Nelson Police Department

09/05/2026

The Nelson Police Department would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Nina Valkhoff for creating the beautiful mural at our police station. 🎨🦅

The mural beautifully showcases the wildlife and natural beauty of our community, including the osprey, the official mascot of the Nelson Police Department.

We are incredibly grateful to Nina for sharing her talent and helping make our station a more welcoming and vibrant part of the community. Thank you for creating something our officers, staff, and community can enjoy for years to come! 💙

09/03/2026

Weekly Media Release

August 23 – August 29, 2026
During the week of August 23 to August 29, 2026, the Nelson Police Department responded to 168 calls for service throughout the City of Nelson. Calls included impaired driving investigations, thefts, suspicious circumstances, disturbances, mental health and wellness checks, traffic incidents, and requests for assistance from the public and partner agencies.
Weekly Highlights

168 calls for service

Police responded to a wide range of incidents across Nelson during the week, including:
• 6 impaired driving investigations.
• 7 theft-related calls, including a vehicle theft.
• Multiple suspicious circumstances and suspicious person reports.
• Traffic incidents and motor vehicle collisions.
• Mental health and wellness checks.
• Public assistance and community safety calls.

Impaired Driving Enforcement

Nelson Police investigated six impaired driving incidents during the week, with officers responding to reports in the downtown core, Lakeside Drive, Front Street, Baker Street, and Third Street. Police remind residents that impaired driving remains a significant public safety concern and encourage the public to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 9-1-1 when it is safe to do so.

Theft Investigations

Officers responded to seven theft calls, including reports from businesses in the downtown core and a stolen vehicle investigation originating near Lakeside Drive. Police continue to investigate these incidents and encourage residents to secure valuables and report suspicious activity promptly.

Community Safety

Nelson Police also responded to numerous suspicious circumstances, disturbances, fraud investigations, mental health-related calls, and requests to assist members of the public throughout the city. Officers continue proactive patrols and community engagement initiatives aimed at maintaining safety in Nelson.

Refusal to Provide Breath Sample Results in 90-Day Driving Prohibition and 30-Day Vehicle Impound

Nelson, B.C. — The Nelson Police Department responded to a report of a possible impaired driver on Lakeside Drive after receiving information from a concerned member of the public. Officers were provided with a vehicle description and licence plate information, and patrols were conducted in the area.
A short time later, an officer located the vehicle in the area of Anderson Street and observed the driver return to the vehicle and begin driving. A traffic stop was conducted near First Street and Behnsen Street.

During the interaction, the officer observed signs consistent with alcohol consumption and formed a suspicion that the driver had alcohol in their body. The officer made a roadside breath demand using an Approved Screening Device.
The driver was identified as 36-year-old Male from Nelson, BC. The driver refused to provide a breath sample. As a result, the driver was issued an Immediate Roadside Prohibition for 90 days, and the vehicle was impounded for 30 days.

Impaired Driving Investigation Leads to 90-Day Prohibition and 30-Day Vehicle Impound

Nelson, B.C. — On August 26, 2026, at approximately 6:46 p.m., the Nelson Police Department received a report from a member of the public regarding a possible impaired driver in Nelson.

The complainant provided a description of the vehicle and its licence plate. At approximately 6:55 p.m., an officer located the vehicle travelling in the 300 block of Delbruck Street. A traffic stop was conducted at approximately 6:56 p.m. near 307 Delbruck Street.
During the interaction, the officer observed signs consistent with alcohol consumption and conducted an impaired driving investigation. The driver advised they had consumed alcohol, and a roadside breath demand was made using an Approved Screening Device.
The driver was identified as 41-year-old female from Kaslo, BC The driver provided a suitable breath sample, which resulted in a “Fail” reading. The driver declined the opportunity to provide a second breath sample.
As a result of the investigation, the driver was issued a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition, and the vehicle was impounded for 30 days.

Impaired driver slumped over behind the wheel get 90-day immediate road prohibition and 30 days vehicle impound.

On August 29, 2026, at approximately 8:24 p.m., the Nelson Police Department received a report of a possible impaired driver sleeping in a vehicle near the intersection of Baker Street and Ward Street in Nelson, BC.
The caller reported attempting to wake the female driver, who subsequently drove eastbound on Baker Street. Police located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop at a nearby residence.
The driver, identified as 54-year-old female from Nelson, stated that she had not consumed any alcohol. The officer at the scene noted strong odour of liquor on her breath. An Approved Screening Device (ASD) was utilized to obtain a breath sample, which resulted in a FAIL.

The driver was subsequently issued a 90-day driving prohibition and the vehicle was impounded for 30 days under the provisions of the BC Motor Vehicle Act.

Impaired Driver Arrested Following Traffic Stop

Nelson, B.C. On August 28, 2026, at approximately 8:07 p.m., a Nelson Police Department officer observed a vehicle travelling on Vernon Street in Nelson and subsequently observed the vehicle following another vehicle at a very close distance after turning onto Ward Street.
At approximately 8:10 p.m., officers initiated a traffic stop near the 600 block of Front Street. During the stop, the vehicle made an abrupt turn and struck the curb, resulting in a flat tire.
The driver was identified as 42 years old Female from Nelson, the driver was subsequently issued a Mandatory Alcohol Screening demand and provided a breath sample that resulted in a “FAIL” reading on an approved screening device.
The driver was arrested for impaired operation of a motor vehicle. The vehicle was impounded for 30 days and a 90-Day immediate roadside prohibition.
The Nelson Police Department reminds motorists that impaired driving remains a serious risk to everyone using our roads. Drivers are encouraged to plan and never operate a vehicle after consuming alcohol or other impairing substances.

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].