ARTICLES

Please join us at the 64th Annual Medicine Hat Police Association Ball on October 18, 2025.  This event is open to the public to attend.  Tickets are $80 each or a table of eight for $600.  Music will be provided by MacKinney Music, and all proceeds from the event will be donated to the Special Olympics.

For more information or to purchase tickets contact Sgt. Darlene Garrecht 403-952-6898.

Four people have been arrested and nearly $90,000 worth of methamphetamine and cocaine has been seized by ALERT.

ALERT Medicine Hat’s organized crime team made the drug seizures on April 11 and April 30, 2024, as two planned vehicle stops were conducted. The Medicine Hat Police Service and Brooks RCMP provided assistance.

“Our team is focused on community safety and by intercepting the drug shipment before it reached the city we have prevented these harmful substances from hitting the streets,” said Ryan Thorburn, ALERT Medicine Hat.

ALERT seized 500 grams of methamphetamine and 573 grams of cocaine. A vehicle was also seized that will be submitted to the province’s civil forfeiture office.

Four people face numerous drug-related offences:

• Aaron Hotchen, 59-year-old from Medicine Hat;
• Melissa Shpak, 34-year-old from Medicine Hat;
• Terry Van Huizen, 31-year-old from Medicine Hat; and
• Heidi Clampitt, 25-year-old from Medicine Hat.

The investigation began in February 2024 in response to community concerns related to drug trafficking in the Medicine Hat region.

In Medicine Hat, members of the public who suspect drug activity can contact the MHPS by calling 403-529-8481 or submitting tips online (anonymously if preferred) via the website at mhps.ca or the MHPS mobile app. The app is free to download and available for both Apple and Android devices.

Albertans who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.

Media inquiries may be directed to:

Mike Tucker

Communications Director

Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)

780-509-3015

May 10, 2024 – UPDATE – Male Charged with Mischief

On May 9, 2024, a male was arrested and charged in connection to a series of businesses and personal vehicles that were damaged in the early morning hours of May 8, 2024.  As a result of the investigation, Robert Leduc, a 52-years-old, of no fixed address, has been charged with several offences including: 

• Four counts of Mischief over $5000
• Seven counts of Mischief Under $5000
• One count of Cause a False Fire Alarm

Leduc was remanded into custody and scheduled to appear in Calgary Court of Justice on May 10, 2024.

The Medicine Hat Police Service extends a thank you to everyone who provided information that aided in the investigation.

Media Contact:
S/Sgt Trevor Humphries
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8461

Public Assistance Requested - Mischief to Property

The Medicine Hat Police Service is seeking public assistance to help further the investigation into damages reported at several local businesses and to private vehicles.

At approximately 4:30 AM on May 8^th, 2024, members of the MHPS Patrol Section responded to a report of damage to a commercial building located in the 0 block of Carry Drive SE. Upon arrival, officers observed extensive damage to the business with numerous windows that had been smashed. Patrol officers were then directed to six other businesses in the vicinity that also had numerous windows that had been broken.  In addition, there were vehicles in the area that also had broken windows, as well as a telecommunication box in the area that had been vandalized. It is believed that the same suspect(s) is responsible for all incidents.

The investigation is ongoing and the MHPS is requesting anyone with information that could assist the investigation into these incidents to call 403-529-8481. Business owners with video surveillance of the area around the time of the offence are asked to check their footage and report if they have video of the suspect. The MHPS is also asking the public for their assistance in identifying a male subject in the attached picture who may have information regarding these incidents.

Tips can be submitted, anonymously if preferred, via the MHPS website (mhps.ca) or mobile app. The app is free to download and is available for both Android and Apple devices.

S/Sgt Rod Thompson
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8461

On the early morning of August 18, 2021, the Medicine Hat Police Service received a complaint of a stolen 2014 Dodge 3500 Ram truck.  Later this same day at about 7:30 pm MHPS patrol officers located the same stolen vehicle as it was being driven by a male.  Shortly thereafter the truck was abandoned and the male suspect fled on foot.  Police containment was immediately established and the male was quickly apprehended hiding in the backyard of a residence.

As a result, a 32-year-old Lethbridge male has been charged with the following offences and is currently being held for a Judicial Interim Release Hearing;

• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle,
• Flight from police officer,
• Possession of stolen property over $5000
• Possession of stolen property under $5000

The MHPS would like to remind the public to secure vehicles when not in use and never to leave ignition keys or valuables within vehicles. 

Media Contact:
S/Sgt Jason Graham
403-529-8410

The Medicine Hat Police Service has noted a recent trend of vehicle entries throughout the City.  All of the entries have occurred to vehicles which have been unlocked and have contained valuables such as keys, credit cards and cash money.  

The Police Service is requesting the publics’ assistance in these matters by ensuring vehicles are locked and all valuables are removed or secured, and any suspicious activity is reported to the Police Service immediately.

In response to this trend, the Police Service will augment resource deployment; with the aim to identify offenders and hold them accountable for any illegal activities.

Anyone with information that could assist with this investigation is asked to contact the Medicine Hat Police Service at 403-529-8481. Tips may also be submitted via the MHPS Mobile App, which is free and available to download for both Apple and Android devices by searching ‘Medicine Hat Police Service’ on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt. Cory Both

Patrol Section

Medicine Hat Police service

Ph: 403-529-8481

Nearly one million dollars’ worth of stolen property has been recovered following an extensive investigation into stolen holiday trailers and campers. ALERT’s Southeast Alberta Property Crime unit has charged two Medicine Hat men.
 
Following a three-month investigation, ALERT has recovered 13 stolen holiday travel trailers, and other stolen vehicles and property, worth an estimated $970,000. The other stolen property included a sports car, recreational vehicles, motorbikes, tools, and various vehicle parts.
 
“This was a complex, coordinated scheme that undoubtedly ruined many family’s summer vacation plans. However, the impact of organized crime extends beyond the victim, and is a cost that society collectively bears,” said Supt. Dwayne Lakusta, ALERT CEO.
 
ALERT alleges two Medicine Hat men were involved in the thefts, and fraudulently re-vinned the trailers before being re-sold. A search of one of the suspect’s homes yielded materials for making fraudulent VIN stickers.
 
“Vehicle theft is a serious issue that affects us all through higher insurance premiums and can also be a risk to personal safety. Insurance Bureau of Canada is pleased to have been involved in this investigation and we congratulate ALERT for their success in recovering the stolen property,” said Sid Kingma, Director, Investigative Services, Western and Pacific Region, IBC.
 
Nathan Herter, 36-year-old man, was arrested in Medicine Hat on June 18, 2021 and charged with theft over $5,000, possession of break and enter tools, suspended driving, and possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking.
 
Mathew Hillier, a 36-year-old man, was arrested in Hope, BC on June 29, 2021 and charged with theft over $5,000 and possession of stolen property.
 
The thefts date as far back as December 2020 and spread across the westernmost provinces. ALERT’s investigation relied on the assistance of Service Alberta, Insurance Bureau of Canada, Medicine Hat Police, and various RCMP detachments.
 
ALERT continues to investigate and is not ruling out additional charges.
 
To date, ALERT has recovered:

• Elevation trailer stolen in Redcliff and recovered in Sylvan Lake;
• Keystone camper stolen in Dunmore and recovered in Lacombe County;
• Reflection camper stolen in Lacombe and recovered in Hope, BC;
• Cargo trailer stolen in Medicine Hat and recovered in Hope, BC;
• Cargo trailer stolen in Redcliff and recovered in Hope, BC;
• Keystone camper stolen in Medicine Hat and recovered in Tompkins, Sask.;
• Jayco camper stolen in Red Deer and recovered in Cypress County;
• Keystone trailer stolen in Medicine Hat and recovered in Langdon;
• Dutchman trailer stolen in Dunmore and recovered in Kelowna;
• Keystone camper stolen in Strathmore and recovered in County of Forty Mile;
• Sunvalley camper stolen in Lethbridge and recovered in Kelowna;
• Palamino trailer stolen in Regina, Sask. And recovered in Cypress County;
• Cargo trailer stolen in Lacombe and recovered in Brock, Sask.;
• Cargo trailer stolen in Drumheller and recovered in Brock, Sask;
• Keystone trailer stolen in Swift Current, Sask. and recovered in Calgary;
• Keystone camper stolen in Lacombe and recovered in Brock, Sask; and
• Mirage trailer stolen in Medicine Hat and recovered in Brock, Sask.

 
A number of trailers were purchased at steep discounts, and already in the possession of a third-party.
 
ALERT believes there are still numerous stolen trailers outstanding and the investigation is ongoing. If you believe you may have unknowingly purchased a stolen trailer, you can contact ALERT’s Southeast Alberta Regional Property Crime unit at 403-529-8481.
 
Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.
 
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.

Online reporting can be used for reporting a crime if the loss or damage is under $5,000 and there are no suspects.  Reports can be filed online 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Once the information is submitted, a file number will be generated and final report returned to the email provided, usually within 24 hours. If you do not have internet access or have an email address, you can report the incident by calling (403) 529-8481.

The following report types should be submitted online:

• Theft from vehicle (car prowling)– Up to $5,000 value of property
• Theft of property– Up to $5,000 value of property
• Theft of credit or debit card (when that is the only item missing)
• Mischief to vehicle– such as vandalism
• Mischief to property– such as vandalism & graffiti
• Lost property– with the exception of government-issued ID such as passports. Please call (403) 529-8481 to report lost government issued documents.
• Attempted stolen vehicle– regardless of damage value
• Break & enter into unlocked premise other than residential (includes; sheds, parking garages, storage lockers, detached garages, etc.) Residential and commercial break and enters should be reported to (403)-529-8481.
• Theft of mail (including packages from postal services and other delivery services)
• Stolen property for sale online (including; Kijiji, Craigslist, Facebook, etc.)

For all other property-related offences, please call the MHPS non-emergency line 403-529-8481, where officers are available to answer questions and take some reports over the phone.

To report a motor vehicle collision with no injuries, call the Collision Reporting Centre at 403-581-1070.

Call 9-1-1 for all emergencies and to report crimes in progress.

Other service that can be completed online or thru the MHPS mobile app include:

• Police Information Checks - (18 years or older)
• Submitting Crime Tips
• Parking Ticket Appeals 
• Alarm System Registration 

Payment of pet licenses can be made at City Hall or APARC and payment of parking tickets can be completed at City Hall.

In an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19, and to protect the health & safety of first responders and members of the community, the Medicine Hat Police Service will be adjusting response protocols while maintaining the continuity of public safety service delivery.There will be no disruption or changes to emergency response protocols and use of 9-1-1.

Effective March 16, 2020 at 7:00 AM, a call center will be established at the police station (located at 884 2^nd Street SE) to assist the community with all non-emergency police calls for service.  All inquiries and reports of non-emergency events can be provided by calling 403-529-8481 or filing a report via the MHPS mobile app or website online reporting (www.mhps.ca). 

These changes will also affect the Collision Reporting Center (CRC).  To report a motor vehicle collision with no injuries call the CRC 403-581-1070.

This temporary measure is being taken, and will be re-evaluated on an ongoing basis.  We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

Media Contact:

Rita Sittler
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

March 2020 marks the 16^th anniversary of Fraud Prevention Month in Canada.  Fraud Prevention Month is a month-long crime prevention initiative aimed at educating and informing consumers and the community on how to recognize, report and stop fraud.

Thousands of Canadians of all ages and from all walks of life are defrauded each year. There is no typical fraud victim in Canada. With advancements in technology it is now easier for scammers to obtain money or property through fraudulent means and to remain “faceless” as they do so.

Consumers have a role to play in stopping fraud by arming themselves with the facts and reporting fraud when they encounter it.  Recognizing fraud is the first step to better protecting yourself. It is important for consumers to remain vigilant and aware of the many different types of fraud scams out there as they are ever changing and new trends are always emerging.

Throughout the month members of the Medicine Hat Police Service Community Safety Unit will be sharing information about common frauds, scams and tips for individuals and businesses to protect themselves.

·  March 3 - 10AM to 2 PM- Coop Mall on 13^th  Avenue – OPEN TO PUBLIC

·  March 4 - 1PM – Park Place Meadow Ridge Seniors Village

·  March 5 - 2 PM – Medicine Hat Retirement Villa

·  March 9 - 10 AM – The Wellington

·  March 19 – 11 AM – River Ridge

·  March 24 - 6:30 PM – General Fraud Prevention Information

o  MHPS Community Boardroom

o  Presenters: MHPS Community Safety Unit, MHPS Major Crimes Section, and the Better Business Bureau. 

o  This event is free and open to the general public to attend.

·  March 26 - 2PM – Revera Meadowlands Retirement Residence

·  April 15 – 11:30 AM – Cyber Security 101 for Business / Not For Profit

o  MHPS Community Boardroom

o  Presenters: MHPS Community Safety Unit and ATB

o  Event sponsored by APEX Alberta

o  To register:  https://cybersecuritybanking.eventbrite.com

To keep yourself in the loop about Fraud Prevention Month activities occurring provincially, follow the hashtag #FPM2020 and #fightfraud on social media or visit the Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association website at www.albertacrimeprevention.com/fraud-prevention-month.

For more information about frauds and scams visit the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre at http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm.

Media Contact:

Sgt Darlene Garrecht
Medicine Hat Police Service
Community Safety Unit
Ph: 403-529-8451

On April 17, 2019, Medicine Hat Police Service, Priority Street Crimes Unit (PSCU) received information regarding a drug trafficker from Lethbridge, Alberta supplying quantities of Methamphetamine to dealers in Medicine Hat.

Through investigation PSCU members were able to determine who the traffickers from Lethbridge were and set up a deal to purchase illegal drugs.  On April 18, 2019, three individuals from Lethbridge were arrested with approximately 14 ounces of Methamphetamine, with a street value of approximately $37,500.00.  Also seized during the arrest were a number of Break and Enter tools and a small caliber rifle.

Johnathan SIMONAR, 36yrs old from Lethbridge, AB is charged with:

·  Possession for Purpose of Trafficking

·  Possession of a controlled Substance

·  Possession of Stolen Property

·  Possession of Break In Instruments

·  Fail to Comply with Probation X 2

·  Traffick by Offer-Meth

·  Breach of Recognizance X 5

Deserai SCOUT, 23yrs old of Lethbridge, AB is charged with;

·  Possession for Purpose of Trafficking

·  Possession of a controlled Substance

·  Possession of Stolen Property

And

Justin MOHRMAN, 26 years old of Lethbridge, AB, is charged with;

·  Possession for Purpose of Trafficking

·  Possession of a controlled Substance

·  Possession of Stolen Property

·  Possession of a Firearm contrary to a Court Order

All three have had Bail Hearings,

·  Johnathan SIMONAR was remanded in custody for court on April 23, 2019 at 0930 hours

·  Justin MOHRMAN was remanded in custody for court on April 23, 2019 at 0930 hours

·  Deserai SCOUT was released on a $4000 no cash recognizance to appear in court on April 23, 2019 at 0930 hours