Independent Investigations Office clears NPD during arrest of alleged NDCU robber
By Nelson Daily Staff
Members of the Nelson Police Department have been cleared of any misconduct in the arrest of the alleged robber of the Nelson and District Credit Union in April of 2014.
The Independent Investigations Office made the announcement this week.
“Based on the evidence obtained as a result of the investigation, I cannot conclude that any officer may have committed any offence in this case,” said the report of IIO Chief Civilian Director Richard Rosenthal.
“As such, no further action will be taken by the IIO and I will not be making a Report to Crown Counsel for consideration of possible charges.”
The report was regarding injury to an adult male on April 25, 2014 involving an officer employed by the Nelson Police Department.
During the arrest suspect Andrew Stevenson fractured his hip and leg after jumping off the bridge near the Kootenay Canal.
Police were chasing Stevenson after the in mid-day robbery at the Nelson and District Credit Union.
According to the IIO report, the affected person stated “police “blocked” him in with their vehicles and that he felt trapped and feared for his life.
The report went on to say, “according to the affected person, the officer who was directly behind the vehicle drew his weapon and yelled, “I will kill you.”
“The affected person stated he got out of his vehicle through the passenger side door and went to the railing “in a panic.” He indicated he was frightened and went over the side after hearing the officer say, “I will blow you away.”
“The affected person said he thought he would be better off at the bottom of the bridge that being shot by the officer.”
The full report can be read on the IIO website.
Civilian Director Rosenthal has not used names of any of the parties involved.
Stevenson, along with his assailant Krista Kalmikoff, is charged with multiple robberies in Castlegar, Robson and Salmo, including the Nelson and District Credit Union and Kootenay Exchange in the Heritage City.
