RCMP in Oceanside, north of Nanaimo, remain puzzled about why a man suddenly turned on his female companion – stabbing her repeatedly.

Cpl. Jesse Foreman says this was not a crime of passion as the pair is not romatically linked.

Police say the attack happened as the victim and suspect argued while the woman was driving the man earlier this week.

The stabbing continued as the woman stopped the car and ran screaming for help with the 22-year-old suspect chasing and slashing at her.

Paramedics intervened and treated the victim for six or seven puncture wounds, including injuries to her back.

The suspect was arrested a short time later and charged with aggravated assault.