Nelson Police Department

08/29/2026

08/28/2026

Nelson Police Department – Weekly Media Report

Reporting Period: August 16th – 22nd, 2026

The Nelson Police Department responded to 151 calls for service during the week of August 16 to August 22, 2026.
Throughout the week, officers responded to a wide variety of incidents, including; assaults, thefts, fraud investigations, suspicious circumstances, theft of vehicle, impaired driving, drug investigations, suspicious persons investigations, removal of unwanted individuals, mischief, motor vehicle hit and run, domestic disputes, disturbances, animal concerns, mental health-related calls, wellbeing checks, property investigations, and requests for assistance from members of the public and partner agencies.

Highlights from the week include:
• Officers conducted several drug investigations and seizures.
• Officers responded to several reports of thefts from autos throughout the city.
• Officers attended assault investigations where officers ensured the safety of those involved while conducting follow-up investigations.
• Patrol officers conducted numerous wellbeing checks and responded to mental health-related calls, working alongside community partners where appropriate.
• Traffic enforcement continued throughout the week, with officers responding to a few motor vehicle incidents, including a motor vehicle hit and run and two impaired driving investigations.
• Police also investigated reports of mischief, suspicious persons, and suspicious circumstances while maintaining proactive patrols in neighbourhoods and the downtown core.

Partner Agency Tip for Impaired Driving Investigation leads to 24-hour Immediate Roadside Prohibition

On August 20 at approximately 8:45 a.m., officers were advised by City of Nelson Bylaw of a possible impaired driver near the 100 block of Lakeside Drive. An individual was observed slumped over their steering wheel and unconscious. City of Nelson Bylaw reported they approached the driver at which point the driver woke up and drove away. The attending Bylaw officer provided a license plate to the Nelson Police Department which subsequently lead to officers locating the reported driver out front Wholesale Club. Officers observed the driver appeared unconscious and slumped over the steering wheel with keys in the ignition. The driver was arrested for impaired operation of a motor vehicle and transported to the hospital where an officer provided a lawful blood demand.

08/26/2026

Nelson Police Department – Weekly Media Report

Reporting Period: August 9th – August 15th, 2026

The Nelson Police Department responded to 156 calls for service during the week of August 9 to August 15, 2026.
Throughout the week, officers responded to a wide variety of incidents, including; break and enter, assaults, domestic disputes, thefts, fraud investigations, suspicious circumstances, traffic incidents, causing a disturbance, impaired driving, intoxicated in public, drug seizures, indecent acts, removal of unwanted individuals, uttering threats, mental health-related calls, wellbeing checks, property investigations, and requests for assistance from members of the public and partner agencies.

Highlights from the week include:
• Nelson Police alongside partner agencies responded to a large structure fire on Hall St. Quick responses from emergency services as well as members of the public helped to ensure the safety of residents and those nearby the incident.
• Officers responded to several reports of thefts at businesses, residential and other private property locations throughout the city.
• Officers attended assault investigations where officers ensured the safety of those involved while conducting follow-up investigations.
• Patrol officers conducted numerous wellbeing checks and responded to mental health-related calls, working alongside community partners where appropriate.
• Traffic enforcement continued throughout the week, with officers responding to a few motor vehicle incidents, including a prohibited driver with a suspended license and an impaired driving investigation.
• Police also investigated reports of mischief, suspicious persons, and suspicious circumstances while maintaining proactive patrols in neighbourhoods and the downtown core.
The Nelson Police Department encourages residents to continue reporting suspicious activity promptly. Community cooperation remains an essential part of keeping Nelson safe.

Collaborative and Efficient Response to Significant Structure Fire

On August 11, 2026, at approximately 12:50 p.m., members of the Nelson Police Department responded to multiple calls reporting a large structure fire on Hall Street.
Officers in the area responded quickly and, with assistance from members of the public, were able to evacuate all occupants from the ground-floor units, as well as residents from neighbouring homes.

The Nelson Fire Department arrived shortly thereafter and successfully extinguished the fire.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The Nelson Police Department would like to thank the Nelson Fire Department, BCEHS, and members of the public who came together and worked efficiently and collaboratively to assist with the emergency response and ensure the safety of those in the area.

Impaired Driving Investigation Leads to 3-month Prohibition and 30 Day Vehicle Impound

On 2026-08-09, at approximately 10:50pm, officers with the Nelson Police Department were conducting proactive patrols when they observed a vehicle driving southbound on Nelson Avenue displaying unsafe driving practices that raised concerns and resulted in a traffic stop. Officers initiated the traffic stop while the vehicle was parked in the Safeway parking lot.

During the interaction, the officers observed the driver appeared to be exhibiting signs of impairment. Officers advised the driver that due to suspicion of impairment, a breath sample demand was made. The driver provided a breath sample into an approved screening device which resulted in a “fail” reading. The driver was subsequently arrested for operation of a motor vehicle while impaired. The driver was issued a 90-day immediate roadside prohibition and 30-day vehicle impoundment.

The Nelson Police Department would like to remind motorists that it is never acceptable or safe to drive while impaired. If you have consumed drugs or alcohol, ensure that you plan ahead for a safe ride and do not get behind the wheel.

08/20/2026

Thursday, August 20, 2026

*** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ***

NELSON, BC - The Nelson Police Department has concluded a targeted drug enforcement operation funded through the Province of British Columbia's Community Safety and Targeted Enforcement Program.

In September 2025, the Nelson Police Department successfully obtained funding through the Community Safety and Targeted Enforcement Program to address drug trafficking activity in Nelson's downtown business district. As part of the initiative, the Nelson Police Department partnered with the British Columbia Municipal Undercover Program to conduct a focused investigation into individuals suspected of trafficking illicit drugs within the community. “This operation has been in the planning for three years,” said Chief Constable Donovan Fisher. “As you can appreciate, the undercover officers, made up of members from numerous municipal police departments, are in high demand across the province.”

During January 2026, undercover officers worked alongside Nelson Police Department officers and made a series of controlled purchases of fentanyl, methamphetamine, Dilaudid (hydromorphone) and co***ne from multiple suspects.

As a result of the investigation, police have recommended 14 charges on 6 individuals for trafficking in controlled substances.

The charges have been forwarded to BC Prosecution Service for charge assessment

As a result of evidence and intelligence gathered in this operation, additional investigations were initiated this past spring and summer resulting in search warrants being executed and additional illicit drugs and a significant amount of stolen property being recovered.

"This investigation demonstrates our ongoing commitment to addressing illicit drug trafficking and its impact on community safety in Nelson," said Deputy Chief Constable Jason Jewkes.

The Nelson Police Department remains committed to reducing the harm caused by illicit drugs and enhancing public safety through intelligence-led enforcement initiatives

CONTACT: Nelson Police Department; (250) 354-3919

08/14/2026

Nelson Police Department – Weekly Media Report

Reporting Period: August 2nd – August 8th, 2026

The Nelson Police Department responded to 156 calls for service during the week of August 2 to August 8, 2026.

Throughout the week, officers responded to a wide variety of incidents, including; break and enter, assaults, domestic disputes, thefts, fraud investigations, suspicious circumstances, traffic incidents, causing a disturbance, intoxicated in a public place, drug seizures, driving complaints, removal of unwanted individuals, physical altercations in progress, mental health-related calls, wellbeing checks, property investigations, and requests for assistance from members of the public and partner agencies.

Highlights from the week include:

• Officers responded to several reports of thefts at businesses, residential and other private property locations throughout the city.

• Police responded to multiple reports of unwanted persons at various locations.

• Officers attended assault investigations and other emotionally charged incidents with the potential of a physical altercation occurring. Officers ensured the safety of those involved while conducting follow-up investigations.

• Patrol officers conducted numerous wellbeing checks and responded to mental health-related calls, working alongside community partners where appropriate.

• Traffic enforcement continued throughout the week, with officers responding to a few motor vehicle incidents, including an incident of reckless driving and careless operation of E-Bikes.

• Police also investigated reports of mischief, suspicious persons, and suspicious circumstances while maintaining proactive patrols in neighbourhoods and the downtown core.

The Nelson Police Department encourages residents to continue reporting suspicious activity promptly. Community cooperation remains an essential part of keeping Nelson safe.

Pro-Active Police Work Leads to Controlled Substance Seizure

On August 4, 2026, at approximately 9:39 p.m., Nelson City Police officers were conducting patrols in the area of Anderson Street, officers observed two individuals behind a local business near some dumpsters.

Officers observed smoke coming from the area and believed the individuals may have been consuming illicit substances. An officer approached the individuals and observed a male in possession of what appeared to be a fentanyl pipe and a torch lighter.

At approximately 9:41 p.m., the male was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and searched incidental to the arrest. During the search, officers located multiple pipes believed to be used for consuming fentanyl and crack co***ne. Officers also located small baggies containing suspected fentanyl and crystal methamphetamine.

The suspected drugs and related items were seized pursuant to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). Matter is still under investigation.

Lighter Mistaken as Firearm Elicits Quick Police Response and Valuable Lesson

On August 7, 2026, at approximately 6:44 p.m., Nelson Police Department received a report of a male pointing what appeared to be a handgun at another person in the parking lot of a liquor store.

Several officers attended the area and located a male matching the description provided by the caller. During the investigation, the male advised officers that the object he had been displaying was a lighter. Officers located a small black lighter in the male's waistband. The lighter was black in colour and, to a reasonable person, could be mistaken for a real firearm.

Officers conducted checks of the surrounding area but were unable to locate the other individual involved.

The Nelson Police Department would like to remind the public that Police will treat reports involving what appears to be a firearm seriously until it can be determined that the object is not a real weapon.

08/11/2026

08/06/2026

NELSON, August 5, 2026 — The Nelson Police Department executed a search warrant on June 4th, 2026 where a significant amount of stolen property was recovered. As is often the case, some stolen items are difficult to track to a lawful owner. During the ex*****on of the warrant, NPD seized generators, chainsaws, cordless power tools, yard equipment, mountain bikes and e-bikes.

If you have had any items such as those mentioned above stolen and can provide a serial number or some other description of the item that sufficiently satisfies police that you are the lawful owner of that item, please contact Cpl. Debienne at [email protected].

08/05/2026

Nelson Police Department
Weekly Media Release

Reporting Period: July 26 – August 1, 2026

The Nelson Police Department responded to 176 calls for service between July 26 and August 1, 2026, with officers providing emergency response, proactive patrols, investigations, traffic enforcement, and community policing throughout the City of Nelson. The calls for service ranged from criminal investigations and public safety concerns to traffic enforcement, suspicious activity, mental health-related incidents, and requests for assistance from members of the public.

Throughout the week, officers investigated a number of property-related offences, including thefts from vehicles, bicycle thefts, shoplifting incidents, thefts of personal property, a reported motorcycle theft, and a stolen vehicle. Police also responded to several reports of mischief, suspicious circumstances, suspicious persons, suspicious vehicles, and property found by members of the public. Investigations into a number of these incidents remain ongoing.

Frontline officers also attended several violent crime investigations, including reports of assault, assault with a weapon causing bodily harm, uttering threats, criminal harassment, and domestic-related incidents. As with all criminal investigations, evidence is reviewed thoroughly before determining the appropriate course of action.

Road safety remained a priority throughout the week. Officers responded to multiple traffic incidents, including motor vehicle collisions, fail-to-remain investigations, impaired driving complaints, and other traffic-related occurrences. Police continue to remind motorists to drive attentively, obey posted speed limits, and never operate a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Nelson Police also responded to several well-being checks and mental health-related calls, ensuring individuals received appropriate assistance and, where necessary, coordinating with BC Emergency Health Services and Interior Health. Officers recognize that these calls require compassion, patience, and collaboration with community partners.

During the reporting period, officers worked alongside partner agencies on numerous occasions, including assisting the BC Ambulance Service, Nelson Fire Rescue Services, and other law enforcement agencies. Police also responded to reports involving unwanted persons, bylaw complaints, hazardous situations, public intoxication, disturbances, abandoned 911 calls, alarms, animal-related incidents, and requests for general public assistance.

Community members play an important role in preventing crime. Residents are encouraged to lock vehicles, remove valuables from plain sight, secure bicycles with high-quality locks, and report suspicious activity as soon as possible. Prompt reporting often assists officers in identifying suspects, recovering stolen property, and preventing additional offences.

The Nelson Police Department appreciates the continued cooperation and support of the community. Anyone with information related to ongoing investigations is encouraged to contact the Nelson Police Department at 250-354-3919. Those wishing to remain anonymous may also provide information through Crime Stoppers, where available.

Together, through vigilance and community partnership, we can continue making Nelson a safe place to live, work, and visit.

07/30/2026

Nelson Police Department – Weekly Media Report

Reporting Period: July 19 – July 25, 2026

The Nelson Police Department responded to 155 calls for service during the week of July 19 to July 25, 2026.
Throughout the week, officers responded to a wide variety of incidents, including assaults, domestic disputes, thefts, fraud investigations, suspicious circumstances, traffic incidents, impaired driving, mental health-related calls, wellbeing checks, property investigations, and requests for assistance from members of the public and partner agencies.

Highlights from the week include:
• Officers responded to reports of multiple thefts at businesses and residential locations throughout the city.
• Police investigated several fraud complaints, reminding residents to remain vigilant against scams and to verify unexpected requests for money or personal information.
• Officers attended several domestic incidents and assault investigations, ensuring the safety of those involved while conducting follow-up investigations.
• Patrol officers conducted numerous wellbeing checks and responded to mental health-related calls, working alongside community partners where appropriate.
• Traffic enforcement continued throughout the week, with officers responding to several motor vehicle incidents, including a hit-and-run collision and an impaired driving investigation.
• Police also investigated reports of mischief, suspicious persons, and suspicious circumstances while maintaining proactive patrols in neighbourhoods and the downtown core.

The Nelson Police Department encourages residents to continue reporting suspicious activity promptly. Community cooperation remains an essential part of keeping Nelson safe.

Impaired Driving Investigation Leads to 3-month Prohibition and Vehicle Impound

On July 25, 2026, at approximately 10:50 p.m., an officer with the Nelson Police Department was in the process of carrying out their duties when the officer observed a vehicle driving nearby that met the threshold for further investigation. The officer confirmed that the registered owner of the vehicle had an active 3-month Prohibition Service Notice at which point the officer initiated a traffic stop.
During the traffic stop, the officer observed the driver appeared to be display signs of possible impairment and the officer issued a roadside screening demand. The driver provided 2 breath samples into an approved screening device, which both resulted in a “WARN”. An immediate day impaired prohibition was issued, and the vehicle was towed and impounded. The driver was transported back to their residence. Nelson Police Department reminds the public that operating a motor vehicle while impaired is a serious public safety risk. If you have consumed drugs or alcohol, ensure that you plan for a safe ride and do not get behind the wheel. Some safe ride options include having a designated (sober) driver, taking public transit or taxi, ridesharing or staying over in an appropriate setting if no sober ride is available