Police say a woman suffered a head wound after allegedly being assaulted by a man at the site of a housing protest on the grounds of Nelson City Hall.
In a statement released Tuesday, the Nelson Police Department said it responded to a report of assault on May 16 and arrested a male suspect. Both the man and woman were occupants of the encampment.
The suspect was later released from custody but is prohibited from returning to the site. Nelson police have not released the suspect’s name as the investigation is ongoing.
City Hall has been home to the encampment since March when members of the local street community set up what they say is a protest to the closure of the Coordinated Access Hub.
Two days after the assault, Nelson police as well as Nelson Fire and Rescue also responded to reports of explosions and a large fire on Government Road in Railtown near Highway 6.
Police say a campfire had become out of control and caused nearby propane canisters to explode. No one was found in the vicinity and police say no burn victims were admitted to Kootenay Lake Hospital that night.
Anyone with information on the two incidents is asked to contact Nelson Police Department at 250-354-3919, anonymously to Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or by online tip at canadiancrimestoppers.org.
