ARTICLES

The MHPS will be conducting an over dimensional load escort on October 3, 2024, starting at 9:30 am. The load will be starting at Bromley Mechanical (925 23 Street SW) and will be travelling to the west Redcliff town limits on Highway #1.

Traffic will be affected in both the East and West bound lanes on Highway #1 and in the SW industrial area of Medicine Hat due to counterflowing required. Please avoid these areas if possible and arrange to take alternate routes. If you are travelling in the area, please be patient and follow all police/bylaw/pilot vehicle directions. Thank you!

On September 20, 2024, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) Patrol section responded to a report of a domestic dispute involving a 34-year-old male who had a Canada Wide Warrant for his arrest and was reportedly in possession of a firearm. The male had left the residence prior to police arrival and extensive efforts were made to locate him.

During the afternoon of September 21,2024, the MHPS received information that he was at a residence located in the 400 block of 8^th Street SE. Officers attended the area and upon arrival found the man outside of the home and in possession of firearms.  Officers attempted to gain compliance from the man by using deescalating techniques but were unsuccessful. The man was uncooperative which led to officers deploying less-lethal impact rounds to prevent him from entering a nearby residence. The man subsequently discharged his firearm, causing injuries to himself, and was secured and transported by EMS to hospital for treatment of the injuries.

The Director of Law Enforcement for the Province of Alberta was notified and deemed the incident to be out of scope for investigation by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team. As a result, the MHPS Criminal Investigation Section continues the investigation.

Media Contact:

Acting Insp. Rod Thompson
Operational Services Division
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

A 39-year-old Medicine Hat man is facing numerous firearms and drug related offences following an investigation by the ALERT Medicine Hat organized crime team, with assistance from the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS).

On September 19, 2024, at approximately 2:20 PM, Kaden Schenkey was arrested following a vehicle stop completed by members of the MHPS Tactical Team. During the arrest, Schenkey failed to comply with officer commands, resulting in the deployment of pepper ball munitions to allow officers to safely take him into custody. Following the arrest, search warrants were executed at both his South Ridge area residence and at a storage unit located in the Cottonwood area.  The following items were seized during this investigation:

• Eleven (11) firearms, many with ammunition in close proximity
• A firearm suppressor
• Body armour
• 147 grams of cocaine
• 34 grams of methamphetamine
• 1.48 grams of fentanyl
• 16.24 fluid oz of gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
• $5,440 in Canadian currency
• Multiple cellular phones
• Scales
• Packaging material
• 255 grams of buffing agent

Resulting from this investigation, Schenkey has been charged with multiple firearms-related offences including possession of a loaded firearm with ammunition, possession of a firearm knowing it was unauthorized, unauthorized possession of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon, unsafe storage of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a prohibited device, possession of a firearm contrary to an order, and possess unauthorized body armour.

Schenkey has been further charged with the following drug-related offences; three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of fentanyl, and proceeds of crime.

"This arrest is a significant step in protecting our community from dangerous criminal activity.,” said Ryan Thorburn, ALERT Medicine Hat. “Along with the suspect, we seized multiple firearms that posed a serious threat to public safety. By getting these firearms off the streets, we are taking a strong stand against violence and illegal drug operations. Our investigation remains ongoing, and we will continue to work with the community to ensure that those responsible are held accountable."

Schenkey was held for a Judicial Interim Release bail hearing and has been remanded in custody with a court appearance schedule for September 24, 2024.

In Medicine Hat, members of the public who suspect drug activity can contact MHPS by calling 403-529-8481 or submitting tips online (anonymously, if preferred) via the website at mhps.ca or the MHPS mobile app. The app is free to download and available for both Apple and Android devices.

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.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt Ryan Thorburn
Organized Crime Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

On September 19, 2024, at approximately 2:20 PM members of the Medicine Hat Police Service, including members of the Tactical Team, conducted a vehicle stop in the 100 block of Sprague Way SE in relation to an ongoing investigation.  During the vehicle stop the male driver and lone occupant of the vehicle was uncooperative with police instruction and refused to exit the vehicle. This resulted in the deployment of less lethal pepper ball munition, which allowed officers to safely take the male into custody.

Due to proximity of the arrest in relation to George Davison School, the school was voluntarily placed in a hold and secure which lasted approximately 20 minutes.

The investigation is ongoing and no further information will be released at this time.

Media Contact:

Acting Insp Rod Thompson
Operational Services Division
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

On September 10, 2024, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service Criminal Investigation Section were conducting follow-up investigations at a hotel on Redcliff Drive SW. During their inquiries, investigators located a loaded sawed-off shotgun in inside one of the rooms. As a result, the lone male occupant, a 51-year-old, Medicine Hat man was arrested and charged with the following offences:

• Possession of a weapon dangerous to the public
• Unauthorized possession of a weapon
• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited/restricted firearm
• Careless use/storage of a firearm

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear in Medicine Hat Provincial Court on November 20, 2024. The name of the man charged can not be disclosed until the charges are officially sworn in court.

Media Contact:

Staff Sergeant Jason Graham
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421

On September 7, 2024, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) responded to a report of a male pointing a firearm outside of the mall. According to initial reports, a verbal altercation had occurred between a male and a group of youths, during which the male allegedly pointed a handgun at the group before fleeing the scene.

Thanks to witness statements and video surveillance of the area officers were able to quickly identify the suspect. On September 11, 2024, the MHPS Criminal Investigation Section located and arrested the male without incident. At the time of his arrest, the suspect was found in possession of a BB-style handgun, believed to have been used during the incident.

Resulting from the investigation, Joey Cameron McConnell, 43-years-old, of Medicine Hat, AB has been charged with the following offenses:

• Assault with a weapon
• Possession of a weapon dangerous to the public
• Failing to comply with a release order

McConnell was held for a judicial interim release hearing, where he was released on a release order.  His next court appearance is scheduled for October 3, 2024, at Medicine Hat Provincial Court.

Media Contact:

Staff Sergeant Jason Graham
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421

On April 10, 2024, the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) arrested and charged Cassandra Chenoweth, 41, of Medicine Hat, AB, in connection with multiple thefts from Canada Post community mailboxes throughout the city. Following her arrest, the MHPS Criminal Investigation Section executed search warrants at a local residence and two storage lockers, resulting in the recovery of thousands of mail items, both reported and unreported, including letters and parcels.

After a lengthy and complex investigation, MHPS investigators linked Chenoweth to 30 similar mailbox thefts in Medicine Hat and surrounding areas. On September 5, 2024, after consulting with Canada Post investigators and the Crown prosecutor’s office, her charges were upgraded to include:

• Theft of Mail
• Mischief (Damage Under $5,000)
• Possession of Break-in Instruments
• Possession of Canada Post Keys
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Possession of Stolen Credit Cards
• Possession of Identity Information
• Possession of Property Under $5,000
• Making or Possessing Identity Documents
• Possession of Property Over $5,000
• Possession of a Forged Document
• Possession of Credit Card Data

Chenoweth appeared in Medicine Hat Provincial Court and is scheduled to return to Provincial Court on September 17, 2024.

In collaboration with Canada Post, the recovered mail and packages will be returned to their intended recipients once they are no longer needed for investigational purposes.

Media Contact:

Staff Sergeant Jason Graham
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421

The investigation into a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred on August 23, 2024, has concluded with no charges.

On August 23, 2024, at approximately 7:00 PM members of the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS), fire and emergency services responded to a report of a motor vehicle collision that had occurred at the intersection of Park Meadows Drive SE And Southview Drive SE.

The investigation into this collision revealed that an 82-year-old woman was walking on the westbound sidewalk adjacent to Southview Drive SE, approaching the intersection of Park Meadows Dr SE when she stumbled, lost her lost her balance, and fell directly into the path of a vehicle that was travelling eastbound on Southview Dr SE. As a result of the collision, the woman succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at scene.

The MHPS offers condolences to everyone impacted by this collision. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

Media Contact:

Acting Insp. Harley Kesler
Operational Services Division
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

The investigation into a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred on July 18, 2024, has concluded with three youth facing criminal and provincial charges.

On July 18, 2024, at approximately 10:30 PM, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service, fire and emergency medical services responded to a motor vehicle collision that had occurred at the intersection of Strachan Road SE And Spruce Way SE. The investigation revealed that moped was travelling west bound on Strachan Road SE, about to turn south bound onto Spruce Way SE, was struck from behind by a west bound vehicle. Further, the operation of a separate vehicle was found to contribute to the cause of the collision.

The 15-year-old male driver of the moped suffered serious injuries during this collision and was transported to hospital for treatment. He later succumbed to his injuries.

As a result of the investigation, a male youth was charged with Dangerous Driving Causing Death and two other male youths were charged with Provincial Traffic Offences.  Alcohol was not a factor; however aggressive driving was a primary contributor to the collision.  Due to the age of the youth charged they can not be named.

The Medicine Hat Police Service offers condolences to the family and friends of the youth who was killed during this tragic event.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

Media Contact:

Acting Insp. Harley Kesler
Operational Services Division
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

Police are now clear of the scene on Southview Drive SE and traffic is no longer restricted from the area.

There will be no further release on this incident.

S/Sgt. Trevor Humphries