ARTICLES

On September 9, 2022, at approximately 6:00 PM members of the Medicine Hat Police Service conducted a traffic stop on a known adult male who was wanted for an outstanding criminal warrant. During this traffic stop officers discovered several weapons inside the vehicle that were within access of the occupants. Officers took the male into custody and seized the following weapons from the vehicle: one rifle, a cross bow, machete, knives, and a pellet pistol. After these seizures the male was held in custody to await a bail hearing on the following matters:

• Criminal Warrant
• Careless storage of a firearm
• Possessing a firearm in a motor vehicle
• Possession of a weapon dangerous (machete)
• Possession of a prohibited weapon (crossbow)

A bail hearing will be held within the next 24 hours where the man's detention or release will be determined.

The Canadian Mental Health Association of Alberta Southeast Region (CMHA ASER) is pleased to announce the development of an alternative crisis response program in our community, entitled “Community Assisted Response (CARE)”, that will respond to low-risk mental health emergency calls, and help to decriminalize the response to mental illness, addiction, and homelessness.

Funding for the initiative was provided by the Government of Alberta Civil Society Fund who have contributed $451,000 over 1 year towards a pilot project that will be led by CMHA ASER, in partnership with the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS).

“Alberta’s government recognizes homelessness often intersects with mental health and addictions and new and innovative responses are needed to make sure vulnerable Albertans can get appropriate supports, with compassion and dignity,” says Jason Luan, Minister of Community and Social Services. “This is an exciting project will make a big difference in this community and potentially around the province. I’m pleased to support this project through the Civil Society Fund and I look forward to learning how it improves access to supports for vulnerable people.”

Currently the MHPS are often called to be the primary first responders to many low-risk mental health emergency calls for service, welfare checks, and intoxicated person calls. When police respond to these calls, it leaves them with less time to respond to more serious criminal matters and at times the presence of a uniformed police officer can be triggering to the person in crisis and may escalate the problem. It also can result in the criminalization of mental illness, addictions, and homelessness. For these reasons, it is recognized nationwide that an alternative crisis response would provide a more effective response and more appropriately utilize available resources.

In response to this need, CMHA ASER and the MHPS have partnered on the development of a Medicine Hat CARE team that will employ two teams of mental health first-responders who will responds to low-risk emergency calls for service where there are no weapons or indication of violence involved and the individuals in crisis are not displaying any signs of aggression. The goal of the team will be to provide support to individuals experiencing mental illness, addiction, and homelessness and assist them with system-navigation so that they may most efficiently access available programs in our community of care in Medicine Hat.

“Each year the MHPS responds to an estimated 800 calls for service that are not criminal in nature and would be better suited the expertise of mental health professionals,” says Inspector Brent Secondiak of the MHPS. “The addition of the CARE team will allow our officers to focus their efforts on serious criminal matters impacting public safety and will better provide persons in crisis with the support they need.”

“I am very grateful for all the work done previously to facilitate this new team to be ready to hit the streets offering care and support to the citizens of Medicine Hat,” says Lyndon Grunewald, Executive Director of Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta Southeast Region. I believe the service will provide a valuable resource to those seeking assistance in their mental wellness journey. We all strive for good mental wellness and the board, staff, volunteers and peers at the CMHA-ASER office are committed to serving our communities with support, connection, training and now community outreach.”

Media Contact:
Rita Sittler
Administrative Services Manager
Medicine Hat Police Service 
Ph: 403-529-8416

Three individuals have been charged in connection to a string of residential break and enters that occurred during the overnight hours of August 31 and September 1, 2022, in the Ross Glen, East Glen, Crestwood and Strachan Road areas of Medicine Hat.

An investigation completed by the Medicine Hat Police Service Patrol Section and Criminal Investigation Section (CIS) determined that a total of six residential properties and two commercial properties had been impacted, and that three motor vehicles were stolen during the crime spree. Much of the stolen property including e-bikes, bicycles and televisions, have been recovered and is in the process of being returned to their owners.

Resulting from this investigation the following individuals have been charged:

William MacPhail, 18-years-old of Medicine Hat, AB is charged with four counts of break, enter and commit theft under $5,000, two counts of break, enter and commit theft over $5,000 and one count of possession of stolen property. MacPhail was released by way of a bail hearing and scheduled to appear in for court on September 28, 2022.

Steven Slater, 47 years old of Medicine Hat, AB has been charged with one count of possession of stolen property over $5,000. Slater was released by way of an undertaking and scheduled to appear in court on November 23, 2022.

One youth who cannot be named in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act has been charged with one count of break, enter, and commit theft under $5,000. The youth was released by way of a youth undertaking and scheduled to appear in court on October 24, 2022.

The investigation is still ongoing and anyone with any information that could assist is asked to contact investigators at 403-529-8400. Please refer to MHPS File #22-21228.

Media Contact:

Acting S/Sgt Clarke White
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
PH: 403-529-8421

Contrary to an online report circulating, the MHPS has NOT arrested Myles Sanderson, wanted for 1^st deg murder in connection to the multiple deaths in SK. The male arrested in Medicine Hat was not connected in anyway to those offences. Anyone with information relating to the whereabouts of Myles Sanderson should call 911 immediately. The suspect is considered armed and dangerous, do not approach or attempt to apprehend.

The MHPS continues to monitor the events in SK and will update the community with timely and accurate information when it is received.

Following the conclusion of a criminal trial, on September 1, 2022, Medicine Hat Police Service Constable Myles Steiger was found guilty of assault in connection with an off-duty incident that occurred on April 21, 2021 and was given an 18-month suspended sentence by the Court.

Cst. Steiger is a 12-year member of the MHPS. He has been placed on administrative duties since June 23, 2021. The Service will now assess the findings of the court and commence an internal disciplinary process under the Police Act. The disciplinary process will determine whether any discipline, up to and including dismissal, is appropriate.

To ensure appropriate oversight, the Chair of the Medicine Hat Police Commission, and the provincial Director of Law Enforcement, have been provided with updates on the progress of this investigation on an ongoing basis.

Media Contact:

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

A variety of weapons, including a rifle, were seized from the home of an alleged Medicine Hat drug dealer. ALERT seized fentanyl and methamphetamine from the home as well.

The seizure and arrest took place on August 30, 2022, when ALERT Medicine Hat’s Regional Property Crime Unit executed a search warrant at a home located in the Southwest Hill area of Medicine Hat, with help from the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS).

The following items were seized from the home:

• Rifle and ammunition;
• Crossbow;
• Taser;
• Dart launcher;
• 15 grams of fentanyl;
• 31 grams of methamphetamine; and
• $6,360 cash.

James McNulty, 41, was charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, careless use of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of proceeds of crime, and unauthorized possession of identity documents.

McNulty was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court on September 29, 2022, in Medicine Hat, AB.

“Clearly there were variety of dangerous weapons seized during this investigation and what’s most concerning is the home’s proximity to a junior high school. Anytime drugs and weapons mix it poses a threat to public safety and community well-being,” said Staff Sgt. Ryan Thorburn, ALERT Medicine Hat.

Members of the community who suspect drug, gang or property crime issues in their neighborhood can submit tips anonymously through the MHPS website at mhps.ca or the MHPS mobile app, which is free to download and available for both Apple and Android devices.

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.

-30-

Media inquiries may be directed to:

Staff Sgt. Ryan Thorburn
Medicine Hat Organized Crime team
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
Ph: 403-529-8425

The Medicine Hat Police Service is requesting public assistance following a rash of residential or commercial break and enters that occurred during the evening of August 31^st, 2022 / the early morning hours of September 1^st, 2022. The offences occurred in the Ross Glen, East Glen and Crestwood areas of Medicine Hat.

A male is in custody for multiple offences and the MHPS is requesting that anyone who has been impacted and has not yet file a police report contact the MHPS by calling the non-emergency line at 403-529-8481.

More information on the crime spree will be release once the investigation is complete.

Media Contact:

Insp Brent Secondiak
Support Services Division
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8412

During a recent investigation, the Medicine Hat Police Service seized multiple stolen items including: a vintage sports card collection, a coin collection and jewelry. A search of previous reports of items reported as stolen has been unsuccessful in identifying the potential owners and as such the MHPS is requesting that anyone with information that could assist in identifying the rightful owners contact Constable Adam Johnston by email at Adam.Johnston@mhps.ca

At 0729hrs on Saturday, August 20th, 2022, a Manitoba semi tractor/trailer eastbound on the TransCanada. (TC Highway) failed to stop for a red light at the 7^th St SW intersection in Medicine Hat, Alberta.  

A northbound Kia Seltos SUV, driven by a 46 year old Medicine Hat male, was proceeding from 7^th St SW across  the TC Hwy intersection.  

The semi tractor/trailer collided with the Kia Seltos on the driver's side of the vehicle.  The driver of the Kia Seltos was transported by EMS to the hospital with undetermined injuries.  Members of the Traffic unit continue the investigation and charges are pending  

On the morning of August 16, 2022, the Medicine Hat Police Service responded to a serious assault on the riverbank of the South Saskatchewan River in Strathcona Park. As a result of the investigation, Andrew Beaudoin (32 years of age) of Medicine Hat was arrested and charged with the following offences.

• Aggravated Assault
• Possession of a Weapon Dangerous to the public x 2
• Breach of Release Order x 2

Beaudoin was held for Judicial Interim Release Hearing, where he was remanded into custody pending his next court appearance on August 23^rd, 2022

Staff Sergeant Jason Graham

Criminal Investigation Section