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
Category: Nelson Police Department
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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
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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
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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. -
On March 27, 2024 Nelson Police Department officers arrested 24 year old Mason
Buchner-Monkman at a residence in Nelson. NPD officers became aware of Mr.
Buchner-Monkman being in the area several months ago and knew of several outstanding
warrants for his arrest in Manitoba. He was the subject of numerous release conditions in
that Province and had fled to Nelson.
In a combined effort between the Nelson Police Department, BC Prosecution Service,
Winnipeg Police Service and Manitoba Prosecution Service, legal authority was obtained
for NPD members to complete the arrest of Mr. Buchner-Monkman and arrange for his
transport back to Manitoba to face his charges.
Sgt Markevich “ Mr. Buchner-Monkman had come to the attention of the Nelson Police
Department after receiving several complaints about him related to suspicious and
concerning behaviours in our community. Officers were aware of his outstanding
warrants in Manitoba and worked hard to get authorization to arrest him and return him.
It took a concerted effort on everyone’s part to get everything in order with all the steps
necessary to achieve this goal. Mr. Buchner-Monkman is now on his way back to
Manitoba “Sgt Dan Markevich
