Category: Nelson Police Department

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.

NPD File 21-834: Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, Fail to Stop for Police.
 
On Sunday February 28, 2021 at approximately 1:49pm
 
Nelson Police Department (NPD) located a rental van that had been involved in two police incidents in Castlegar and Trail earlier in the day. Upon seeing NPD vehicles at Nelson City limits, the driver of the van sped up and entered the City of Nelson. An NPD member was able to deploy a spike belt disabling the van which came to a stop in the 300 block of Ward Street behind a local business. The driver of the van made contact with an NPD vehicle in an attempt to flee the arresting NPD officer. All three parties were taken into custody without incident or injury to the suspects or the NPD and RCMP members who responded. A significant quantity of fentanyl and methamphetamine were located during the arrest. The three occupants, two adult males and one adult female, remain in police custody awaiting court appearance. All three are known to police but have not been dealt with by NPD prior to this incident. A number of charges are being considered including; Fail to Stop for Police, Dangerous Driving and Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking.
 
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)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sgt. Nate Holt #78
Nelson Police Department
606 Stanley St
Nelson, BC
Tel: 250-354-3919
Fax: 250-354-4179
Email: holt@nelsonpolice.ca
 

 
 
On February 6, 2021 at approximately 1200 hours, the Nelson Police Department monitored a Freedom Rally that was held at Nelson City Hall.  Nelson Police observed approximately 75 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 40-45 participants conducted a march on Baker Street as part of the rally.
Although the rally was observed to be peaceful, participants were in contravention of COVID-19 Emergency Program 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 Emergency Program Act and can face fines between $230.00 and $2,300.00.
On Saturday February 6, 2021, the organizer, a 58-year-old female from Winlaw, British Columbia, was issued a $2,300.00 Violation Ticket.
The public are being asked to ensure compliance of the British Columbia Public Health Order, specifically the COVID-19 Emergency Program Act, and individuals who fail to comply could face fines.

Nelson Police Department Files of Interest
 
Recently the Nelson Police Department has received numerous complaints of thefts from unlocked vehicles in the Nelson Fairview area. The Nelson Police Department would again like to remind the public to ensure vehicles are secure and that all valuables are removed or hidden from sight.  These criminal acts are opportunistic in nature and vehicle owners can take preventative measures to minimize these incidents.
NPD File 2021-424
On 21/01/31 at approximately 1415 hours, the Nelson Police Department received a complaint of a male in the Rosemont area with what appeared to be a rifle.  Police were advised that there were children in the area and that the male was observed to be cocking and pointing the suspected rifle towards houses.
Upon NPD arrival, the area was contained by police and the male was located walking in a residential area.  The male was taken into custody and was confirmed to be in possession of an air rifle with a scope.  The air rifle was seized and the identified male was released at scene.  Police continue their investigation into the matter.