ARTICLES

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) is pleased to announce the release of its 2025 Annual Report.

The annual report highlights the work of MHPS over the past year and provides an overview of policing priorities, community safety initiatives, operational achievements, community partnerships, and organizational developments. It also includes statistical information and reporting related to service delivery, crime trends, road safety, community engagement, and internal investments in people, wellness, and technology.

The report reflects MHPS’ ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and public trust by sharing information about the work being done to support a safe and strong community.

Throughout 2025, MHPS continued to focus on key organizational priorities, including community safety, community engagement, investment in human resources and technology, and organizational wellness. The report also recognizes the efforts of employees, volunteers, and community partners who contribute to the success of the organization and the services provided to residents.

MHPS encourages community members to review the report to learn more about the Service’s activities, priorities, and accomplishments over the past year. 

2025 MHPS Annual Report

Media Contact:

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

On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) Patrol Section arrested a Medicine Hat man in connection with a residential break and enter in the Cottonwood area during the early morning hours.

During the investigation, police linked the accused to a second break and enter that occurred on May 6, 2026, at a detached garage in the 2700 block of 10 Avenue SW.

MHPS officers recovered most of the stolen property, which has since been returned to the rightful owner.

As a result of the investigation, 27-year-old Jayden Skinner of Medicine Hat has been charged with:

• Break and Enter to Commit Theft (2 counts)
• Breach of Release Order (4 counts)
• Breach of Probation (2 counts)

Skinner was held for a judicial interim release hearing, remanded into custody, and is scheduled to appear in court on May 21, 2026.

The Medicine Hat Police Service reminds residents to secure their property and report suspicious activity by calling 911 in an emergency or 403-529-8481 for non-emergencies.

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

Proactive Patrol Leads to Arrests in Stolen Vehicle Investigation

At approximately 2:30 a.m. on May 13, 2026, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service were conducting proactive patrols in the city’s light industrial area in response to an increase in property crime.

During patrol, officers observed a suspicious vehicle parked in an alley behind a closed business as two individuals exiting the vehicle.  Officers initiated a traffic stop and identified the occupant as a 39-year-old male driver and a 31-year-old female passenger.

Police determined the vehicle had been reported stolen from a business in Redcliff. Both individuals were taken into custody without incident.

Darryl Paul, 39, of Medicine Hat, faces the following charges:

• Possession of Stolen Property Over $5000
• Breach of Probation
• Failing to Comply with Release Order (4 counts)

Tiffany Peters, 31, of Medicine Hat, faces the following charge:

• Possession of Stolen Property Over $5000

Paul was held for a judicial interim release hearing and remanded into custody pending his next court appearance. Peters was released on an Appearance Notice and is scheduled to appear in court on June 24, 2026.

Media Contact:
Patrol Staff Sergeant
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8461

Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) has charged a Medicine Hat man following an incident at a business in the 600 block of Kingsway Avenue SE.

On May 11, 2026, at approximately 10:00 p.m., officers responded after a report that an item had been thrown at propane tanks outside the business, resulting in a small explosion. No property damage was reported.

As a result of the investigation, 38-year-old Shaylon Witts of Medicine Hat has been charged with:

• Using Explosives
• Make / Possess an Explosive Substance
• Disobey a Court Order

Witts was held for a bail hearing and remanded into custody. He is scheduled to appear in Medicine Hat Provincial Court on May 15, 2026.

EMS attended and treated people at the scene for minor smoke inhalation.

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

On May 6, 2026, around 8:49 a.m., police responded to the 1000 block of Ross Glen Drive SE after a report that a truck and trailer had been stolen overnight. The missing items included a 2002 Dodge Ram 3500 truck and a Mirage trailer.

During the investigation, officers reviewed surveillance footage, which assisted in identifying the suspect vehicle and one of the individuals believed to be involved. Later that morning, police located the suspect vehicle and arrested an adult male driver. A second adult male was located and arrested in the downtown area later the same day in connection with the investigation.

As a result, Ryan Bowden, 47, from Medicine Hat, faces charges of:

• Theft Over $5000
• Possession of a Controlled Substance

Bowden was held for a judicial interim release hearing and subsequently released on a release order, to appear in Medicine Hat Provincial Court on May 21, 2026. The second accused, Gilbert Monte, 48, also from Medicine Hat, was charged with possession of stolen property under $5000 and released on an undertaking to appear in court on June 30, 2026.

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) has charged a 17-year-old in connection with a weapons-related incident that occurred April 20, 2026, in the Southeast Hill area of Medicine Hat. Police received reports that a male was allegedly threatening others in the area with a machete.

Police responded to the complaint and, following an investigation, one youth was arrested without incident.

The 17-year-old has been charged with:

• Carrying a Concealed Weapon
• Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
• Assault with a Weapon

The youth was remanded into custody and later released with conditions. The accused is scheduled to appear in Youth Justice Court on May 25, 2026. Due to provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), the identity of the accused cannot be released, and no further information will be provided.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing, and the MHPS is requesting public assistance to identify a person of interest. Anyone with information regarding the identity of the person in the attached photo is asked to contact MHPS at 403-529-8481. Tips can also be submitted anonymously via the MHPS website (mhps.ca) or the MHPS mobile app.

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

 -Update-

Fire has been contained and the roads have been re-opened

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Emergency Crews are on scene at a grass fire in the area of Saamis Dr NW, Medicine Hat in the area of The Link Church and Sun City Ford. Please avoid the area and allow the police and fire services room to work. Any media inquiries are directed to the Medicine Hat Fire Service.

Police road bloack are located at 3 St at Saamis Dr NW as well as the area of condominiums located at 1648 Saamis Dr NW.

Please obey drirections provided by police or flag persons.

The Medicine Hat Police Service Major Crime Unit is investigating an incident that occurred on April 29, 2026, in the 300 block of 7 Street SE. Police attended a residence where an injured male was located and transported to hospital. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information related to this incident, including anyone who was in the area at the time or who may have relevant CCTV or dashcam footage, is asked to contact the Medicine Hat Police Service at 403-529-8481.

Further updates will be provided when available.

Media Contact:

Staff Sergeant Darren Lole
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: (403) 529 8421

On April 15, 2026, at approximately 6:00 p.m., members of the Medicine Hat Police Service Patrol Section responded to a report of a break and enter in progress at a residence in the 600 block of 20 Street NE. Police were met by the homeowner, who reported that two men were inside the residence without authorization.

Officers entered the residence and observed two men carrying multiple bags. Both individuals were taken into custody. During the arrest, one man attempted to flee and was apprehended following a brief foot pursuit.

A search of the bags found in the suspects’ possession revealed numerous tools that belonged to the homeowner. As a result, Mitchell Wasiliew, 36, of no fixed address, and Jesse Schneider, 44, of no fixed address, have been charged with break and enter and theft. Wasiliew has also been charged with resisting arrest. Charges have not been proven in court.

Both individuals were held for judicial interim release hearings. Wasiliew was remanded into custody pending his next court appearance on April 21, 2026. Schneider was released on a release order and is scheduled to appear in provincial court on May 21, 2026.

Media contact:
Patrol S/Sgt.
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8461

The Medicine Hat Police Service joins policing partners across Canada in mourning the line of duty death of Sgt. Anaïs Fortin-Cozzens of the Sûreté du Québec.

To honour Sgt. Fortin-Cozzens’ service and sacrifice, MHPS flags will be lowered to half-mast until sunset on April 29, 2026. Officers are also authorized to wear memorial ribbons during this period as a sign of respect and solidarity.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Sgt. Fortin-Cozzens’ family, friends, and colleagues at the Sûreté du Québec.

We stand with the policing community in remembering Sgt. Fortin-Cozzens, and in recognizing the risks and sacrifices inherent in police service.

May she rest in peace.