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UPDATE - Public Safety Incident

The event that occurred this evening in the area of Southview Drive SE has come to a conclusion. MHPS received several independent reports of gunshots in the area. A thorough and comprehensive area search was conducted which did not reveal any additional evidence.  The investigation is ongoing, however the area is now open to the public.  The Medicine Hat Police Service would like to thank the public for their patience and cooperation during this time.

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Public Safety Incident

The Medicine Hat Police is currently dealing with a public safety incident and would ask that the public avoid the greenspace / park area between Southview Drive SE and Cuyler Road SE.  We are also asking residents in this area to remain in their homes until further notice. Additional information will be forthcoming. Thank you.

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Pink Shirt Day

Today members of our staff are wearing pink in support of Pink Shirt Day. The first Pink Shirt Day was held in 2007 when two high school students in Nova Scotia took a stand for a fellow classmate who was being bullied in their school for wearing a pink shirt. The two courageous young men distributed pink shirts to their classmates in support of the student who had been bullied. Each year since then millions around the world participate by wearing something pink to symbolize that as a society we will not tolerate bullying anywhere.

 

As you are all aware, the past year has been challenging for everyone and has highlighted more than ever the importance of helping one another and advocating for those who need it. This year’s Pink Shirt Day is focused on ways we can “lift each other up” and funds raised will be used to support for programs that encourage healthy self esteem, teach empathy, compassion and kindness.

Today our Executive Team and School Resource Officers are wearing pink uniform shirts to show their support, and other non-uniformed staff members are wearing pink “Be Kind” t-shirts which were created by a Medicine Hat business, with proceeds provided to The 40 Hot Meal Project. The 40 Hot Meal Project is wonderful local program which involves a collaboration of business owners and restaurants in support of the Medicine Hat and District Food Bank. Individually packaged and frozen hot dinners are purchased from a local restaurants and delivered to the Food Bank who then distributes to those in need thru the food hampers.

Today and everyday we encourage you to look for opportunities to lift each other up and support others in our community.

Media Contact:

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

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UPDATE- Public Safety Incident Walmart

Update - February 16, 2020 at 9:15 AM

On February 15th at around 9:15 PM the Medicine Hat Walmart was placed on lock down after the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) received a report of a threat involving a firearm directed at a specific employee working in the store.

The caller made comments about attending the store to confront the employee. As a result the business was secured by MHPS to protect the safety of all employees and customers, both in the store and in the immediate area.

The lock down lasted for approximately one hour and once it was deemed safe everyone within the store was escorted off the premise.

The MHPS Major Crimes Sections has assumed responsibility of the investigation which is ongoing to uncover the source and validity of the call.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt Ryan Thorburn
Patrols Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8461

 

The event that occurred at Walmart this evening has safely come to a conclusion. A report involving a firearm was received and out of an abundance of caution, for the safety of employees and customers the business was locked down.  The Medicine Hat Police Service would like to thank the public for their patience and cooperation during this time. Further comments will be provided shortly.

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Public Safety Incident - Walmart

Currently the Medicine Hat Police Service is responding to a public safety incident at the Walmart. Please avoid the area until further notice.

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Increase in Shoplifting

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) has noted a marked increase in the number of shoplifting reports occurring at grocery stores over the past month.

Generally, the thefts have included various foods items and other necessities of life. Retail staff and police have focused on recovering the stolen items, issuing warnings and attempting to inform the individuals on local resources that are available to assist them, including providing contact information for the Medicine Hat and District Food Bank.

If you or someone you know is struggling and in need of assistance please call the Food Bank at 403-528-4313 Ext1 and leave a message. Foodbank staff will respond to you with a pick up or delivery time within 24-48 hours and they can accommodate emergency needs more quickly if required. Additionally the Brown Bag Lunch Program is available through an online portal at www.mhfoodbank.com

 

For a list of other available community resources please visit: http://palliserpcn.ca/Resources/Pages/Food-Shelter.aspx

Media Contact:

Inspector Brent Secondiak

Operations Division

Medicine Hat Police Service

Ph: 403-529-8410

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Woman Charged with Impaired & Dangerous Driving

A woman is facing charges after the vehicle she was driving crashed into a Medicine Hat home.

On February 8, 2021, at approximately 9:00 PM a 911 call was received from a resident in the 700 block of Taylor Road SE who advised that a vehicle had crashed into their house.

Police and Fire were immediately dispatched to the scene however before they arrived the driver had fled the area on foot. Members of the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) contained the area and a K9 unit was called to assist in locating the driver. A short time later, police officers were flagged down by another area resident who advised that an unknown female was located hiding in their garage.

Police initiated an impaired driving investigation and a K9 track was utilized to confirm the driver’s identify. Resulting from this investigation a 37-year-old female is facing several charges including; failing to remain at the scene of an accident, impaired and dangerous driving. Damage to the vehicle and residence is estimated at over $50,000. Thankfully no serious physical injuries were sustained as a result of this collision

The MHPS would like thank the members of the public who assisted with this investigation.

Media Contact:

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

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February STEP: Distracted Driving

The Strategic Traffic Enforcement Program for February will focus on Distracted Driving, which continues to be a traffic safety priority for the Medicine Hat Police Service. In 2020, the MHPS issued 495 tickets for distracted driving and yet the issue continues to grow. Many motorists continue to operate their vehicles while distracted, regardless of the fines and demerits associated with the offence. The risks associated with distracted driving closely resemble those of impairment and can have deadly consequences.

In Alberta, the penalty for distracted driving is a $300 fine and 3 demerits.

The Traffic Safety Act restricts drivers from:

• using hand held cell phones, texting or emailing

• using electronic devices like laptop computers, video games, cameras, video entertainment displays and programming portable audio players (MP3 players)

• entering information on GPS units

• reading printed materials in the vehicle

• writing, printing or sketching

• and personal grooming

A driver can pull over to the side of the road to use their devices, providing they are stopped and legally parked. If a driver is not in a legal parking spot, for instance a drive-thru, a ticket can still be issued. The only time a driver can use their cell phone while driving is to call in an emergency situation to a 9-1-1 Communications Centre.

Among the most frequently asked questions regarding this law is whether pets are specifically addressed by the law. The answer is yes. The Traffic Safety Act also allows police to charge a driver who permits anything, including a pet, to occupy the front seat of the vehicle in such a manner that it interferes with the driver's access to the vehicle controls and the safe operation of the vehicle. Furthermore, the Traffic Safety Act allows police to charge a driver who permits anything, including a pet, to cause any obstruction to the driver's clear vision in any direction.

To learn more about all forms of distracted driving, laws to enforce safer behaviours and why focusing on the road is so important visit https://www.alberta.ca/distracted-driving.aspx.

Media Contact:

Sgt. Gerald Sadlemyer
Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8481

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Update- Theft of Crystal

On January 31st members of MHPS Patrol Team 4 continued the investigation into the theft of the $1700.00 crystal reported the previous day. As a result of the investigation, officers arrested a 41 year old Medicine Hat woman who is scheduled to appear in court on March 30, 2021. Police were also able to recover the stolen property and return it the owner. MHPS would also like to send out a big thank you to all members of the public who assisted with this investigation.

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UPDATE - High Risk Incident

Police have a 30-year-old male in custody who was wanted on outstanding warrants for arrest held by RCMP Strathcona for following offences that occurred in Strathcona, Alberta:

  • Assault on a Police Officer
  • Resist a Peace Officer

He was also arrested on warrants for arrest that are held by RCMP Fort Saskatchewan for the following offences:

  • Resist a Peace Officer
  • Flight from Police
  • Impaired Operation (x2)
  • Breach Conditional Sentence Order
  • As well as Traffic Safety Offences

His history of assaultive behaviour towards law enforcement required a measured approach utilizing sound tactical doctrine (ie: negotiations, intelligence, and tactical officers) to maintain the safety of the public and the police.  We appreciate your cooperation and patience.

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