Category: Nelson Police Department

SUBJECT: Files of Note

On October 14, 2023, at approximately 8:40 PM the Nelson Police responded to a report of a badly
injured male in the 400 block of Baker Street. Three accused persons, who were known to the victim,
assaulted him with weapons while committing robbery. The victim was able to escape and seek help,
but remains in hospital with serious injuries.   Police have arrested Brenden Rothweiler, Jennifer
Henderson, and Spencer Henderson. All three are charged with Assault with a Weapon, Assault Causing
Bodily Harm, and Robbery. They remain in custody, with their next court appearance scheduled for
October 23 rd . 

On October 17, 2023, at approximately 1:00 PM the Nelson Police responded to a report of a male
throwing rocks at people on Lakeside Drive. The male then threw a pole at the victim as he was calling
police. Police attended and arrested Joel Dinunzio for Assault with a Weapon and for numerous
outstanding warrants. Mr. Dinunzio remains in custody with a court appearance scheduled for October
23 rd .

On October 18, 2023, at approximately 12:30 PM the Nelson Police responded to a report of shoplifting
in progress at a building supply store. Police attended and viewed surveillance video which showed a
male taking a chainsaw off of the shelf and quickly leaving the store. The male was located nearby by
police and a foot pursuit ensued through several blocks of the downtown core during a busy business
day. Many community members including a member of the RCMP assisted NPD in locating and arresting
the suspect. The saw, valued at approximately $500, was recovered and returned to the store. Police
will be recommending charges of Theft under $5000 and Obstruction.

NPD would like to thank the public and the RCMP for their support. 
All charged persons named in this release are considered innocent unless proven guilty in court. 

A/Cpl. Sebastian Fazzino

Threat to Stepping Stones

Nelson Police Department have investigated a threat to Stepping Stones staff that the
suspect was going to have the Nelson Cares building and The HUB blown up.
The suspect was known to staff. The suspect, a male in his 40’s, was spoken to by
police as well as staff at Stepping Stones and warned for his threats.
No arrests, however the file remains open.
Media Contact: 250-354-3919

SUBJECT: UPDATE: Missing Person Complaint – Nelson Police File 23-5119

UPDATE:

Mr. Thomas-Marchenski was located safe earlier today. The Nelson Police
Department would like to thank the general public for their assistance.

The Nelson Police Department is asking the public for assistance in the search for 39
year-old Mr. Bryan Thomas-Marchenski.
Mr. Thomas-Marchenski, a Nelson resident, has not been heard from since the afternoon
of September 2, 2023 (Saturday).
He is approximately 6’2” with a medium, brown hair and brown eyes.
Nelson Police and friends are concerned for the well-being of Mr. Thomas-Marchenski
and wish to locate him as quickly as possible.
Anyone who has spoken to Mr. Thomas-Marchenski in the past few days is asked to
contact the Nelson Police Department at 250-354-3919 or your local RCMP Detachment.

Nelson Police Department Welcomes Inaugural Community Safety Officers, Enhancing Community Engagement and Safety

July 20, 2023

NELSON, BC– The Nelson Police Department is delighted to announce the appointment of the first two Community Safety Officers (CSOs), Jasmine Uppal and Heidi Quillan. In a ceremony held on July 17th, Uppal and Quillan were sworn-in as Special Municipal Constables, marking a significant milestone in the implementation of the much-anticipated CSO program, which has been in discussion since last fall.

Chief Donovan Fisher expressed his satisfaction at overcoming the unforeseen challenges faced during the program’s development, stating, “That makes it that much more satisfying to finally get to this point and actually be able to work with the two CSO officers that are very enthusiastic to get out and be engaged with the community.”

The primary focus of the CSOs is to serve as community liaisons and public engagement officers, emphasizing their role as the “eyes and ears of the department, but not the hands,” as highlighted by Chief Fisher. These officers will be actively present throughout the town, immersing themselves in the community to assess its pulse, identify trends, and address specific areas of concern. By doing so, the Nelson Police Department aims to provide a more targeted and effective service to residents, businesses, and tourists alike.

With their increased visibility and accessibility, the CSOs will act as a powerful deterrent against both person and property crimes within the area. To ensure comprehensive coverage, the department is collaborating closely with partner agencies to determine optimal locations for regular patrols and check-ups. Presently, the CSOs plan to be highly visible on Baker and Vernon Streets, while also conducting routine patrols through Lakeside Park, Cottonwood Falls, and the Izu-shi Friendship Society gardens. Furthermore, they will actively participate in community events and markets, fostering meaningful connections with the people they serve.

In addition to their community engagement responsibilities, the CSOs will provide essential support to police operations by handling follow-up tasks related to lower-level property crimes where no offender is present. These tasks will include documenting and photographing graffiti, collecting video surveillance from businesses, and retrieving found property. Chief Fisher emphasized, “The program is really just at its infancy so it is only limited by imagination at this point as to all the things that can be done and the benefits the community and the department will see.”

The Nelson Police Department is excited about the potential of the CSO program and its positive impact on community safety. By harnessing the dedication and enthusiasm of CSOs Uppal and Quillan, the department aims to enhance collaboration, trust, and proactive problem-solving between law enforcement and the community they serve.

Media Contact:

Deputy Chief Constable Raj Saini – rsaini@nelsonpolice.ca

DATE: June 23, 2023

On June 20, 2023 the Nelson Police Department were called to several break and enters.
At approximately 12:30 am a male attended the Shell Gas Station at 301 Nelson Avenue. The
male tried the door but staff told him that they could only help him through the afterhours
window. The male then allegedly smashed the front window and entered the store damaging
displays and stealing items.

At approximately 1:40 am a male was observed in the area of the 100 block of Herridge Lane
where it is alleged that he was looking through vehicles and then attempted to steal a bicycle.
At approximately 2:11 am a male approached the front doors of Nelson Farmer’s Supply,
produced a glass breaking tool and broke the window. The window although shattered did not
fall out the frame. The male suspect walked away.

At approximately 2:14 am a male smashed the front door glass of the Rona store at 29
Government Road. The male entered the store and stole several items.
Nelson Police Department members worked hard investigating the events and were able to
identify and arrest the male suspect later that morning. The 26 year old male of no fixed address
is facing charges in relation to all four events and has been remanded in custody pending a
future court date.

The Nelson Police Department would like to thank the business owners and witnesses who
worked very quickly in providing statements and security video so that complete packages could
be submitted to Crown Counsel supporting the charges.

Sergeant Dan Markevich

Possible Drug Overdose Leads to Criminal Investigation

NELSON, BC- Early morning, Wednesday, May 24, Nelson Police were called to assist with a possible drug overdose.  Nelson Police officers attend and performed First Aid and CPR on the victim until Emergency Health Services (EHS) attended and took over.
There were several unanswered questions and items of concern identified on the scene and police entered into a criminal investigation later on that same day.  As a result of this investigation, police applied for and obtained two judicial authorizations to conduct searches of a property.  These two search warrants were executed in the city of Nelson and resulted in evidence being obtained related to the initial criminal investigation and the second warrant related to an illicit drug operation.
“We are confident that this was a mid-level drug operation where drugs were being received, prepared and packaged for further distribution in the Nelson area and perhaps beyond,” said Chief Constable Donovan Fisher.  “This has resulted in a significant seizure and will have an immediate impact on the local drug trafficking scene,” says Fisher.
The various materials seized will be sent to Health Canada labs for analysis to determine the exact make-up of the substances.
The police are currently seeking to speak with several persons of interest in these investigations.  Anyone with information is asked to call the Nelson Police.
As for the original criminal matter that lead to the obtaining and executing of the search warrants, Fisher stated, “As this matter is still under investigation, no further comment can be provided at this time as to the nature of the investigation.”
Additional information will be provided as we are able to release it.
Chief Donovan Fisher