Man arrested as Nanaimo RCMP investigate assault as 'possible hate crime'

A Vancouver Island University student says he has left the island after being assaulted for his sexual orientation this weekend.

Spencer Frey says the alleged assault occurred at a house party, where several men struck him because he is openly gay.

According to a social media post from Frey's brother, Matthew Maclean, Frey was "sitting in a chair minding his own business" when the attack occurred.

Nanaimo RCMP have arrested a 19-year-old man for one count of assault, police said Wednesday afternoon, calling the assault a “possible hate crime.”

The suspect was arrested without incident at approximately 10 p.m. Tuesday. He was later released from police custody with an order to appear in Nanaimo provincial court on May 24, the Mounties said.

“Violence of any kind is unacceptable, and especially when it involves individuals who have allegedly been targeted because of their sexual preference," said RCMP Const. Gary O’Brien.

"We are aggressively pursuing this investigation and have reached out to the victim to ensure he is supported as the investigation progresses."

VIU says it is offering support to Frey and his family, and urges anyone with information to contact Nanaimo RCMP. 

"VIU takes this very seriously and we are committed to working with the RCMP in their investigation," said Irlanda Gonzalez Price, associate vice-president of student affairs at VIU.