A Spences Bridge area man is currently in custody facing a total of 12 charges including one count of attempted murder after a recent rash of violent incidents in Ashcroft and Spences Bridge.
Eric Nelson, 52, was arrested following an intense investigative effort by the Lytton RCMP, following two incidents involving firearms that occurred on May 15 and May 17.
Lytton RCMP responded on May 15 to a report of a man receiving serious non-life threatening injuries after being struck by shotgun blasts fired from outside of his home. The male victim in his 50s, had reported being injured after hearing gunshots being fired towards his home on Thompson View Rd. in Spences Bridge.
Over the next five days, Lytton RCMP officers assisted by the Ashcroft and the Lillooet Detachment established the identity of the suspect and compiled sufficient evidence to lay the following listed charges: Common assault stemming from an Ashcroft incident which occurred on Sept. 18, 2012; Mischief to vehicle; Assault with a weapon; Aggravated assault; Attempt to commit murder; and Using a firearm in the commission of an offence.
It is alleged that on May 15, Nelson shot at the victim’s vehicle and home with a shotgun causing damage to both. In addition, Nelson allegedly discharged the shotgun through a wall of the home and hit the victim in the face causing grievous bodily harm and disfigurement and continued to discharge the shotgun in attempts to fatally injure the victim.
Charges of Possession of property obtained by crime, and Theft of motor vehicle stem from an incident on May 17 where, at approximately 8 am, Nelson allegedly drove his van to a residence in Spences Bridge and stole a pick-up truck. He was seen driving the stolen vehicle.
He is then alleged to have driven the stolen truck to the Venables Valley area, where he encountered a couple in their car. Nelson allegedly threw a boulder through a window of the victim’s car and accosted the occupants, assaulting the male driver and instructed them to drive and meet him at another location. Once at the second location it is alleged that Nelson threatened the couple at gunpoint demanding cash and an amount of farm produce (potatoes). Nelson fled the area with cash and later abandoned the stolen vehicle.
That resulted in more charges of Mischief to vehicle; Common Assault; Robbery with a firearm; and Extortion with a firearm.
Following five days of extensive inquiries, the Lytton RCMP located and arrested Nelson without incident in Spences Bridge around midnight on May 22.
Nelson is currently in custody, having appeared in Kamloops Provincial Court on June 3 for a Bail Hearing. His next court appearance is June 10.