Pair charged by Nelson Police following firearm complaint in Heritage City
By Nelson Daily Staff
Nelson Police officers were kept busy Sunday afternoon with two potentially dangerous calls dealing with firearms complaints in the city.
Nelson Police Sergeant Paul Bayes said the two incidents occurred in Rosemont and Jam Factory Lane near Vernon Street, with the latter resulting in charges to two males.
“Both males were charged with: unauthorized possession of a firearm; possession of a firearm knowing it is unauthorized; careless use of a firearm; possession of weapon dangerous to public and unauthorized transport in motor vehicle.
Bayes said the charges stemmed from a complaint Sunday afternoon at 6 p.m. that the two men were seen with a firearm in the 300 Block Jam Factory Lane.
“A witness stated the gun appeared to be a hunting rifle,” Bayes said in the NPD media release.
“Upon NPD arrival, two males were seen in a wooded lot.”
Bayes said as NPD members were getting ready to approach, the males were observed placing a gun case in a vehicle and departing the area.
Bayes said the vehicle was subsequently stopped with both men taken into custody pending a search for the firearm.
“One rifle was located in the vehicle,” Bayes said.
“The rifle was seized and verified as real.”
High risk takedown happens without incident in Rosemont
Nelson Police was dispatched to the area of West Richards and Vancouver Streets after a complaint was received that a person was pointing a rifle into the street from the yard of the residence.
Sgt. Bayes said NPD members, along with RCMP officers, observed speeding to Nelson on Highway 3A Sunday afternooon, attended the area to search for the male.
“A residence was identified as to where the male with the rifle was,” Bayes said.
“A high risk takedown of six individuals was done without incident,” Bayes added.
“A black tactical style rifle with a scope was located inside a vehicle parked at the house. Upon closer examination it was determined to be a pellet rifle.”
Bayes said police had discussions with the group, who “agreed that the actions taken by police were warranted.”
Bayes said the group apologized on behalf of the person for their poor choice to brandish the realistic looking rifle.
“No charges are being contemplated at this time,” Bayes said.
“The pellet gun was seized by NPD.”
