RCMP arrest man trying to cut down power pole; suspect's house later destroyed by fire

By Nelson Daily Staff

Nakusp RCMP were kept busy dealing with a pair of calls in Edgewood.

A noise complaint Saturday night in the community of Edgewood was just the start of a few hectic days for Nakusp RCMP.

RCMP were called to the to a residence (January 28th) in the community of Edgewood, — approximately 55 kilometers north of Nakusp and 220 km northwest of Nelson — after receiving a complaint that a neighbour took matters into his own hands after being upset by a loud party.

“An Edgewood, BC resident was hosting a party on his property when a neighbour approached with a chainsaw and proceeded to cut a hydro pole, which provided power to the residence,” said Sergeant Monty Taylor of the Kootenay Boundary Regional Detachment in a media release.

“Individuals in attendance to the party physically intervened and prevented the male from cutting down the pole.”

Taylor said Nakusp RCMP attended and apprehended the man, who was immediately transported to the hospital in Nakusp for treatment for injuries, sustained as a result of the altercation with the neighbours.

“The 44-year-old male, was brought before a Judicial Justice of the Peace and held in custody, with his next scheduled court appearance February 1, 2017, in Nelson, BC,” Taylor said.

However, this is not the end of this incident for Nakusp RCMP.

Taylor said police were then contacted Monday (January 30^th) to return to Edgewood to a report of a house fire.
　
“The residence the 44 year old male — who was earlier arrested — was residing in, had been destroyed by fire,” Taylor explained.

“A dog and cat survived, while unfortunately, another cat perished in the fire.”

Taylor said the cause of the fire is unknown and police are continuing to investigate.

“At this point, police have not confirmed that these incidents are linked, however given the time line, investigators will consider this as a possible investigative avenue,” Taylor said.

Kootenay Boundary Regional General Investigative Section and the Nakusp RCMP are continuing to investigate both incidents.
　
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Nakusp RCMP at (250) 265-3677 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.