ARTICLES

UPDATED February 7, 2024 at 9:00AM - Marrian GROSS (known as Barbara), has been located and is safe. The Medicine Hat Police Service would like to thank those that assisted with the search and in particular the volunteers with South Eastern Alberta Search & Rescue (SEASAR) who privded extensive assistance.  

No further information will be released. 

S/Sgt. Trevor Humphries

The Medicine Hat Police Service is seeking the public's urgent assistance in locating a missing elderly individual, Marrian GROSS (known as Barbara) aged 91 years, who was last seen in the area of JYSK and London Drugs on February 6, 2024, at approximately 6:30 pm

We have an updated picture attached. The image was captured today and it is believed that Barbara is wearing the same clothing and pushing a black coloured walker.

Description of the individual:

• Gender: Female
• Height: 5 feet 5 inches
• Weight: 140 pounds
• Hair: short white hair
• Eyes: brown
• Clothing: red coloured sweater, black pants
• Distinguishing Marks/Features: wears glasses and uses a walker

Ms. Gross is believed to be on foot. The police service is extremely concerned for her safety, especially considering her age and potential medical conditions. She may be disoriented or confused.

Residents in the vicinity of the London Drugs are urged to check their properties, outbuildings, and any surveillance cameras they might have. Anyone traveling on roads or highways, especially in the areas of Meadowlands and Norwood Communities are asked to be vigilant and report any sightings.

The police service has requested the assistance of Southeast Alberta Search and Rescue (SEASAR) to assist in the search efforts. 

We kindly request that members of the public share this information on their social media platforms to widen our reach.  

Please contact the Medicine Hat Police Service at 403-529-8481 with any information that may assist the police in locating Barbara 

On February 01, 2024 (Thursday) at around 3:30 pm, a group of youths were walking eastbound in the crosswalk located at Division Ave and 12 St NE. While in the crosswalk a white SUV was driving west bound on 12 St NE and turned left southbound onto Division Ave N and struck a pedestrian.

The driver of the SUV interacted with the group and provided information.

The youth received minor injuries and reported the incident to a School Resource Officer at Crescent Heights High School.

Medicine Hat Police Service – Traffic investigators are looking to speak to the driver involved in this situation for further information.

Police are requesting anyone with further information and/or dashcam, doorbell video, or witness information to please contact Constable Jordan Wyton at 403-529-8481.

Early this morning at 6:23 a.m., Medicine Hat Police Service members responded to a report of a suspicious individual trespassing in yards at Iris Court SE. A responding officer apprehended the individual, who was found to have outstanding arrest warrants. A subsequent search led to the recovery of stolen items, including a men's yellow gold ring embossed with “Taylor Cup Championship Ring” and bearing a San Diego Gulls logo.

The police request public assistance to identify the owner of the ring. Attached photos provide reference.

If you recognize the ring, please contact Constables Brooklyn MacKenzie or Scott Switzer at 403-529-8491

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) wants you to become a member of our team! We have an exciting opportunity for you to join a dedicated group of police professionals, serving and protecting our community with pride. As a member of the MHPS you will be part of a progressive, thriving organization, and in Medicine Hat you will find an exceptionally high quality of life with a comparatively low cost of living.

The MHPS is currently seeking applicants for the position of police constable. Applicants selected from this process will be hired as police recruits and commence 24 weeks of police recruit training at the MHPS starting in early 2025.

The Police Recruit Training Program is accredited by Lethbridge College (LC) and follows standards set forth by the Alberta Justice & Solicitor General’s office. Upon successful completion of the training, Lethbridge College (LC) will award graduates of the training with a Credential of Academic Achievement in Police Recruit Training, documented by an official parchment and transcript.

If you are ready for an exciting and rewarding career in law enforcement, in one of the most beautiful cities in Canada, apply today!  For more information on the Medicine Hat advantage and why you should chose a career with the MHPS click here.  For more information on the required qualifications and to submit your application click here.

Application deadline is June 1, 2024.

If you have any additional questions, contact a member of the MHPS Recruitment Team by email at recruiting@mhps.ca

Media Contact:

S/Sgt. Cory Both
Recruitment Team
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-581-1056

At approximately 6:05 PM on January 28, 2024, officers were dispatched to a residence in the 800 Block of 10 St SE following a 911 call regarding a weapons complaint. A concerned citizen reported seeing an individual, entering a residence while appearing to be in possession of what looked like a pistol.

In response and out of an abundance of caution, the police contained the crisis point and utilized incident command best practices.  Emphasizing the safety of the public, the suspect, and police personnel, we utilized a loud hailer to establish communication with the occupants of the home.

As the situation unfolded, investigators gathered new and pertinent information. This included verifying the identity of the individual in question and ensuring a thorough but respectful engagement with all parties involved. The situation was resolved peacefully, with no harm coming to any individuals involved or to our officers.

Following a comprehensive assessment, it has been determined that there will be no charges arising from this incident. Police recovered an air pistol and liaised with a police service firearms expert and learned that the air pistol did not meet legal thresholds. It should be noted that the subject did not threaten or act in a dangerous manner with the pistol. We do recognize the public alarm that can occur in these instances.

This incident serves as a reminder about the responsibilities associated with firearms safety, including real, imitation, or air pistols.

Attached is a photo of the air pistol.

The Medicine Hat Police Service would like to advise of the following:

• Current Situation: Active high-risk incident underway.
• Area Advisory: Avoid the 800 Block of 10 St SE. Police operations are in progress.
• Traffic Notice: Expect disruptions. Follow directions from police officers on site.
• Social Media Request: Please refrain from posting photos of the incident online.
• Updates: A final update will be provided after the conclusion of police activities.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Eight police recruits will begin training in Medicine Hat this week as the result of a collaborative partnership between the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS), Blood Tribe Police Service (BTPS) and Lethbridge College. This is the fifth time since 2016 that the college’s Police Training program has been hosted by the MHPS.

“The MHPS is excited to once again host the police training program,” said MHPS Chief Al Murphy. “Upon graduation the successful officers will fill existing staff vacancies and compliment the officers who currently serve and protect our community.”

The class is comprised of four MHPS recruits and four recruits from the BTPS who will participate in a 24-week training program that will provide participants with crucial skills and knowledge such as de-escalation, interpersonal problem solving, professionalism, adaptability, community service, firearms, public safety, organizational awareness, teamwork, report writing and investigative techniques. Those who graduate from the competency- based program will earn academic credentials that meet the Alberta Provincial Policing Standards.

“Lethbridge College’s Police Training program is a unique offering that partners regional police services with our institution,” said Trudi Mason, dean, Centre for Justice, and Human Services. “We value our ongoing partnership with the MHPS and look forward to providing recruits with relevant training that meets the needs of the agency and the communities they will serve.”

Media Contact:

Rita Sittler
Administrative Services Manager
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416
Email: rita.sittler@mhps.ca

Tina Karst
Media Relations Specialist
Lethbridge College
Ph: 403-320-3203 ext. 5267
Email: tina.karst@lethbridgecollege.ca

The MHPS is on scene at a single vehicle MVC at the intersection of 7th Street SW and 1st Avenue SW.  Please avoid the area until further notice 

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) is requesting public assistance in response to a break and enter that occurred at a Southridge area home this morning.

On Wednesday January 10, 2024, at approximately 3:15 AM, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service Patrol Section responded to report of a break and enter in progress, occurring at a residence located on Sunwood Court SW. Upon arrival, officers learned that a suspect had entered the home through the attached garage and fled once observed by the homeowner. Thankfully there were no physical injuries reported because of this event.

The suspect is described as male, approximately 6’foot tall, slender build, wearing a black ski mask and a black jacket.

After the suspect fled the scene, the homeowner identified numerous items had been taken from the garage, with an estimated value of $10,000.

The investigation is ongoing and the MHPS is requesting anyone with information that could assist to call 403-529-8481. Homeowners 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.

Tips can also be submited 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.

Media Contact:

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

With the arrival of cold weather across the province, the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) is partnering with law enforcement agencies across Alberta to launch Operation Cold Start, a crime prevention initiative aimed at addressing the high number of warm-up auto thefts that occur during the winter months.

Warm-up thefts are crimes of opportunity, where car thieves target vehicles that are left running and unattended.

Stolen vehicles are often used by criminals to commit other crimes in the city, victimizing other residents. We are asking for the public’s help to keep our city safe and reduce the number of preventable thefts.

“A cold car is better than a stolen car, so as the temperatures drop, if you need to warm up your car and you don’t have a remote starter, make sure you bundle up and stay with your vehicle until you’re ready to drive away,” says MHPS Traffic Sgt. Stacey Fishley

Drivers who are planning to warm up their vehicle are reminded to:

• Never leave a running vehicle unattended if the keys are inside the vehicle, or if the vehicle has been started with a keyless ignition or push-button start.
• Use a remote starter whenever possible and keep your vehicle locked.
• If you are warming up your vehicle with the keys in the ignition or with a push-button start, stay with your vehicle.
• Use a steering wheel lock to deter thieves.
• Never leave spare keys or garage door openers in or around your vehicle.
• Never leave children or pets in a running vehicle.
• Do not leave valuables, including identity documents and bank cards, in your vehicle.
• Report suspicious activity to police immediately by calling (insert appropriate number)
• If you witness a crime in progress, call 9-1-1.

Media Contact:

Sgt. Stacey Fishley
Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8471