Nelson Police make arrest in machete attack

2025-417: Police responded to an assault between two males, in which the aggressor was wielding a machete, after receiving several 911 calls on Tuesday afternoon. 

Witnesses to the assault saw the victim being chased by the suspect away from a residential dwelling. He tripped and fell to the ground, at which point the suspect struck him in the hand with the machete. Police were called and arrived on scene within two minutes, where they found the victim bleeding heavily from the hand and being given medical assistance by bystanders. The assailant was on scene, still holding the machete. 

The assailant was placed under arrest with no issues. The victim, who suffered severe damage to his hand, had to be taken to hospital.  

Following a bail hearing, the courts released the assailant with conditions. 

Nelson Police investigate collision with fire hydrant

2025-473: Police were called to the scene of a collision early Friday morning when a vehicle struck a fire hydrant in Lower Fairview. 

When they arrived, officers found the hydrant had been completely knocked off of its base and was laying on the sidewalk some fifteen meters away. The water main was exposed and flowing uncontrollably, causing extensive flooding to the neighboring property. The vehicle responsible for the damage had come to rest in some bushes just off of the sidewalk. The driver had fled the on foot by the time police arrived. Officers remained on scene until the water could be shut off and the vehicle towed. 

Police are still investigating the circumstances that led to the crash. Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information is asked to contact the NPD at 250-354-3919. 

Police warn of Facebook Marketplace Scams

2025-477: A Nelson resident had their bank account flagged after an attempted theft of over $5,000 from their account by a scammer. 

“Scams originating on Facebook Marketplace are some of the most common types of fraud that we’re seeing,” says Corporal Van Huis. 

The would-be victim was targeted when they posted an item for sale online. They were contacted almost immediately by a man who said he was out of town but would pay in full to have the item held for him. He sent what appeared to be an e-transfer link, which led to a page asking for the sellers banking information. 

Once the scammer had received the bank info, they made two transfers of $180 each from the sellers account, which went unnoticed. They then attempted to send a transfer of $4,700. This was flagged by the bank, who contacted the seller and froze further transactions from the account. Because it was caught early, the seller was able to have their money reimbursed. 

“A legitimate e-transfer will not require any banking information other than an email or phone number,” Says Corporal Van Huis. “It is a good idea to take additional precautions such as setting up email notifications for e-transfers and never exchanging money with someone you have not met in person.”

If you believe that you have been the victim of a scam, contact the Nelson Police Department. 

CALLS FOR SERVICE

Members of the Nelson Police Department responded to 102 calls for service in the City of Nelson during this reporting period (January 19 at 12am to January 25 at 12pm).  

CONTACT:

Nelson Police Department

(250) 354-3919