Nelson Police confirm cause of explosions near Government Road to be small propane canisters
By The Nelson Daily Staff
Multiple 911 calls reporting explosions and a large fire near the intersection on the west side of the Heritage City saw officers respond quickly Nelson Police said in a media release Tuesday.
The incident happened on Saturday, May 18, 2024, near the intersection of Government Road/Highway 6/3A in Nelson.
Officers, joined by Nelson Fire Department, discovered that a campfire at a camp had gotten out of control, causing a few one (1) pound propane canisters to explode due to the heat.
Nelson Police and Nelson Fire and Rescue Services searched the area for any injured individuals.
“Despite a thorough search, no one was located in the vicinity,” Nelson Police said.
“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 at this time,” Nelson Police added.
Nelson Police Department encourages anyone with information about this incident to contact us.
The Nelson Police Department remains committed to ensuring the safety of all community members and will continue to support the fire department in their efforts to manage and prevent such incidents.
Anyone with information is urged 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.
Assault at City Hall Protest Site
Nelson Police said that on (Thursday) May 16, 2024, members responded to a report of an assault between two occupants at the protest site for unhoused persons located at City Hall, 310 Ward Street.
Upon arrival, officers found the female victim with a head wound.
That injured individual was treated by BC Emergency Health Services (EHS) on scene.
Nelson Police said that officers promptly arrested a male suspect known to police.
“Evidence was collected at the scene to aid in the ongoing investigation,” Nelson Police said.
“The suspect was later released from custody under strict conditions, including a prohibition from returning to the protest site.”
Nelson Police said the investigation into the incident continues, and charges have not yet been sworn by Crown Counsel.
Nelson Police said the suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty by the court.
Anyone with 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.
Nelson Police arrested a male suspect known to officers following an assault at the City Hall protest camp. — The Nelson Daily photo
Incident Involving Suspected Firearm on Baker Street
Nelson Police said that on Saturday, May 18, 2024, members of the Nelson Police Department (NPD) responded to a report of a male who left what appeared to be a firearm on the counter of a store in the 600 block of Baker Street.
Nelson Police said the man informed store staff that he did not want the gun and requested they call the police.
Nelson Police said the man waited cooperatively for officers to arrive.
“Upon investigation, it was determined that the suspected firearm was a 6mm signal flare gun,” Nelson Police said.
“The male told police that he had found the flare gun at a nearby supportive housing location.”
Nelson Police said the investigation into this incident is ongoing and there are no charges against the individual who found and reported the flare gun.
Nelson Police said the owner of the flare gun remains unknown to police.
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.
