Cape Breton Regional Police are searching for suspects after a 48-year-old homeless man was severely beaten in North Sydney.
Police were called to the parking lot of the Atlantic Superstore on King Street late Monday.
Investigators say the man was attacked in a wooded area behind the store. He then stumbled down a hill, leaving a trail of blood behind him, and made his way through the parking lot before collapsing on a bench.
Employees found the man and called 911.
“He was very badly injured. He was incoherent,” says Staff Sgt. Paul Muise. “There was some conversation but again, he was seriously hurt.”
The man was taken to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital with serious head injuries. He was later transported to a Halifax hospital, where he remains in serious condition.
Police say the man is originally from the Truro area and often camps behind the store during the summer months with his dog. The pet has been taken to the SPCA in Sydney.
“The dog was not involved physically in the altercation but he is certainly traumatized in relation to seeing his father or companion assaulted in the manner, and is struggling a bit with that emotionally,” says Jeff Dursi of the SPCA.
“We will maintain the foster care relationship as a public service to this gentleman until word comes from the family as to what they wish for us to do with the dog.”
The grocery store manager is unable to comment on the matter, but says the man bought his groceries there, was quiet, and never bothered anyone.
Police are hoping surveillance cameras in the area will help them identify suspects.
“Right now they’re putting together information and asking for the public’s assistance to lead them in the right direction,” says Cape Breton Regional Police spokesperson Desiree Vassallo.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Kyle Moore
