RCMP seek man accused in violent purse-snatching in Nanaimo, B.C.

Michael Mclellan was scheduled to make his first appearance in Nanaimo provincial court on Dec. 19, 2024, charged with one count of robbery that allegedly occurred on Nov. 23, 2024. (Handout)

Mounties on Vancouver Island say a warrant has been issued for the arrest of a 39-year-old man who is accused of a violent purse-snatching incident late last year.

Court records show Michael Mclellan was scheduled to make his first appearance in Nanaimo provincial court on Dec. 19, 2024, charged with one count of robbery that allegedly occurred on Nov. 23, 2024.

When Mclellan failed to make his court date, a bench warrant was issued for his immediate arrest.

The Nanaimo RCMP issued a statement Thursday saying the suspect allegedly punched the victim in the face several times before stealing her purse.

Mclellan, a Nanaimo man with no fixed address, was arrested on the day of the alleged robbery and released from custody.

Mounties say Mclellan is still believed to be in the Nanaimo area.

He is described by police as a white man, standing 5'11" tall and weighing approximately 180 pounds.

He has brown hair, a beard and brown eyes, according to investigators.

The Nanaimo RCMP published a photo of Mclellan Thursday that police say was taken recently.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.