Codiac RCMP said an officer drove over the victim of an assault while responding to a report of a fight outside a bar in Moncton.

The incident happened around 2 a.m. AT Sunday on Elmwood Drive, when the officer arrived on the scene.

"When he drove into the parking lot he felt a bump and he immediately stopped the vehicle," said Const. Damien Theriault.

The officer had driven over an unconscious man in the parking lot.

It turns out the 38-year-old had been assaulted before being run over. He was taken to hospital, but Theriault said his injuries are not life-threatening.

Cst. Damien Theriault said the incident will be investigated. (CBC)

"We are just asking a collision reconstructionist to establish the circumstances to make sure that we have all the facts," said Theriault.

The police later arrested a 20-year-old man in connection with the assault.

Theriault said the officer's actions will be examined as part of the investigation.

But people who are familiar with the area said on Sunday they're not surprised to hear of the incident.

"It's not well lit," said Nelson Arsenault, who lives across the street.

Arsenault said at night, the scene in the large parking lot can be chaotic.

"Hundreds of people out there, hammered out of their minds, screaming," he said.