Busy weekend as NPD responds to alcohol and counterfeit US cash calls
By Nelson Daily Staff
The long weekend proved to be a very long weekend for Nelson Police Department as officers responded to more than 100 calls during the unofficial start to summer holidays.
Many of the calls were alcohol related. However, officers also responded to several bear sightings as well as counterfeit US $20 and $50 bills creating havoc for merchants in the city.
The weekend began with officers getting a call late Friday (May 16) evening of a a teen party in the forested area of the city above LV Rogers High School and below the rail bed walking path.
A 14-year-old girl was in medical distress due to over consumption of alcohol. The distress call required two NPD members, BC Ambulance, the Nelson Fire Department as well as help of several sober teens to transport the teen down very steep terrain.
The Nelson Police Department would like to thank the teenagers who remained and assisted in carrying both equipment and the stretcher down the embankment to the ambulance.
NPD responds to male brandishing a weapon
Monday (May 20) at around 8 p.m., NPD dispatch received a call of a man with a weapon.
The intoxicated man was threatening people at the Ward and Baker Street bus stop.
Upon arrival, members encountered the male who was intoxicated and breaching conditions not to consume alcohol. The man resisted arrest and, following a lengthy struggle, officers were able to place the male in the police vehicle.
As a result of the event, a 33-year-old male is facing charges of breaching his probation and assaulting a police officer.
Funny money making the rounds
During the weekend, the Nelson Police Department has received several reports over the past few days of counterfeit US bills being used throughout the city.
Merchants should ensure staff are aware of the current influx of counterfeit US money and obtain a security features list for US bills either from the Internet or from a local bank.
The bills of concern are US $20 and $50 bills.
Bear sightings in Fairview and View Street areas
Not only did NPD staff deal with two-legged problems, but also there was an influx of calls requiring assistance with four-legged hairy animals.
The bear calls were reserved to areas around View Street and through to Fairview over the weekend.
The Nelson Police Department would like to remind people that without accessible garbage, the bears would not be a problem in the city and would leave for natural food sources in the mountains.
However, due to some residents continuing to leave garbage in places bears can access, the animals are remaining and it is only a matter of time until a dangerous bear encounter with people or until the bear will have to be destroyed.
Residents should be aware there is a 230 $ fine under the British Columbia Wildlife Act for leaving garbage in an area accessible to wildlife.
As well, the NPD requests that all bear sightings are reported to RAPP at 1-877-952-7277.
