New Release: May 22, 2013

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NPD file 2013-2018

On May 18 an officer of the Nelson Police Department noticed a pedestrian at the Park and Ride on Highway 3A contravening the Motor Vehicle Act. The officer stopped and engaged the male in a conversation. As the male was accused of being in contravention he was obliged by law to identify himself to the officer. The male verbally identified himself, but as he did the officer noticed that the man was very nervous. The male did not produce any of the common forms of identification such as a driver’s license. The officer became suspicious that the male was not being truthful and had supplied a false name.

After further investigation the officer was able to correctly identify the male as a United States citizen who was unlawfully in Canada. The investigation revealed that the male had previously been deported from Canada. The Nelson Police officer contacted the Canadian Border Service Agency (CBSA) and sought their services. The male was held in custody under Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

The male is now facing possible criminal charges of, obstructing a police officer and possession of a controlled substance. He was turned over to CBSA and may now face deportation.

NPD file 2013-2025

As a result of a routine traffic stop on May 18 officers of the Nelson Police Department made a drug seizure from a local man. While patrolling on Stanley Street an officer noticed a passenger riding in a vehicle without wearing his seat belt. The vehicle was stopped and as the officer investigated the seat belt infraction he developed grounds to launch a drug investigation. The passenger of the vehicle was subsequently arrested for possession of marijuana. Further investigation resulted in the officer discovering a number of pills believed to be morphine and numerous small plastic bags containing an unidentified powdered substance. The amount of drugs located in the possession of the male led the officer to believe that the drugs were destined for sale.

The local man may now be facing numerous drug charges including possession and trafficking allegations.

NPD file 2013-2054

On May 20 the Nelson Police Department received a 911 call from the staff at Valhalla Pure Outfitters store on Baker Street. Staff reported that a male had absconded with a donation jar from a shelf within the store. The store staff offered a good description of the male that had stolen the donation jar. Police responded to the area searching for a distinctive male that had been followed by a Valhalla employee. The officers located the male nearby. The employee had recovered the jar and was standing by to assist police.

A local man, well known to police, was taken into custody without a struggle. When the officers interviewed the employee he stated that the suspect had taken the donation jar from the store inside a bag. When the employee confronted the man they struggled over the jar. Even though the gig was up, the suspect tried to keep the ill obtained booty.

The Nelson Police would like to remind the citizens of Nelson that apprehending suspects does come with risks. We urge citizens to call police and provide succinct, accurate information to assist police. Those inclined to engage in citizen’s arrest should be familiar with the law allowing such arrests and be aware of the risks. The citizen powers of arrest section of the Criminal Code of Canada have recently been changed.

NPD 2013-2059

On the evening of May 20 two officers of the Nelson Police Department came across a local man that was wanted for criminal harassment. Police had reason to believe that the male had repeatedly been taunting a Nelson man over the past few days. As soon as the male saw the police officers he fled on foot along Baker Street. The officers gave chase in police vehicles and on foot coordinating their effort to arrest the man. As the suspect ran along the sidewalk he doffed his hat, necklaces, glasses and in time, all of his clothing. The officers eventually engaged the naked, sweating and spitting male in the 400 block of Baker Street and completed the arrest.

The male was taken into custody and continued to surprise the officers with his unpredictable and unconventional actions. With the assistance of Nelson Mental Health the male was delivered to the appropriate health care providers. The male now faces charges of criminal harassment and resisting arrest.

NPD 2013-2062

During the late evening of May 20 an adult male, well known to Nelson police, arrived crashing, yelling and swearing into the lobby of the Nelson Police Department carrying a 7 foot long metal pole.

The male was out of breath as he explained to the officers that he was being chased by a gang with knives. Officers swung into action and located and interviewed four teen-aged local youth along with the male that had fled into the police department. The ensuing investigation resulted in the adult male being arrested for sex assault, two counts of uttering threats, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace and failure to comply with conditions of an undertaking.

The man is due to appear in court on May 22, 2013.

New Recruit Constable for the Nelson Police Department

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Nelson_police_new_recruit_2013

We are proud to announce that, on this date, the Honorable Judge Lisa Mronzinski of the Provincial Court of British Columbia administered the Oath of Office and Allegiance to our newest police officer, Constable Sebastian Fazzino.

Our recruit is a native of the City of Nelson, and has been a familiar face around the Nelson Courthouse, where he served most recently as a Deputy Sheriff within the British Columbia Sheriff Service.

Sebastian Fazzino will become the eighty-first constable to serve in our one hundred and sixteen year old police service.

Sebastian and his wife Erin have two children, Emily and Tyler who they are proud to have had the opportunity to raise in one of the finest and safest communities in the province.

Mr. Fazzino will commence his duties on April 18th and will embark on nine months of training at the Justice Institute of British Columbia on April 22nd.

Sebastian is a graduate of LV Rogers secondary in Nelson and has also attended Douglas College in New Westminster, where he focused on business and marketing courses.

While working in various sales and purchasing jobs in Nelson, Sebastian decided to become a member of the Nelson Police Department’s Reserve program, at which time he decided to pursue a career in law enforcement.

Mr. Fazzino’s experience and training as both a Reserve and a full-time Deputy Sheriff was instrumental in our selection of Sebastian as our newest recruit.

Sebastian’s off-duty interests include golf, cycling, camping and spending time with family and friends.

We are pleased to welcome Constable Fazzino and his family as members of one of this province’s oldest and finest police services.

Media Release: May 13, 2013

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On Friday May 10 at 11:40PM staff at Finley’s Pub called to report a customer was refusing to leave as requested. Members arrived to find out the male had left already, know police were coming.  A few minutes’ later members were still in the area and noted the male walking back and begin to harass the door staff. What he failed to notice was the police officer on the corner watching him.  He was escorted away from the business and given an option to end his evening by going to his home or face arrest for public intoxication. The male decided he was not willing to go home, or to identify himself as required.  He was lodged into cells until sober.

Later the same night at Finley’s staff called 911 to report an intoxicated male fighting other customers. Nelson Police members raced down and found that staff, assisted by other patrons had the male held down.  The male struggled with police while being taken out and transported to jail for the night. It appears the 37 year old local male was celebrating a birthday and had consumed too much liquor.  He began harassing other patrons and when someone finally objected he started to fight. He was released when sober and charges of assault are being contemplated.

On Saturday night at 12:30AM the Nelson Police received a 911 call from a residence in uphill. Only yelling could be heard in the background.  Members went to the address where an intoxicated male and a female were out back arguing with each other and yelling to an apparent 3rd party to come back.  Nelson Police members discovered that the male that had fled prior to their arrival was known to them and bound by numerous conditions from previous criminal charges. These include remaining in his residence at night and abstaining from liquor and street drugs. He was found later when he called for an ambulance at a downtown pay phone. He was arrested and appeared in court in Nelson Monday to answer to the charges.

Sgt Paul Bayes

Media Release: May 6 to 10 2013

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The Nelson Police Department responded to over 60 calls during the period of May 6th to 10th, 2013. The following calls were of note.

NPD Incident 2013-1829

Between May 3rd and 6th, 2013 a break in occurred at the Nelson Hydro Power Plant at 5010 Blewett Road. Locks were cut and the thieves stole a significant amount of copper wiring along with other accessories. The file is under investigation.

NPD Incident 2013-1845

A 55 year old male is facing breach of conditions charges after being arrested outside of the Nelson Court House on May 7th. The male was observed in a vehicle across from the court house violating his Court imposed conditions. Charges are pending. The observation was made by a Nelson Sherriff.

NPD Incident 2013-1851

A 50 year old male is facing shoplifting charges resulting from an incident at a local grocery store. The male was heavily intoxicated and verbally abusive towards both police and store staff. The male was held for being intoxicated in a public place and also faces charges of theft.

NPD Incident 2013-1861

On the morning of May 8th, the Nelson Police Department received numerous calls regarding a male running around the downtown area screaming and throwing scaffolding about. The male ran from police for several blocks but was eventually located in the 400 block of Lakeside Drive and was arrested without incident. The male was suffering from mental health issues and was transported to and assessed by staff at Kootenay Lake Hospital.

NPD Incident 2013-1874

On May 9th, during a routine traffic stop, a male was found to have outstanding BC Wide Criminal warrants. During the subsequent arrest, the male was found to be in possession of brass knuckles, which are a prohibited weapon and resulted in further charges above the existing warrants. The male is currently in police custody awaiting a court hearing.

NPD Incident 2013-1881

On May 9th at 5h30 PM, a vehicle was involved in a minor motor vehicle incident behind the Hume Hotel. The driver was then observed by citizens entering a liquor store before returning to his vehicle and departing the scene. A Constable was in the area and upon initiating a vehicle stop, observed signs of impairment by alcohol on the 30 year old male driver. Subsequent testing resulted in the issuance of a ninety day roadside prohibition along with tickets for the accident and other observed violations.

NPD Incident 2013-1885

In the early hours of May 10th, a male called 911 advising he was being chased by a man with gun at Lakeside Park. Upon arrival at the soccer fields, police located an agitated 29 year old male. The male, heavily under the influence of cocaine he advised he had just injected, was certain he was being followed by a gang with fire arms. During the conversation and attempts to calm the male, the male reached into his jacket pocket which contained an extended utility knife. The knife was recovered by the Constable before the male could access it, however the Constable did suffer a small cut to his finger as a result. Members searched the soccer fields after the male was in custody and located a blood filled syringe and other drug paraphernalia used by the male just prior to his calling 911. The male was transported to NPD gaol due to his drug induced state and it was confirmed that there was no gang nor firearm issues but rather drug use issues.

Constable David Laing
Nelson Police Department

Media Release: Hit and Run Investigation Update

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Nelson Police Seek Public Assistance in a Hit and Run Investigation*UPDATE*

Police File: 2013-1626

After hearing the news on April 29, 2013, the concerned driver immediately attended the Nelson Police Department and provided pertinent information to the investigation. The matter was quickly resolved. There were no charges and the incident is now being handled by ICBC.

The Nelson Police would like to remind the public that according to the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act, the driver or person in charge of the vehicle that is, directly or indirectly, involved in an accident must do all of the following:

  • Remain at or immediately return to the scene of the accident;
  • Render all reasonable assistance;
  • Produce in writing to any other driver involved in the accident and to anyone sustaining loss or injury
  1. His or her name and address,
  2. The name and address of the registered owner of the vehicle,
  3. The licence number of the vehicle, and
  4. Particulars of the motor vehicle liability insurance card.

In the above incident, the investigation revealed that the driver acted appropriately by remaining on scene and assisting the cyclist; however, the driver’s name and address was unintentionally not provided due to unforeseen circumstances.

Sergeant Dino Falcone
Nelson Police Department

Media Release: April 29, 2013

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Nelson Police Seek Public Assistance in a Hit and Run Investigation

Police File: #2013-1626

On April 24, 2013 at 3:45 p.m., a 12 year-old youth riding a bicycle was cut off by an unidentified motorist at the entrance to the Gyro Park parking lot. The young girl and her riding partner were on their way to Lakeside Park for a soccer practice. The female cyclist sustained a chipped tooth and minor abrasions to her face. Fortunately, she was wearing a helmet and was travelling at a low rate of speed.

Police would like to speak to the driver and witness in this matter or anyone else having relevant information into this investigation.

Vehicle Description

The vehicle involved is described as a smaller red automobile similar to but not confirmed to be a Toyota Yaris. Although the driver did stop at the scene, police would like to speak to the driver to obtain further information.

Sergeant Dino Falcone
Nelson Police Department
(250) 354-3919

Media Release: April 27th, 2013

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On Wednesday April 24 at 1205 in the afternoon Nelson Police, Nelson Fire/Rescue and EHS were called to a single vehicle accident on Hwy 6/Ymir Rd x Hwy 3A exit. A motorcycle rider had lost control trying to change lanes to get on the exit ramp. The bike slid approx. 50 meters before coming to a stop. Fortunately the rider was wearing proper protective equipment and received only minor injuries. Speed is believed to be a factor. NPD file 2013-1621 refers

Spring Motorcycle Riding Safety Tips:

A spring tune-up is a MUST – Be sure the tires have good pressure and there are no cracks; the battery is charged and working; the primary drive train and belts are properly adjusted; all the lights work; all fluids (oil, transmission, brake) are good and all cables are in good working order.

Take it EASY the first time out – Remember that you haven’t been on your bike for probably 5 months and need to take it slow the first time out to shake off that winter rust. Take the time to go to a parking lot and practice some of the basic skills of riding before heading out.

Be realistic about the condition of the roads – How bad are the frost heaves and is there a lot of sand and salt still on the roads? Taking a corner that still has a lot of sand on the road can end up in a really bad crash when the back tire loses contact with the road.

 

Sgt Paul Bayes
Nelson Police Department

Media Release Body Located: March 24, 2013

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On Saturday March 13 at approximately 8:45 AM the Nelson Police were called to the 0 block Lakeside Drive when what was thought to be a body was seen in Cottonwood Creek.  Nelson Police members, along with members of the Nelson Fire Department, and BC Ambulance attended and confirmed there was a body in the creek.  The deceased is a white male in his late 20’s, and was wearing a blue sports jersey with the number 12 on the front.  He has recently moved to Nelson from another community in the area.  His family has been notified of his passing but at this time his name will not be released.

Although there are no signs of foul play it has not been ruled out.  Nelson Police and the BC Coroners Service are continuing the investigation.

The Nelson Police Department would like to extend a thank you to all the agencies and members of the public that assisted Saturday morning. This includes, but is not limited to the Nelson Fire Department, BC Ambulance, Nelson Search and Rescue, the RCMP, and Nelson Public Works staff.

If anyone thinks they might have any information that would assist in the investigation please contact the Nelson Police at 354-3919.

Media Release: March 18th, 2013

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Police had a busy weekend handling 56 calls to service between Friday and Sunday. The majority were related to people celebrating St Patrick’s Day with excessive amounts of liquor.

On Friday March 15 at approximately 8:00AM the Nelson Police received multiple calls about a male on Baker St/Ward St causing a disturbance. He was yelling and swearing while kicking a payphone then knocking lids off garbage cans. The 24 year old male that is known to police was located and continued with his shouting and swearing in front of them. He was arrested and transported to cells where he was held until calm and then put before a Justice of the Peace to answer to several charges which include causing a disturbance, carrying a concealed weapon, resisting arrest and uttering threats. The male was released with numerous conditions that include no liquor or drugs, and to stay out of the downtown core. His next appearance will be April 9 in Nelson. NPD file 2013-999 refers.

On Sun March 17 at 1:43AM a resident of uphill found a female on the roof of his house. After going outside to investigate she climbed off and then ran into his home scaring his children. He chased the 21 year old recent arrival to Nelson out of his home and locked the door. Nelson Police came and found the female back on the roof. Members had to enter the home and take her into custody through a second story window. She was found to be grossly intoxicated and lodged into police custody until sober. It seems that in her drunken state she believed she was at her residence despite the actual homeowner chasing her out. Charges of trespassing by night and unlawfully in a dwelling house are being considered. NPD file 2013-1026 refers.

On Sun March 17 at 1:58 AM, while members were at the possible break-in a local bar called 911 to report a male had kicked their door and injured one of the staff. Nelson Police attended and detained all parties involved. Assistance was also requested for the injured doorman. It seems the intoxicated 32 year old Nelson man was trying to get into the bar to have one last drink for the evening and was dumbfounded as to why it was locked, at closing time. The incident is still under investigation. NPD file 2013-1028 refers.

On March Feb 17 at 2:32 AM a driver passing by the intersection of Stanley St/Victoria St noted a couple appearing to be engaged in sexual activity on the street. Nelson Police members were called and located the intoxicated couple nearby, clothing askew. The intoxicated 26 year old visiting male attempted to hand the investigating member $20 as if to offer a bribe. He was advised that money was better spent on a cab ride to his residence as he was too intoxicated to remain in public. After refusing that he was lodged into cells until sober. The female understood she was drunk and made a bad choice. She opted to take a taxi home. The male was charged under the Liquor Control and Licensing Act. Both were warned regarding indecent acts in public under the Criminal Code. NPD file 2013-1029 refers.

There are several offences under the Liquor Control and Licensing Act that people deciding on a night out should be aware of:

Sec 41
(1) A person who is intoxicated must not be or remain in a public place.
(2) A peace officer may arrest, without a warrant, a person found intoxicated in a public place.

The fine is $115 and it could earn you a night in the City Police cells.

Sec 40
(1) Except for liquor purchased and consumed in accordance with a licence that permits consumption in a public place, a person must not, in a public place, consume liquor or possess liquor in an open container.

The fine for carrying or consuming liquor in public is $230.

Any licenced establishment must remove intoxicated people from their place of business. You can be arrested if you fail to comply with a request to leave immediately. You are also forbidden to enter a licenced establishment for the next 24 hours.

Media Release: March 7 – 10, 2013

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NPD file 2013-890

On March 7, a local man known to the Nelson Police Department, was observed exhibiting odd behavior. The male came to the attention on this date as a result of numerous citizen complaints from local merchants and Nelson Mental Health workers. It was widely recognized amongst professionals that were familiar with the male, that recently his health had deteriorated and he was coming into conflict with a variety of citizens. It was reported to the police that the male, who suffers from a mental illness, was not taking his prescribed medication and was not taking care of his own basic needs such as sustenance and sleep.

When police came into contact with the male he uttered a serious threat to the attending officer. Shortly thereafter, the male uttered a threat to his mental health worker. Nelson police then apprehended the male under authority of the Mental Health Act and delivered him to a physician.

The male was assessed at Kootenay Lake Hospital and released into police custody. He was released with conditions that police believe will help the male function more successfully within the community. The arresting officer touched base with the male over the next few days and was happy to find the man to be in better shape after he had received a few nights rest and consistent nutrition. Nelson Mental Health workers will continue to offer their guidance and services to the man.

The matter of the threats remains under investigation and criminal charges may be forthcoming.

NPD 2013-917

On March 8, the Nelson Fire Police Department became aware of a chimney fire at a home on Stanley Street. Police quickly attended to assist with the protection of life and property. The Nelson Fire Rescue Service attended to find that the home owner had mounted the roof and taken steps to extinguish the fire. The firefighter was able to utilize a high tech Forward Looking Infrared, commonly referred to as a FLIR to search for hot spots. Once the fire was no longer a danger the firefighter was able to assist the home owner with advice to avoid future chimney fires. The homeowner sheepishly told police that he knew that the chimney was due to be cleaned, but with the recent warmer weather he had lost his vigilance and put off the scheduled cleaning. This minor incident was a good reminder to all involved that wood heat can be safe and cost effective, however, routine maintenance and adhering to safety standards are imperative.

NPD 2013-861

On March 5, 2013 the Nelson Police Department were requested to assist LVR high School staff with a student. Officials at the schools had discovered a considerable amount of marijuana in the possession of a youth while that youth was in the school. A Detective from the Nelson Police Department attended to find that the marijuana seized from the student was packaged in a manner that would be consistent with trafficking in that drug. The youth’s parent was contacted to attend the school. The youth was arrested and transport to the police department office. A personal communication device was seized from the student and may be examined for further evidence to support drug trafficking charges. The matter is still under investigation as charges are pending. The youth has been released to the custody of their parents.

The Nelson Police Department is requesting assistance from the public to help us and school officials keep schools drug free. Information of such activity can be forwarded to the Nelson Police Department or Crime Stoppers.

Every student deserves a safe, healthy and drug free environment in which to learn and grow.

NPD 2013-902, 921, 922

The Nelson Police Department is always on the watch for impaired drivers. Over the past four days vigilant Nelson police officers issued two 90 day Immediate Roadside Prohibitions under the Motor Vehicle Act. As a result of officers witnessing suspicious driving behavior, each of those vehicle operators provided breath samples that indicated that they had too much alcohol in their bodies to lawfully operate a motor vehicle. They both were served with immediate 90 day driving prohibitions; their vehicles were then impounded for 30 days. The drivers will have to pay a $500 monetary penalty as well as the towing and associated storage fees. After completion of the prohibition period the drivers will have to attend the Responsible Driver Program and will have to pay for the installation and rental of an ignition interlock device. A licence reinstatement fee of $250 will have to be paid. In total, each driver will pay approximately $4600.

A $15 taxi ride seems minor in comparison.

The message is simple. Don’t drink and drive! It’s expensive. It’s illegal. It’s dangerous. It’s wrong.