Nelson Police respond to violent incident downtown

On December 21, 2024 just after 11:00 pm Nelson Police Department members were called to a local hotel for a male acting erratically and reportedly had a knife in his possession. 

As police officers arrived, the male was observed running from the hotel. Officers pursed the male and an interaction between the officers and suspect took place in the 300 block of Ward Street in front of Nelson City Hall.  

During the interaction the male refused to follow police commands to drop the object in his hand which was believed to be a knife. A conducted energy weapon ( Taser ) was deployed but was not effective. The suspect then charged at police. One officer discharged one shot from his service pistol but the suspect was not struck or injured. The suspect was taken into custody with the assistance of civilians in the area.

A 24 year old Nelson male remains in custody pending a bail hearing. Charges of Assault Police Officer, Resist Arrest, Possession of a Weapon and Possession of Drugs have been approved by the BC Prosecution Service at this time.  

As the investigation is still in the early stages Nelson Police will not be responding to media enquires but will provide an update when appropriate.  

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UPDATE:

Nelson Police can confirm that charges of Assault Police Officer, Resist Arrest, Possession of a Weapon and Possession of Drugs have been laid against 24 year old Nelson resident Taio Cote. Mr. Cote remains in custody with another court appearance scheduled for December 24, 2024.

Nelson Police officers continue to investigate the events that led up to the interaction with officers and anticipate further charges will be forwarded for consideration by the BC Prosecution Service.  

Nelson Police would like to extend our gratitude to the civilians that assisted our members during this incident as well as the many witnesses that have come forward to assist in the investigation. 

Sergeant Dan Markevich