Category: Nelson Police Department

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

UPDATE

At approximately 4:00 pm the RCMP Explosives Unit arrived and examined the package. Out of
an abundance of caution the package was destroyed remotely by a specialized robot. The
contents were determined not to be hazardous.
Nelson Police continue to investigate the event.

Sergeant Dan Markevich

SUBJECT: NPD File 2023-977 – March 6, 2023

On Saturday March 4, 2023 Nelson Police Department officers along with BC Highway Patrol
responded to a two-vehicle collision on Vernon Street at Baker Street in Nelson. The
investigation revealed that both vehicles were travelling west along Vernon Street. The first
vehicle a white 2010 Subaru Forrester, came to a stop at the intersection but the grey 2017 Kia
Sorrento following it failed to stop and collided with the rear of the Subaru. Both vehicles moved
from the intersection west onto Baker Street toward Railway Street where the parties exited their
vehicles.
Nelson Police are seeking any witnesses to the collision and would like to speak with a
pedestrian that was passing by and stopped to talk to one of the drivers.
If you have any information regarding the collision please contact the Nelson Police Department.

Sergeant Dan Markevich
Nelson Police Department
250-354-3919

SUBJECT: RE : NPD Press Release – December 22, 2022

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UPDATED
The Nelson Police Department have been advised by the Nelson RCMP that, while conducting
an investigation into a recent house fire in the Beasley area, they discovered human remains. The
BC Coroner’s Service have since confirmed the remains are that of Mr. Mahoney. Mr.
Mahoney’s next of kin have been notified and our condolences go out to his family. Nelson
RCMP and the BC Coroner’s Service continue to investigate.

PREVIOUS RELEASE
Missing Person Patrick Mahoney Nelson Police File # 22-6220

Nelson Police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating a Nelson man who was last seen
at 10:50 a.m. on December 10, 2022 near Safeway in Nelson.
Mr. Mahoney is a 44 year old Caucasian male 5’10” tall and approximately 180lbs. Mr.
Mahoney has short brown hair, blue eyes and short beard.
Nelson Police and its partner agencies are concerned for the well-being of Mr. Mahoney and
wish to locate him as quickly as possible, if he is seen please contact your local police
department.

Sergeant Dan Markevich
Nelson Police Department
250-354-3919