N.B. RCMP investigating after musician badly injured in Moncton assault

Main Street is seen in Moncton, N.B., on March 17, 2026. (Derek Haggett/CTV News Atlantic)

Police in Moncton, N.B., are investigating an assault that left a local musician with serious injuries late Saturday night.

Cpl. Luc Picard of the Codiac Regional RCMP said members responded to a report of an assault near 806 Main Street.

“When police arrived, they located a 37-year-old man from Moncton, injured and unconscious,” said Picard in an email. “The man was transported to hospital with what are believed to be serious injuries.”

Picard said the suspect fled the area before police arrived.

Codiac’s General Investigation Services is investigating the assault.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Codiac Regional RCMP at 1-506-857-2400.

Police didn’t release any additional details.

Victim identified as local musician

In a Facebook message posted Tuesday afternoon, Happy Craft Brewing Owner Greg Corrigan identified the assault victim as John McLaren, a musician who performed at the brewery the night of the assault.

“Last Saturday John McLaren was attacked by someone he knew outside our brewery and we the staff of Happy are heart broken,” read the post.

Corrigan wrote that he’s known McLaren and his wife since they opened back in 2021 and McLaren has played at the venue several times since then.

“We have resisted posting out of respect for his family in this incredibly difficult time,” said Corrigan. “We have participated in the RCMP investigation since finding out Sunday morning and are saddened they have been incapable of making an arrest to date!”

The post went on the say Happy has a zero-tolerance policy for violence and it takes great pride in providing a safe environment for anyone who visits.

“We wish John a full recovery to be with the ones he loves and back to playing his amazing music!” reads the post.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for McLaren. Roughly $16,000 had been raised as of 4:15 p.m.

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