Category: Nelson Police Department

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Three Drivers Receive Immediate Roadside Prohibitions in Nelson

The Nelson Police Department continues to conduct proactive impaired driving enforcement throughout the community.

Between May 29 and May 31, 2026, Nelson Police officers conducted three separate impaired driving investigations that resulted in Immediate Roadside Prohibitions (IRPs).

• A 17-year-old male Nelson resident was stopped in the 100 block of Vernon Street during the early morning hours of May 31 after officers observed a vehicle being operated without headlights. The driver provided two breath samples that resulted in “FAIL” readings on approved screening devices. The driver received a 90-day driving prohibition and the vehicle was impounded for 30 days.

• An 18-year-old female South Slocan resident was stopped on Hall Street during the early morning hours of May 30 after officers observed a traffic violation. The driver provided a breath sample that resulted in a “WARN” reading. The driver received a 3-day driving prohibition and the vehicle was impounded for 3 days.

• A 71-year-old male Winlaw resident was stopped on Silica Street on May 29 following a complaint from a member of the public. The driver provided two breath samples that both resulted in “FAIL” readings. The driver received a 90-day driving prohibition and the vehicle was impounded for 30 days.

The Nelson Police Department reminds motorists that impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of serious injury and fatal collisions in British Columbia. Officers will continue conducting roadside enforcement and screening throughout the year to help keep our roads safe.

Anyone who suspects an impaired driver is encouraged to call 911 if the behaviour presents an immediate danger or report the information to local police as soon as it is safe to do so.

Update to January 19, 2026 Media Release File NP2026-125

Health Canada laboratory analysis has confirmed that substances seized during a January 11, 2026 traffic stop in Nelson included cocaine, MDMA, LSD, ketamine, and benzodiazepines.

The investigation involved a 29-year-old male resident of Slocan, BC, who was arrested following a traffic stop conducted as part of ongoing impaired driving enforcement. Officers subsequently seized significant quantities of controlled substances, drug trafficking paraphernalia, and more than $4,000 in Canadian currency.

As part of the investigation, the vehicle involved was seized under the Civil Forfeiture Office (CFO) process.

The investigation remains before the courts. Charges related to Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking and impaired driving have been recommended.

Repeat Property Offender Facing Additional Charges

The Nelson Police Department has laid charges against Daniel DINUNZIO, a 36-year-old Nelson resident, following an investigation into a break and enter at the Kootenay Co-op.

On April 11, 2026, police received a report that an individual had unlawfully entered the business during the early morning hours and stolen merchandise. Surveillance footage captured the suspect gaining entry to the store before leaving with several items.

The suspect was identified as Daniel DINUNZIO by investigators and witnesses familiar with him through previous interactions.

At the time of the offence, DINUNZIO was subject to court-ordered conditions prohibiting him from attending several businesses in Nelson, including the Kootenay Co-op.

Police have laid charges of:

• Break and Enter

Additional charges related to breaches of court-ordered conditions remain under review.

DINUNZIO is currently in custody on unrelated matters. An unendorsed warrant has been issued in relation to these offences and will be executed while he remains in custody.

DINUNZIO is a designated Chronic Property Offender Intervention Initiative (CPOII) offender.

Between May 24 and May 30, 2026, the Nelson Police Department responded to 179 calls for service within the City of Nelson. Calls included proactive patrol activities, traffic enforcement, property crime investigations, public safety concerns, and requests for police assistance from members of the community.

Media Contact:

Nelson Police Department

December 6th – The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
The Nelson Violence Against Women in Relationships (VAWIR) Committee invites you to join us for
a candlelight vigil to mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against
Women.
December 6th, marks the anniversary of Montreal’s Ecole Polytechnique massacre when 14 women
were murdered, because they were women.
In commemoration, the Nelson VAWIR Committee would like to invite community members to
remember the significance of this day by gathering with us on the grounds of Nelson City Hall for a
Candlelight Vigil at 12:15pm on December 6 th .
You’ll also see The Clothesline Display on the grounds of City Hall and in front of the Courthouse.
The Clothesline Project is a visual display of violence statistics that often go ignored. Each shirt is
decorated to represent a particular woman’s experience, by the survivor herself or by someone
who cares about her.
We hope that you’ll visit our Facebook page prior to December 6 th for updates on the event and for
links to resources.
On behalf of the Nelson VAWIR Committee,
Nina Hamilton and Anna Maskerine
Committee Co-Chairs
victimservices@nelsonpolice.ca
amaskerine@servicesfyi.ca

SUBJECT: Possession of a Weapon Dangerous to the Public

On Friday April 19, 2024, at approximately 11:00 a.m., the Nelson Police Department was notified of an individual waving a firearm around in the 300 block of Nelson Avenue.

Several officers attended to the scene, where the male suspect was located in possession of what appeared to be a handgun.  Fortunately, the individual complied with police instructions and the firearm was seized without incident.

Upon further examination, the firearm is believed to be real and a large caliber handgun.  The firearm was not loaded.  Police continue to investigate and firearms charges could be laid as a result of this incident.

Police would like to thank the members of the public who reported this incident in a timely manner.  For crimes in progress and unfolding incidents, the public is encouraged to call 911.

To report other information, call the Nelson Police Department at 250-354-3919 or

Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at canadiancrimestoppers.org

SUBJECT: Wanted; Aza Hanbury – Update

The Nelson Police Department expresses its gratitude to the public for their assistance in the apprehension of Aza Tobias Hanbury. Hanbury was sought by both the RCMP and Nelson Police Department for warrants and new charges related to property crimes, dangerous driving, and fleeing from police.

On April 19th, thanks to the vigilance of a community member who recognized Hanbury from our previous media release, he was located and apprehended without incident in the 200 block of Baker Street.

Inspector Kris Rice, of the Nelson Police Department, commended the public, stating, “We are incredibly grateful for the public’s assistance in locating Aza Hanbury. Their willingness to report sightings and provide information directly contributed to his arrest.”

During this arrest, Hanbury was found to be in possession of several weapons, including a loaded firearm.  Chief Constable Donovan Fisher commented, “This person is a prolific offended who has shown a willingness to do whatever was necessary to evade arrest in the past.  This was potentially a very dangerous situation and compliments the officers for taking him into custody without incident.”

The collaborative efforts between the Salmo RCMP and the Nelson Police Department in coordinating the investigations, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing criminal activities that spread jurisdictions. 

Currently, Aza Hanbury is charged with multiple offences, including;

Nelson Police Department

• Possession of a Weapon Dangerous to the Public
• Unsafe Handling / Storage of a Firearm
• Possession of a Firearm with Ammunition without being the Holder of a License
• Possession of a Firearm without being the Holder of a License
• Operate a Conveyance (Motor Vehicle) in a Manner Dangerous to the Public
• Mischief
• Breach of Conditions of an Undertaking

Salmo RCMP

• Operate a Conveyance (Motor Vehicle) in a Manner Dangerous to the Public
• Mischief
• Breach of Conditions of an Undertaking

There are currently other ongoing investigations that may result in additional charges.

The truck that Hanbury was believed to be in possession of, a grey 2017 Dodge Ram 3500 diesel, remains outstanding and police continue to seek the public’s help in locating it.  A photo of this truck was provided in a previous media release. 

The Nelson Police Department extends sincere appreciation to the public for their unwavering support and cooperation in keeping our community safe. 

At the time of this media release, Aza Hanbury remains in police custody awaiting a bail hearing where police and Crown counsel will be seeking his further detention.

Mr. Hanbury is considered innocent unless proven guilty in court.

To report information, call the Nelson Police Department at 250-354-3919 or

Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at canadiancrimestoppers.org

Sexual Assault Allegations

Nelson Police Department Addresses Concerns Regarding Social Media Reports of Sexual
Assaults Near Art Gibbons Park and Nelson Skateboard Park
File Number: 2024-1685
April 2, 2024 – The Nelson Police Department is aware of recent social media posts circulating
within the community regarding alleged sexual assaults near Art Gibbons Park and the Nelson
Skateboard Park. These posts have raised understandable concerns among residents.
According to the information shared on social media, the suspect is described as approximately
6’3″ tall, with a stronger build, blonde hair, and in his mid-20s.
As of now, the Nelson Police Department has not received any formal reports regarding these
incidents. However, we take all reports of sexual assault seriously and encourage anyone who
has experienced or witnessed such incidents to come forward and make a formal report to our
department. “We believe you,” emphasizes Inspector Kris Rice. “Our officers are trained in
trauma-informed practice and are here to support you through the reporting process.”
Reporting such incidents is crucial for initiating investigations and ensuring the safety of our
community. By coming forward, individuals provide valuable information that can aid law
enforcement in addressing these concerns effectively. We urge anyone with information related
to these incidents or any other suspicious activities to contact the Nelson Police Department at
250-354-3919 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. File Number 2024-
1685.
The safety and well-being of our community members are of paramount importance to the
Nelson Police Department, and we remain

Suspicious person Rosemont Skatepark – 2024-1645

On Sunday, March 31, 2024, the Nelson Police Department was alerted to the presence of
a suspicious individual at Rosemont Skatepark. This person, described as wearing a
balaclava, was spotted on the pathway connecting the playground and the skatepark
The Nelson Police are looking to identify and speak with this individual and are calling
for help from anyone who was in the vicinity around 12 pm on that day.
Individuals with information related to the incident are encouraged to contact the Nelson
Police Department at 1-250-354-3919 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.