10/05/2026
*** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ***
September 27th – October 03rd , 2026
During the week of September 27th – October 3rd, 2026, the Nelson Police Department responded to 122 calls for service throughout the City of Nelson. Calls included thefts, suspicious circumstances, disturbances, mental health and wellness checks, traffic incidents, false alarms and requests for assistance from the public and partner agencies.
Weekly Highlights
122 calls for service
Police responded to a wide range of incidents across Nelson during the week, including:
· Theft and fraud-related calls, including a vehicle theft.
· Assaults
· Multiple suspicious circumstances and suspicious person reports
· Multiple Impaired driving investigations
· Traffic incidents and motor vehicle collisions
· Mental health and wellness checks
· Public assistance and community safety calls
Routine Traffic Stop for Expired Licence Leads to Vehicle Impoundment
On September 9, 2026, at approximately 2200 hrs, an officer with the Nelson Police Department was conducting routine patrols in an unmarked vehicle. The officer ran the licence plate of a vehicle and was advised that the registered principal driver had an expired Class 7 driver’s licence.
While following the vehicle, the officer observed that it was unable to maintain its lane and periodically drifted from one side of the lane to the other. The officer initiated a traffic stop to check the driver’s licence and vehicle information.
The officer contacted the driver, a 47-year-old local man, and confirmed that his driver’s licence was expired. During the interaction, the officer observed several indicators of possible alcohol impairment, including a strong odour of alcohol emanating from the vehicle, glossy eyes, and slurred speech.
The officer asked the driver if he had recently consumed alcohol, to which the driver initially stated that he had not. Based on the officer’s observations, an Approved Screening Device (ASD) demand was made. An ASD is a portable device used to analyze a breath sample for the presence of alcohol.
When presented with the ASD, the driver was again asked if he had consumed alcohol that evening. The driver then stated that he had consumed “two beers half an hour ago.”
The driver provided a breath sample, which resulted in a “FAIL” reading on the ASD. The driver was offered an opportunity to provide a second sample but declined.
The driver was arrested for impaired operation of a motor vehicle and subsequently served a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition and a 30-day vehicle impoundment.
Alberta Man Served with 24 hour Driving Prohibition
On September 29, 2026, at approximately 11:15pm, a Police officer with the Nelson Police Department was conducting routine patrols when a vehicle was observed parked and running in the middle of a turning lane.
The officer observed a lone male sleeping in the driver’s seat, the officer knocked on the window the man did not respond, the officer knocked on the window a second time, this time the man woke up. The man opened the door to the vehicle and immediately the officer noticed the pungent smell of ma*****na. The man provided the officer with a valid Alberta driver’s licence.
The officer observed the man had glossy red eyes and when questioned, the man was confused with how he ended up in Nelson, the man stated he was on his way to Trail but then changed his story and claimed he was on his way to New Denver. Based on the indicia observed, the officer believed the man’s ability to operate a motor vehicle was affected by drugs.
The man was placed under arrest for Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle. The Man’s vehicle was towed, and the man was served with a 24-hour driving prohibition.
