Two Hope residents are facing several charges after two home invasions in Hope last week.
The RCMP responded to a noise complaint on May 15 at about 2 a.m. in the 63000 block of Flood-Hope Rd. A neighbour told police he had heard a man and woman yelling and screaming.
When the officers arrived on scene, the 27-year-old occupant informed police that two people had kicked down her door, assaulted her with a weapon, and left with some jewelry and other personal items. The woman identified the suspects as 26-year-old Christina Nowaselski and 29-year-old Brian Trottier, who were arrested later that day. The RCMP conducted a search warrant on Trottier’s house and vehicle, and found evidence linking him to the home invasion.
On May 17 shortly after 8 p.m., Hope RCMP received a call from a 38-year-old woman claiming she had been the victim of a home invasion on May 14 at 11 p.m. She told police she knew the suspects, but didn’t report the crime earlier out of fear for her safety. Nowaselski and Trottier allegedly entered her house in 65000 block of Kawkawa Lake Rd., assaulted her with a hammer, and stole various items including computer equipment.
“These incidents are very serious in nature and could have ended tragically for these victims,” said Staff Sgt. Suki Manj. “We’re very glad that the victims cooperated and provided us with information. This has taken two very violent people off the street.”
Last Friday, Nowaselski and Trottier were charged with robbery and break and enter with intent to commit a crime in relation to the May 15 home invasion. Nowaselski was also charged with uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
On Tuesday, charges of robbery, break and enter with intent to commit a crime, two counts of assault with a weapon, and assault causing bodily harm were added for their role in the May 14 incident. In addition, Nowaselski was charged with possession of stolen property under $5,000.