ARTICLES

The MHPS is requesting public assistance to locate a vehicle involved in a high risk offence.

The vehicle is a Black 4 –door 2019 Chevrolet Cruze with Saskatchewan license plate 633 LTG. If the vehicle is observed do not approach and call 9-1-1 immediately.  The vehicle was last seen in the Crescent Heights / Ranchlands area of Medicine Hat.

Further updates will be provided when more information is available

3rd Street is now open for traffic. We appreciate your patience.

On February 25, 2020, the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) Priority Street Crime Unit (PSCU) executed a search warrant at a residence located in the 500 block of 5 Street SE.

Resulting from this investigation, 33-year-old, Jason Higdon of Medicine Hat, was arrested and charged with multiple counts of; possession of stolen property, possession of identity documents, possession of credit card data, as well as possession of a controlled substance, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public, possession of a prohibited weapon, breaches related to weapons prohibitions and previous release orders.

Higdon was held for a Judicial Interim Release Hearing and was remanded into custody.

The recovered identity documents and stolen property is being returned to the relevant owners.

The PSCU and MHPS Patrol Section will continue to monitor this residence to address concerns as they arise.

Members of the community who suspect drug, gang or property crime issues in their neighborhood can submit tips anonymously through the MHPS mobile app, which is free to download and available for both Apple and Android devices or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Media Contact:

SSgt Cory Both
Community Safety Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-581-1056

On the afternoon of February 25th the Medicine Hat Police responded to a call for service on Ross Haven Ave SE. Upon attending to the area, members encountered an individual who was experiencing a mental health crisis. Given the circumstances involved, including the history of the individual and their access to weapons, extreme caution and care was exercised. As a result the individual was apprehended safely, with no injury to themselves, the public or any member of the police service. No further comments or details will be provided at this time.

Traffic investigators have now cleared the scene on the Trans Canada Highway. Both lanes in the westbound and eastbound lanes are now open.

Members of the Medicine Hat Police Service are investigating a single vehicle motor vehicle collision that occurred on the Trans Canada Highway, prior to the Box Springs Road NW exit, which has resulted in the death of at 40-year-old male, who was the driver and lone occupant of the vehicle.

Police are on scene conducting an investigation into the cause of this collision and as such westbound traffic on the Trans Canada Highway will be reduced to one lane for most of the day. An update will be provided once the roadway is cleared.

The MHPS extends condolences to the friends and family of the deceased male. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Media Contact:

Sgt. Gerald Sadlemyer
Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8471

The Medicine Hat Police is currently at the scene of a motor vehicle collision on the westbound lane of the Trans Canada Highway, just west of the 3 Street NW intersection. Eastbound traffic is not affected, however the westbound lane is now down to one lane. We are asking motorists to avoid this area until further notice.

The Medicine Hat Police Service Major Crime Section has charged 53-year-old Claudio Tovar-Aguilar in relation to sexual assaults involving three female victims. The investigation into these additional offences was conducted after Tovar-Aguilar was arrested and charged for similar offences on December 21, 2019.

Since the original charges were laid, police have learned that two adult females were sexually assaulted on July 13, 2019 by Tovar-Aguilar and are believed to have been given some type of drug prior to the assault that affected their ability to give consent.

Additionally, Tovar-Aguilar has been charged with attempted sexual assault on an adult female from an incident that occurred on December 15, 2019 in which the victim is believed to have been given some type of drug that affected her ability to give her consent and also held her against her will.

As a result of this arrest Claudio Tovar Aguilar of Medicine Hat has been charged with:

• 2 counts of sexual assault
• 1 count of attempted sexual assault
• 3 counts of administer an overpowering drug in order to commit an indictable offence
• 1 count of unlawful confinement

Tovar-Aguilar has appeared before a Justice of the Peace and was remanded into custody. His next court date is scheduled for February 25, 2020.

The Medicine Hat Police Service Major Crime Section will be continuing this investigation. Anyone who believes that they may have been a victim of a sexual assault relating to this offender, or knows of someone that may be victim, is asked to contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481 to report.

Media Contact:

A/S/Sgt Adam Gregory
Major Crime Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-594-0520

February 23, 2020

Over the past several days Medicine Hat Police Service has attended to several complaints of counterfeit money. The fake money, US currency in $20 denominations, was passed at local businesses.

The texture of the fake money is similar to plain paper and the detail is of a poor quality. The counterfeit bills also have the same serial number ending 2814 B.

Please be diligent when accepting any cash and especially foreign currency that you may not be familiar with.

If you or your business has accepted or encountered similar counterfeit cash, please report it to MHPS at (403)529-8400.

The Medicine Hat Police Service Major Crime Section has charged an additional person in connection with a break in and theft from a jewelry store last week.

On February 10, 2020 at about 3:24 AM, a suspect broke into Gold Pro Jewellers located at #108 - 3030 13 Ave SE by smashing a window. Once inside, the suspect stole several rings and earrings before fleeing the area. The value of the stolen items is approximately $39,000.

Arrests were made and in relation to this offence on February 14, 2020 and charges of possession of stolen property under $5,000 were laid against 37-year-old Kris Hansen and 23-year-old Jessica Ott. Hansen was remanded into custody with his next court date scheduled for February 27, 2020. Ott was released from custody with conditions and a scheduled court date of March 25, 2020.

On February 18, 2020 additional arrests were made in relation to this offence. As a result, 43-year-old Shane Yanke of Medicine Hat has been charged with:

• Break & Enter to a business and commit theft over $5,000
• Wearing a disguise with intent to commit an indictable offence
• Possession stolen property for the purpose of trafficking over $5,000
• Trafficking in stolen property under $5,000
• Possession of stolen property over $5,000

Yanke has been remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear for his next court date court on February 20, 2020.

The Major Crime Section will continue to investigate this matter as only a portion of the stolen jewelry has been recovered at this time and more charges could potentially be laid.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800 -222-8477 (TIPS). Tips may also be submitted (anonymously if preferred) through 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. Chad Holt
Major Crime Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421