ARTICLES

On September 8, 2021, at approximately 1:00 PM a member of the Medicine Hat Police Service was flagged down by a male victim who had just been assaulted by an unknown male subject near Central Park. The male victim received serious, nonlife threatening, physical injuries and was been transported to the hospital by EMS for further medical assessments.

It is believed that there was a witness to this event who assisted the victim following the assault and investigators are urging this individual, and any one else with information on this matter to contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt Ryan Thorburn
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
PH: 403-529-8481

On September 2, 2021, the Medicine Hat ALERT Unit concluded a two-week long drug investigation with the arrest of two males after a search was conducted where a large sum of money and cocaine was seized. A follow up search warrant was conducted at the arrested individual’s residence in Medicine Hat where additional drugs and prohibited firearms were seized, including:

• sawed off 12-gauge Remington shotgun
• sawed off Winchester shotgun
• shotgun rounds
• 36 grams of Psilocybin
• 121 grams of cocaine
• 2 grams of methamphetamine
• 2 litres of liquid GHB

The street value of the drugs seized was estimated at approximately $18,500 as well as approximately $12,000 in cash.

Resulting from this investigation, Luc REAUME aged 40 and Daryl STEFANI aged 36, have been charged with the following:

• Possession for the Purpose of trafficking cocaine and GHB
• Possession of methamphetamine and psilosybin
• Possession of proceeds of crime over $5000
• Numerous firearms offences

Both were the subject of a Judicial Interim Release Hearing and were released by a Justice of the Peace for future court appearances in Medicine Hat.

Media Contact:

Sgt. Darren Lole
Regional Property Crimes Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

On August 26, 2021, members of the ALERT Regional Property Crime Unit arrested and charged a Medicine Hat male after a sawn-off double barrel shotgun and ammunition was recovered at his residence, together with the identity documents and financial data of eight victims. The male was serving on a Conditional Sentence Order in the community following recent prior convictions. Austin LANE aged 25 yrs, of Medicine Hat, was the subject of a Judicial Interim release hearing and remains in custody at this time.

Media Contact:
Sgt Darren Lole
Regional Property Crimes Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

On August 31, 2021, at approximately 3:34 PM a Nissan Altima was travelling west on 6th Street SW between 1st Avenue SW and Division Avenue SW. A moped scooter was travelling east on 6th Street SW at the same location. The driver of the Nissan Altima turned left into a parking stall in front of the scooter resulting in a collision.

The driver of the scooter was transported to hospital for treatment of serious injuries. The driver of the Nissan Altima was uninjured. Total damage to the vehicles involved is estimated to be in excess of $2,000.

The Medicine Hat Police Service Traffic Unit continues to investigate the accident.

Media Contact:

Cst Darren Holeha
Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8471

The Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Section of the Medicine Hat Police Service will be focusing on Parking at and near Schools during the month of September.

With the start of the new school year will come some parking problems around many schools. People living near schools often find their driveways and alleys obstructed and in addition, school bus zones are often filled with student and parent vehicles.

City of Medicine Hat Public Roads Bylaw #4346 allows for parking in alleys for a maximum of 30 minutes for the purposes of loading and unloading passengers providing that the vehicle does not obstruct the use of the alley by pedestrians or other vehicles. In addition, parking in a designated school bus zone is a violation for the times posted at the schools.

It is also important to park on the public roadways only and avoid parking on private property near the school unless you have permission from the property owner. Many of the schools have parking lots that are designated for staff only or are adjacent to other private properties that have parking lots that are monitored.

Around many of the schools are clearly marked “NO PARKING” zones that should be adhered to at all times. These zones are placed to allow for the visibility and safety of all children around the schools.

Bylaw #4346 also prohibits parking within 1.5 meters of a driveway or other vehicle crossing over a sidewalk. In addition, parking within 5 meters of Stop or Yield Sign, a Marked Crosswalk or a Fire Hydrant is prohibited.

By obeying these parking laws, we can all contribute to a safe community and make sure that all the children coming and going to school can do so in safety.

Violators could be fined as well as have their vehicles towed. Fines for parking violations start at $50.00. To report a concern call 403-529-8481.

Have a great school year everyone and stay safe!

For more information contact:

Colin Heyens
Acting Supervisor,
Municipal Bylaw Enforcement
Ph: 403-529-8436

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. 

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.

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.