The Nelson Police Department had a busy Victoria Day weekend, responding to calls about an assault, an explosion, and a suspected firearm over the course of three days.
Man Arrested in Relation to Assault at Nelson Homeless Camp
The first incident occurred on May 16, when Nelson Police officers responded to reports of an assault between two people at the unhoused persons’ protest site in front of City Hall.
Upon arrival, officers found a female victim with a head wound. She was treated by Emergency Health Services on the scene.
Evidence was collected at the scene, and the male suspect, who was known to police, was arrested and taken into custody. He was later released under strict conditions, including a prohibition from returning to the protest site.
The investigation into the incident continues, and charges have not yet been sworn.
Anyone with further information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Nelson Police Department at 250-354-3919, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or submit a tip online at canadiancrimestoppers.org.
Incident Involving Suspected Firearm on Baker Street
Two days later, on May 18, officers were called to a business on the 600 block of Baker Street reporting that a firearm had been left on the store counter.
A man left the apparent firearm on the counter after informing staff that he didn’t want it and asked them to call the police. He waited cooperatively at the scene for them to arrive.
Police determined the alleged firearm was a 6mm signal flare gun, which the man claimed he found at a nearby supportive housing location.
Police are still investigating the incident. No charges were placed against the individual who found and reported the flare gun, and the owner remains unknown to police.
Explosions and Fire Near Nelson Intersection
Later in the day on May 18, multiple 911 calls were made to report explosions and a large fire near the intersection of Government Road/Highway 6/3A.
The Nelson Fire Department responded to the scene and discovered that a campfire at a camp had gotten out of control, causing a few 1 lb. propane canisters to explode due to the heat.
The Nelson Police Department also attended the scene to assist the fire department in searching the area for any injured individuals.
Despite a thorough search, no one was located in the vicinity. Kootenay Lake Hospital (KLH) confirmed that no burn victims were admitted throughout the night.
No witnesses have come forward regarding the incident, and the fire department did not request any further police action.
The Nelson Police Department encourages anyone with information about this incident to contact them.
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