ARTICLES

On October 18, 2023, the Medicine Hat Police Service responded to a report of thefts from travel trailers stored at a secure facility in the NW Brier Park industrial area of Medicine Hat. The investigation is in its early stages, and it is believed that ten (10) travel trailers have been unlawfully entered.

The MHPS is actively investigating the incident, to determine the extent of damage and loss incurred by the affected trailer owners and identify the person(s) responsible. Investigators are working in close cooperation with both the trailer owners and the operators of the storage facility. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481 or submit a tip (anonymously if preferred) via the MHPS website (mhps.ca) or mobile app. The MHPS mobile app is free to download and available for both Apple and Android Devices.

Media Contact:

Acting Inspector Harley Kelser
Operational Services Division
Medicine Hat Police Service
PH 403-581-3791

Sienna Elliot, who was previously reported as a missing person has been safely located. The Medicine Hat Police Service is appreciative the the support provided by the community locating Sienna. 

ALERT Medicine Hat’s organized crime unit, with the assistance of Brooks RCMP, the Medicine Hat Police Service and ALERT, is currently conducting a number of search warrants in the city of Brooks as part of an on-going investigation.

Six homes are being searched and a number of suspects have been taken into custody. There is no risk to the public.

No additional information will be provided at this time. Media will be informed of additional details at a later date.

 

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) is requesting public assistance to locate a missing woman, Sienna Elliott.

Sienna was reported as missing to the MHPS on September 26, 2023. Sienna has not been in contact with her family since July 26^th, 2023. While her last known address is in Medicine Hat, she was reportedly seen in Edmonton, AB and Swift Current, SK in July and may have been making her way to Vancouver, BC.

Sienna Elliott is described as an Indigenous female, 28 years old, slim build weighing approximately 120 lbs, 5’2” tall with brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information on Sienna’s whereabouts is asked to contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481 or the local police service of your jurisdiction.

Media Contact:

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

A Medicine Hat man has been charged with arson in connection to a suspicious fire.

On September 22, 2023, at 5:06 AM members of the Medicine Hat Police Service and Medicine Hat Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire in the 1300 block of 7^th Avenue NE, Medicine Hat. When crews arrived on scene a travel trailer and detached garage were fully engulfed in flames. The fire was quickly brought under control and extinguished, however not before the garage structure, travel trailer and contents were destroyed. The total value of the damage is estimated at $150,000.

The matter was quickly determined to be an arson and the ensuing investigation led to the arrest of a Joseph Haynes, 51, of Medicine Hat. Haynes has been charged with one count of arson and breaching the conditions of a prior undertaking. He was held for a Judicial Interim Release hearing and released pending his next court appearance which is scheduled for October 17, 2023.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone who was a witness to, or has additional surveillance footage of this incident, is asked to contact the Medicine Hat Police Service at 403-529-8481.

Media Contact

S/Sgt. Jason Graham
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421

A male is in custody facing weapons related offences following a report of a disturbance at a multi suite residence this morning.

On September 11 at approximately 12:10 AM, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS), were called to the 900 block of 2^nd Street SE following a report of a male with a weapon damaging property and attempting to gain access to a suite inside of a multi-unit building.

Patrol members attended and were able to contain the male to a suite and identified he was in possession of a weapon. As the male threatened officers, the MHPS Tactical Team and crisis negotiators were called in to assist.

At approximately 3:30 AM officers were able to gain access to the residence and arrest the subject without incident or injuries to the male or responding officers.

Resulting from this incident the male is in custody facing criminal charges including:

• Possession of a Weapon Dangerous to the Public Peace
• Breach of Probation
• Mischief to Property, and
• Uttering Threats

The male will be held for a Judicial Interim Release hearing and cannot be identified until the conclusion of the hearing.

Media Contact

Staff Sergeant Trevor Humphries
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

The 2023 Medicine Hat Toy Run will be taking place on Saturday, September 9, 2023.

The Toy Run will be starting in Irvine, AB at approximately 11:30 AM, and travelling along the Trans Canada Highway with many participants riding motorcycles who are expected to arrive in Medicine Hat at around noon.

The group will travel northbound on Dunmore Road SE to 28 Street SE where participants will turn right and proceed to the Medicine Hat Stampede Grounds located at 2055 21 Avenue SE.

Short term traffic delays are expected along the route due to blocking of the intersections to allow the participants to proceed to the Medicine Hat Stampede Grounds.

The Medicine Hat Police Service and Redcliff Bylaw Services will be conducting an over dimensional load escort on September 6, 2023, starting at 9:00 am. The oversized load will start in the Redcliff northwest industrial area and proceeding east bound on highway #1 to the traffic lights located in Dunmore,AB . Both the west/east bound lanes of Highway #1 and the southwest light industrial area of Medicine Hat will be affected due to counterflowing of the over dimensional loads. Please try to avoid this route if possible, if unable please be patient and obey all directions from the Police, Bylaw and pilot vehicles involved with this move.

It’s time to head back to school and our Medicine Hat Police Service School Resource Officers (SRO) are excited for the start of a new school year!

The goal of the SRO’s is to provide a visible police presence in the schools and work with the entire school community to create a safe environment while building a positive relationship between youth and the police service.

Cst. Taylor Olenic will be returning for his second year at Medicine Hat High School and Cst. Brent Bohrn will be heading back to Crescent Heights High School for another year as well. Both officers are looking forward to catching up with everyone and meeting new students and staff.

Cst. Matt Sanders is a new SRO this year and is assigned to Monsignor McCoy High School, St Mary’s School, and Notre Dame Academy. Cst. Sanders has been a police officer for 16 years, and his most recent assignment was in the Patrol Section. Cst. Sanders has previously been assigned to the Mountain Bike Unit, K9 Unit, and ALERT Section.

The SRO’s have offices within their schools or can be reached at:

Medicine Hat High School – Cst. Taylor Olenic – taylor.olenic@mhps.ca Ph: 403-928-7570

Monsignor McCoy High School – Cst. Matt Sanders – matthew.sanders@mhps.ca Ph: 403-458-1403

Crescent Heights High School – Cst. Brent Bohrn – brent.bohrn@mhps.ca Ph:403-458-0209

Have a great year everyone!

Media Contact:
Acting Sgt. Brent Bohrn
Community Support Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8451

As student prepare to head back to school this week and next the Medicine Hat Police Service will be providing extra attention to school and playground zones. In Medicine Hat, all school and playground zones are signed as playground zones only, and a 30 km/hr speed limits is in effect from 7:30 AM until 9:00 PM all year round.

One of the most common concerns that arise when schools are in session are complaints related to parking at/near the schools. The infractions are often due to parking near or blocking crosswalks, blocking driveways and parking near fire hydrants or parking where signs prohibit. Fines begin at $50 for Medicine Hat bylaw offences and can be as high as $810 for Traffic Safety Act offences.

In the excitement of returning to school, children may forget basic road safety rules as they walk, bicycle, and ride the bus to school. Throughout the province, traffic injuries are the leading cause of death and a leading cause of hospitalization to children younger than the age of 14 years.

To keep children safe, motorists should do the following:

• Use caution when approaching intersections or mid-block crosswalks. Parked or stopped vehicles may hide a pedestrian who is crossing the road. The fine for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk or passing a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk to permit a pedestrian to cross is $810 and four demerit points.

• Watch for the school safety patrol in their orange vests and stop as directed. Patrollers play a vital role in directing children safely across the street.

Back to school also means an increase in school bus traffic throughout the city. Safety at or near bus stops is also a high priority. Keep the following in mind:

• Alternating flashing amber lights mean a bus is slowing down to stop. Do the same.
• Motorists should always watch for children crossing the road and be prepared to slow down or stop.
• Driver courtesy goes a long way. By simply being alert and cautious when approaching a school bus, you are contributing to school bus safety.

Let’s work together to as a community make our roads safer for everyone! With your help, we can ensure our children’s’ return to school is a safe one.

For more information contact:

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