Category: Nelson Police Department

Canadian Police Exemplary Service Medal

The Police Exemplary Service Medal, created on August 12, 1983, recognizes police officers who have served in an exemplary manner, characterized by good conduct, industry and efficiency. Recipients must have completed 20 years of full-time service with one or more recognized Canadian police forces.
Due to Covid-19, the Nelson Police Board was unable to have a formal ceremony, but Chief Constable Paul Burkart was able to present the following four Nelson Police Department members with their 20-year Exemplary Service Medals on behalf of the Board:
 Staff Sergeant Brian Weber
 Sergeant Corey Hoy
 Constable Jarrett Slomba
 Constable Rob Armstrong

SUBJECT: Telephone Fraud
 
The Nelson Police Department would like to warn residents of an old but effective scam that is still occurring in Nelson.  NPD received notification earlier today of a resident receiving a telephone call from someone claiming to be from Reader’s Digest and that the person had won a new vehicle which required payment for freight/shipping.  The caller provided the resident numerous avenues for providing payment including bank transfer, purchasing gift cards or pre-paid credit cards, and utilizing money wire transfers to make the payment.
 
The Nelson Police Department strongly encourages anybody receiving these telephone calls to not provide any personal information.  If any members of the public unwittingly provide any personal information or receive deceptive telemarketing, please contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

DATE: December 13, 2020
 
On December 12, 2020 at approximately 1912 hours, the Nelson Police received several 911 calls for a disturbance at the Chahko-Mika Mall involving three people.
 
Upon police arrival, attending members were able to determine that a suspect had attempted to steal a female’s purse and the female’s partner sustained a non-life threatening stab wound during the struggle.  The suspect fled prior to police arrival and the male victim was subsequently transported to hospital for additional treatment.
 
The investigation identified a male suspect and on December 13, 2020 at approximately 1315 hours, the male suspect was apprehended.  The male suspect is currently in custody awaiting a bail hearing with recommended charges of robbery, assault causing bodily harm, and assault with a weapon.
 
The people involved in this matter are known to each other and police do not believe there is further risk to the greater public.

Nelsons Emergency Services Join MADD Canada in the launch of the Red  Ribbon Campaign: 

 
Nelson Police Chief Constable Paul Burkart, Nelson Fire and Rescue Chief Len MacCharles, Nelson Emergency Health Services Chief Deb Morris and the Integrated Impaired Driving  Unit join our Nelson MADD Canada representative, Pat Henman to remind the public to  find a safe ride home after consuming drugs or alcohol over the holidays.  
MADD Canada’s Red Ribbon Campaign consists of red ribbons and red ribbon car decals  being distributed during the month of December to sober drivers. The red ribbons  symbolize a person’s commitment to driving sober and serve as a tribute to those who  were killed or hurt in impaired driving crashes, according to the organization.  
“While the usual parties and celebrations may be limited this year due to the COVID 19  pandemic, the holiday season is still a busy time on our roads and still a time of high risk  for impaired driving,” the group said in a release. 
“Impaired driving crashes are 100% preventable, “said MADD Nelson Community Leader  Pat Henman. 
The campaign runs from now until January 4, 2021.  

 
 
 
On November 18, 2020 at approximately 1900 hours, the Nelson Police Department, Nelson Fire Rescue, and British Columbia Ambulance Service attended a motor vehicle accident in the 200 block of Anderson Street.  It was determined that a pedestrian was struck in the crosswalk by a slow-moving motor vehicle causing non-life-threatening injuries.  The pedestrian was transported to hospital with undetermined injuries for further assessment and treatment.  The Nelson Police Department would like to remind pedestrians during this busy season to ensure they wear high visibility or bright clothing to better seen by motorists at night.

Re: Cory Westcott – ongoing missing person investigation
 
 
The Nelson Police Department continues to investigate the disappearance of thirty-four (34) year old Cory Westcott.   Mr. Westcott’s last confirmed sighting was when he left a residence in the Bonnington area in the early hours of September 1, 2020.   His truck was located at the bottom of the Rover Creek Forest Service Road in Blewett days later.
 
The Nelson Police Department is requesting that anyone who saw or heard anything out of the ordinary in those areas, on those days, to contact them.  Investigators are also requesting that the public check the area around their properties for anything that looks out of place and are seeking to speak with anyone that had contact with Mr. Westcott in the 48 hours leading up to August 31, 2020.
 
If people wish to remain anonymous they can contact BC Crime-stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (1-800-222-TIPS) or submit a tip on Facebook with West Kootenay Boundary Crimestoppers.
 
Media enquires may be made to Sgt Nate Holt
 
Detective Constable Jason Anstey