ARTICLES

Criminal charges are pending against a Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) officer in relation to an ongoing Police Service Regulation (PSR) investigation conducted by the Edmonton Police Service (EPS).

At the request of the MHPS, the EPS Professional Standards Branch initiated a PSR investigation in February 2023, following the receipt of complaints from a former MHPS employee.  During that investigation the alleged criminal conduct occurred.

On July 7, 2025, Const. Noel Darr, was arrested for obstructing justice in relation to this investigation. He was released on his appearance notice with a court date of August 27, 2025, in Medicine Hat.

Const. Darr is currently away from work for unrelated reasons, however, the MHPS Office of the Chief will review his duty status following a review of investigative materials when received from the EPS.

Additional information will not be provided at this time as the matter is before the courts.

Media Contact:

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

Fentanyl and cocaine totaling more than $250,000 in estimated street value was seized following an investigation by ALERT.

ALERT Medicine Hat’s organized crime team seized 1,010 grams of cocaine and 800 grams of fentanyl, along with smaller amounts of methamphetamine and cash proceeds of crime.

 “This would rank as one of the largest fentanyl seizures in Medicine Hat and we already seeing an impact on the drug’s supply in the community. Working with our partners, we have prioritized fentanyl investigations and this seizure is the latest example of the success we are having,” said Staff Sgt. Ryan Thorburn, ALERT.

Some of the drugs were seized from a home in the Flats neighbourhood of Medicine Hat on June 13, 2025. Medicine Hat Police Service provided assistance with the search warrant execution and the arrest of one suspect.

ALERT also seized two vehicles as offence related property. These vehicles, along with the cash, will be considered for civil forfeiture and use in the province’s victims of crime fund.

Sean Bowers, 44-year-old from Medicine Hat, has been charged with drug trafficking, possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, and possession of a prohibited weapon.

Bowers is accused of trafficking drugs at various communities throughout southeastern Alberta. ALERT began investigating his suspected drug trafficking in June 2025.

Robert Jones, 38-year-old from Medicine Hat, and Sonya Bayes, 35-year-old from Medicine Hat, each face one count of possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking.

Bowers remains in custody, while Jones and Bayes have been released. They are each expected to appear in court on July 3, 2025.

ALERT’s investigation is ongoing.

Some of ALERT’s largest fentanyl seizures in Medicine Hat, include:

•4,998 grams of fentanyl seized in Project Motor in February 2022;

•2,972 grams of fentanyl seized by MHPS in January 2023;

•679 grams of fentanyl seized in July 2022;

•330 grams of fentanyl seized in February 2025;

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.

On the evening of June 29, 2025, shortly after 10:00 pm the Medicine Hat Police Service received a complaint of a break and enter in progress to a local business in the 700 block of 2 Street SE.  When MHPS Patrol members arrived on scene they found a broken window and with the help of a Police Service Dog, located the suspect hiding inside.   

A 13-year-old female was arrested and charged with Break and Enter, to Commit Theft.  The female was released from custody to appear in Medicine Hat Provincial Court.  Under provisions set forth in the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the name of the female will not be released.

The Medicine Hat Police Service is seeking public assistance to identify a man who is a person of interest related to an altercation that occurred at a gas station located on Redcliff Drive SW on June 22, 2025, at approximately 4:00 PM.

The male shown in the image below is considered a person of interest in this ongoing investigation. A female was observed with the male at the time of the assault.

Anyone who can identify the individuals is asked to contact Constable Josh Vandervelde, at 403.529.8481. Tips may also be submitted via the MHPS website (mhps.ca) or mobile app. The MHPS app is free to download and available for both Apple and Android devices.

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

On June 20, 2025, at approximately 12:54 PM, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service Patrol Section were dispatched to a report of a disturbance in the 000-block of 2nd Street SE.

Upon arrival it was learned that a man was observed taking property from a residence and loading items into a vehicle. It was determined that the man was in the process of moving from the residence, while doing so, he was accused of taking property belonging to his roommate. An argument ensued between the roommates and the accused armed himself with a bat and assaulted the victim and damaged property in the home.

Resulting from this matter a 37-year-old man was taken into custody and charged with the following offences:  Robbery and Mischief Under $5,000.  A Judicial Interim Release Hearing was conducted, and the accused was released from custody on a release order to appear in court on July 23, 2025.

Media Contact:

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

The Medicine Hat Police Service Criminal Investigation Section has laid charges following a complex fraud investigation stemming from an incident reported on June 18, 2025.

A local senior couple was contacted by individuals falsely claiming to be legal counsel of a family member, requesting a large cash payment under the pretense of securing bail.

The suspects instructed the victims to withdraw money from the bank and later arranged for a person to attend their residence to collect the funds. Through investigative efforts, police were able to identify and arrest three individuals involved in the incident.

Search warrants were executed, and evidence was recovered linking the individuals to the offence. Two people have been charged with fraud over $5,000 and theft over $5,000, with one also facing a charge for possession of proceeds of crime. All individuals charged were released with conditions and are scheduled to appear in court on August 20, 2025. One person was released without charges pending further investigation.

The Medicine Hat Police Service reminds the public to be cautious of unsolicited calls requesting money, particularly those involving pressure tactics or secrecy. Anyone receiving suspicious communication is encouraged to verify with trusted family or contact police directly.

Media Contact:
S/Sgt Cory Both
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) is proud to announce the release of its 2024 Annual Report, marking a significant milestone in the Service's history - its 125th anniversary. The report highlights the achievements, challenges, and ongoing efforts of the MHPS in serving the community with pride and professionalism.

“Our 125th year invited reflection on our proud history as a Service and our renewed commitment to the future. The 2024 Annual Report illustrates how our members and community partners work together to enhance public safety and invest in meaningful change to improve service delivery,” said Chief of Police Al Murphy.

Community Safety and Engagement

The MHPS remains committed to community safety, as evidenced by the increase in calls for service, response to significant operational events including an officer involved shooting and two fatal motor vehicle collisions, as well as the proactive measures taken by various units, including the Downtown Patrol Unit who work diligently with stakeholders to address concerns related to social disorder. The Service also hosted the inaugural Alberta Women in Public Safety Conference and continued its efforts community engagement through initiatives like Coffee with a Cop and the Citizens' Police Academy.

Innovation and Excellence in Service Delivery

The MHPS is dedicated to innovation and excellence in service delivery, as demonstrated by the response to increased FOIP requests and the announcement of a new partnership with the Medicine Hat College for a police recruit training program. The Service also recognized the exceptional efforts of its members through various commendations and awards.

Historical Milestones

To celebrate the 125th anniversary, a patch, designed by Mr. Garet Van Riper, commemorated the rich history and diversity of the MHPS. The patch features iconic Medicine Hat landmarks and the MHPS Heraldic Crest, symbolizing the pride and history of the Service.

As the MHPS reflects on its past and looks toward the future, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring a fair, accountable, and community-centered approach to policing. The Service is grateful for the support of the community and is honored to continue serving Medicine Hat with integrity and professionalism.

Click here to view the report.

For more information, please contact:

Rita Sittler
Business Services Manager
Medicine Hat Police Service
Email: rita.sittler@mhps.ca
Phone: 403-529-8416

The Medicine Hat Police Service is once again receiving reports that the “Grandparent Scam” is circulating in the  area.

In the typical scenario, a grandparent receives a phone call from a con artist pretending to be their grandchildren. The caller will sometime say that they are in trouble, usually in a car accident, returning from a foreign country, or even in jail and need bail money immediately.

Unfortunately, victims do not verify the story until after the money has been sent as the caller specifically asks “Can you please help me? I'm in jail (or in the hospital / legal trouble or in some type of financial need). But don't tell Mom/Dad. They will kill me if they find out, please sent the money ASAP. I'm scared".  Wanting to help their grandchild, the victim sends the money as requested. 

Variations on the scam are an old neighbor, a friend of the family etc. but predominantly the emergency scam is usually directed towards seniors and grandparents.

The MHPS is encouraging residents to talk with their older relatives about what to do when they receive a suspicious call:

•             Verify the caller’s identity and the legitimacy of the story. Call the grandchild directly and if they can’t be reached, contact their parents, siblings, or another relative who can help verify the story.

•             If the caller claims to a police officer, lawyer or other official, call the police station or officer directly to confirm the legitimacy of the call.

•             Do not use any phone numbers or other contact details provided by the caller to try to verify the information.

•             Do not provide money, gift cards, cryptocurrency or any other form of payment to someone you do not know.

•             Bail is always paid in person and the police station, courthouse or correctional centre and receipt of payment is provided.  Police and court officials will never attend your home to pick up cash.

•             Never disclose personal information over the phone to someone you do not know.

If you or someone you know has received such a request for money, contact your family or the MHPS who can advise you further.  If you have fallen victim to this scam, and have not already reported it, please contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481.

Media Contact:

Sgt. Adam Gregory
Community Support Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph:403-529-8451

A Medicine Hat man is facing several charges in connection to a series of recent thefts have occurred over the past few weeks in the Southwest Industrial area.

Thousands of dollars of tools have been taken, as well as two motor vehicles stolen from the Tower Estates area. The vehicles have been recovered; however, the tools are still missing.

On June 10, 2025, an unrelated break and enter occurred in the area of Cottonwood Way SW where a photograph of a suspect, led to his identification as Jayden Skinner.

On June 11, 2025, Skinner, aged 26, was located and charged with multiple property related offences, including those in the Southwest Industrial area.

Skinner was held for a Judicial Interim Release Hearing and was remanded in custody. The investigation is ongoing.

Media Contact:

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

On June 10, 2025, following a lengthy investigation, the Medicine Hat Police Service Patrol Section executed a residential search warrant at a home in the 400 block of Sierra Blvd SW. The search resulted in the seizure of:

• Two rifles and ammunition,
• 1.8 kilograms of cocaine,
• $35,766 in Canadian currency,
• Multiple cartons of unstamped cigarettes.

Resulting from this investigation, 50-year-old Jason Carr, from Medicine Hat, has been charged with the following offenses:

• Extortion,
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm (two counts),
• Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized (two counts),
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine,
• Possession of proceeds of crime,
• Possession of stolen property.

Carr was detained for a Judicial Interim Release hearing and was remanded into custody pending his next court appearance on June 12, 2025, in Medicine Hat Provincial Court.

The investigation is still ongoing.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt. Harley Kesler
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8481