A Dawson Creek man with a lengthy and violent criminal history is facing new charges following an alleged stabbing on Monday. It’s raising more questions about the BC Government’s efforts to keep repeat violent offenders behind bars.
Brandon Badger in facing three charges, including assault with a weapon following an incident that allegedly occurred around 7 a.m. Monday in Dawson Creek.
Mounties were called to the 9,300 block of 8th Street. A neighbour told police someone had been stabbed and the suspect fled the scene down an alley.
The victim was taken to Dawson Creek hospital with non-life-threatening injuries
At the time of his arrest, Badger was already wanted on an outstanding warrant and was allegedly bound by court-ordered conditions prohibiting him from possessing weapons.
Badger is also charged with two counts of failing to comply with probation orders. He remains in custody pending a bail hearing.
Released Despite Outstanding Concerns
The latest allegations come just weeks after Badger was released by a judge despite an extensive criminal record and ongoing non-compliance with court orders.
On May 1, a judge issued an unendorsed warrant for Badger’s arrest after he allegedly failed to comply with a probation order. An unendorsed warrant requires an accused person to be brought before a judge following an arrest. It’s a process often referred to as “catch and secure.”
Badger was arrested by Dawson Creek RCMP on May 12 and brought before a judge. Despite his criminal history, he was released on a promise to appear in court.
Two weeks later, on May 26, Badger allegedly failed to attend his scheduled court appearance.
According to court records, Judicial Case Manager Lindsay Christian then issued an endorsed warrant, meaning if he was arrested he could be released without requiring a court appearance. The process is commonly referred to as “catch and release.”
According to court records, Badger was still wanted on that warrant when he was arrested this week in connection with the alleged stabbing.
Long Criminal History
Badger is well known to police and the court system. His criminal history includes a 2011 conviction for drug trafficking, a 2013 conviction for robbery using a firearm and a 2015 conviction for assault with a weapon.
Court records also show he was charged in 2020 with possessing a firearm despite being prohibited by a judge from having one.
In August of 2025, CJDC TV News reported he was charged with assaulting a peace officer and theft under $5,000. Police said he stole a pickup from Beaverlodge and then was involved in a hit and run near the BC Alberta border.
Badger’s name had also surfaced in connection with a high-profile incident in Dawson Creek.
In 2025, he was allegedly shot at the Mile Zero Apartment Motel and later airlifted to a hospital in Edmonton. The shooting occurred shortly after the alleged murder of Joe Freeman, who was found fatally injured roughly a block away.
No finding of guilt has been made against Badger in connection with that incident. A 20-year-old woman and 16-year-old girl were also present in the unit at the time Badger was allegedly shot.
The Ongoing ‘Revolving Door’ Debate
The case adds to the ongoing debate over bail reform and repeat, violent offenders in British Columbia.
The provincial government has repeatedly called for stronger measures to address prolific offenders, while police agencies across BC have voiced concerns about individuals with extensive criminal records being repeatedly released back into the community.
In 2023, BC’s Attorney General gave clear direction to BC prosecutors and judges to get tough on repeat and violent offenders seeking bail.
Then in 2024, Ottawa passed Bill C-48 that places a “reverse onus” on offenders to be released on bail and to usher in meaningful reform intended to increase community safety.
Badger’s next scheduled court appearance in on Tuesday for a bail hearing. None of the latest allegations have been proven in court.