Former local resident Sheldon William Nipshank appeared in Quesnel provincial court on April 10 via a video-conference.
He is facing several charges arising from a break-and-enter of outbuildings on the property of a home off Highway 26 around 3 a.m. on Oct. 23, 2017, and later for breaching a court-ordered undertaking.
According to Quesnel RCMP, a man, later identified as Nipshank, on the resident’s video surveillance system, rang the doorbell and ran away when the homeowner went to the door.
While on the lookout for the suspect and his vehicle, local RCMP members spotted the accused and arrested both occupants of the vehicle – Nipshank and Amy Rene Brown – around 10:10 p.m. on Oct. 24, 2017.
Police searched the vehicle and seized a loaded rifle.
Nipshank, 23, faced several charges, including three firearms-related infractions, a breach of probation, willfully obstructing a peace officer, break-and-enter with intent, and trespassing by night.
Brown was also charged with firearms-related offences.
She was released, while he was taken into custody.
Nipshank made several appearances before a judge while going through the court system in Quesnel, and on Jan. 9, 2018, he was granted a Judicial Interim Release, which is used until bail is granted or denied or the accused has chosen to remain in custody by consent.
His next court appearance was scheduled for Jan. 23, but he didn’t show up, and three bench warrants were issued for his arrest.
While Nipshank was on the lam, he was arrested and placed in Prince George Regional Correctional Centre (PGRCC), according to a B.C. Sheriff Services spokesperson.
In February 2018, he had appearances in Prince George provincial court facing a breach of probation charge stemming from a Sept. 7, 2017 offence.
Meanwhile, Kamloops RCMP was looking for Nipshank, who breached his Jan. 9 court-ordered condition imposed in Quesnel provincial court, on Jan. 17.
A Kamloops RCMP spokesperson says they got Crown Counsel approval for a warrant on March 9.
A few days later, they realized Nipshank was already in custody, an arrest was made, and his case was heard in Kamloops provincial court on March 19, when he faced a charge of breaching the conditions of a court-ordered probation.
Still in custody, Nipshank’s next court date is in Quesnel provincial court on April 17 to fix a trial date for Quesnel charges: breach of probation order; possession of a firearm contrary to order; occupying a vehicle knowing a firearm is present; possessing a firearm without licence or registration; storing a firearm contrary to regulation; and willfully resisting arrest or obstructing a peace officer.
Nipshank also has a May 10 court date in Quesnel where he intends to enter a guilty plea to Quesnel offences: break and enter with intent to commit an offence and trespassing at night; and the Kamloops charge of breach of undertaking or recognizance.
Amy R. Brown
Brown, 23, also appeared in Quesnel provincial court on April 10.
She faced three firearms-related charges: occupying a vehicle knowing a firearm was present; possessing a firearm without a licence and registration; and storage of a firearm contrary to regulations.
Her next appearance in Quesnel provincial court will be on April 17, and she will be fixing a date for her trial.
