Category: Nelson Police Department

Nelson Police Department File 2021-1928
On May 14, 2021 at approximately 1754 hours, the Nelson Police Department received a request for assistance from BC Conservation staff regarding a report they received of two boats observed harassing geese on the water on the west side of Nelson.  The boats were observed to be circling the geese preventing them from flying and witnesses reported that it appeared the boats were attempting to run the geese over.
Upon police arrival, members observed one of the boats attempting to run over geese while on the water.  In addition, they noted one of the boats was observed to dock and an associated residence was identified.  The joint services boat (Marine 1) was deployed with police and Nelson Fire Rescue staff who were able to intercept the second boat.  BC Conservation staff attended the area and assumed the investigation once all parties were identified.  The BC Conservation’s investigation in on-going at this time.
Police would like to remind boaters to avoid intentionally hazing wildlife while on waterways or they could face potential enforcement through the BC Wildlife Act.  Citizens are encouraged to report any future offences to the Nelson Police Department at 250-354-3919 or the RAPP Line at 1-877-952-RAPP or by cellular at #7277.

School Zone Safety Message from the Nelson Police Department

With return of the nice weather the school and playground zones in Nelson have become
busy with activity in the morning and after school.
Unfortunately, there have been several concerns raised about drivers not paying
attention, not following posted speed limits and other perpetuating other driving
errors. It is important that children, parents and teachers ensure everyone is using
proper and safe crossing practices – please teach your children to look before crossing
and using cross walks and make sure all vehicles have come to a complete stop.
School zone hours are typically in effect between 8:00am – 5:00pm on school days unless
other hours are posted. Keep in mind, many kids use school playgrounds outside of school
times and on weekends, so continue to be alert for kids any time you drive through a
school zone.
In playground zones, a 30 km/hr speed limit is in effect from dawn to dusk, 365 days of
the year.
Drivers must stop for pedestrians who are occupying the crosswalk on the half of the
road the vehicle is travelling. Of course, it’s also the responsibility of a pedestrian to
remain on the curb or other safe place until there is enough time for a driver to reasonably
stop to give them the right of way. It’s also the safest rule for drivers to wait for as long
as it takes for all pedestrians to reach the curb on the other side.
Nelson Police will be making extra patrols in and around the schools and conducting
enforcement for the remainder of the school year. We all need to do our part to ensure
that an already challenging school year does not end with a tragedy. Please exercise a
extra patience and attentiveness when travelling through these zones.
Taking an extra
10 seconds may save a life!

Update to Tire Slashing File

 

NPD Makes Arrest and Recommends Charges in Series of Tire Slashings.

NPD has identified a male from Nelson of no fixed address as the person responsible for a spree of damage to vehicles that was caused on February 26, 2021. The damage consisted primarily of tires being slashed and appears to have been random in nature. The male, who was previously known to NPD, has been arrested and released to appear in court in Nelson on July 5, 2021 for a charge of Mischief to Property Over $5000.

(Original File)

NPD File 21-811: Mischief over $5000

 

On Friday February 26, 2021 between approximately 3:00 and 5:00 pm

 

Nelson Police Department (NPD) is investigating a series of events relating to damage to vehicles parked in the area of 700 and 800 block Vernon St. as well as 300 block Cedar St. At least  eight vehicles in this area were damaged, primarily by having the tires slashed on the vehicle. Total damage to the vehicles is estimated at over $5000. Police are requesting the public’s assistance asking anyone with information on these events to contact NPD at 250-354-3919 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

On April 3, 2021 at approximately 1200 hours, the Nelson Police Department monitored
a Freedom Rally that was held at Nelson City Hall. Nelson Police observed
approximately 150 participants who gathered to listen to speakers with messaging around
COVID-19 related guidelines, measures, and enacted laws.
Police observed some participants standing on the sidewalk in the 300 block of Ward
Street where they carried signs displayed for passing vehicles and pedestrians. In
addition, approximately 75-80 participants conducted a march on Baker Street and
Vernon Street as part of the rally.
Although the rally was observed to be peaceful, participants were in contravention of
COVID-19 Related Measures Act. As a result of the current Provincial Health Order,
individuals who choose to organize or attend this type of gathering are in contravention
of the COVID-19 Measures Act and can face fines between $230.00 and $2,300.00.
Throughout the rally, police identified several key organizers involved in the event. At
the conclusion of the rally, police issued three $2,300.00 Violation Tickets. A 58-year-
old female from Winlaw, British Columbia, a 42-year-old male from Halfmoon Bay,
British Columbia, and a 41-year-old male from Vancouver, British Columbia were issued
a $2,300.00 Violation Ticket for their participation.
The public are being asked to ensure compliance of the British Columbia Public Health
Order, specifically the COVID-19 Related Measures Act, and individuals who fail to
comply could face fines.

Illicit Drug Supply Claims Two Lives in Suspected Overdoses

NPD File 2021-1221 and 2021-1253

March 25 and March 28, 2021 respectively (Nelson, BC) – NPD responded to two separate and unrelated reports of suspected illicit drug overdoses in the Cottonwood Falls and Rail Town area of Nelson. BC Ambulance Service requested police attendance at one of the matters and members of the public requested NPD to attend the other. In both events, BC Ambulance Service and Nelson Fire Rescue Service attended the scene as well. Both parties regrettably passed away in what appear to be suspected illicit drug overdoses. Although these events are unrelated and occurred days apart, NPD is reminding the public of current high dangers in the local illicit drug supply which may draw a nexus to these events.

We would like to extend our condolences on behalf of Nelson Police Department staff and the community for the tragic loss that these families have incurred. NPD will continue to investigate which street drugs were involved. However, it appears much of the illicit drug supply in town may be of danger to those who consume it.

Illicit Drug consumers are advised not to use alone, to carry naloxone, and to get drugs tested if possible. If you witness someone overdosing, call 911 immediately.

Nelson Police Department (NPD) has confirmed that a charge of Manslaughter has been approved in regard to the 2020 death of off-duty Abbotsford police Constable Allan Young. Young was assaulted in Nelson BC on July 16, 2020 and succumbed to his injuries on July 21, 2020.

Castlegar resident, Alex Willness (26), has been arrested by NPD and remains in custody pending a March 9, 2021 court appearance.