on the island.
Police said a few minutes later, the duo heard a “commotion” above them, and looked up to see the person shoving a log off the cliff above them.
The log, which police said was 6 metres (20 feet) long and 20 centimetres (8 inches) thick, struck the woman in the back with enough force to knock her out of her kayak, police said.
The male kayaker managed to stay inside his boat and help the woman to shore, where witnesses called 911.
Officers arrived a short time later and arrested a 37-year-old man for assault with a weapon.