ARTICLES

The intersection of Division Ave and 8th St N has been cleared. Further information about the MVC will be released shortly. Thank you for your patience

Police are responding a MVC with injuries which occurred at the intersection of Division Ave and 8th Street North affecting traffic in all directions. Please avoid this area until further notice.

In the first two weeks of patrolling in the downtown core, the Medicine Hat Police Service uniformed Foot Patrol Unit has recorded:

• 177 citizen contacts
• 74 business contacts
• 22 Provincial tickets
• Four bylaw tickets
• Ten Outstanding warrant arrests
• Two Criminal Code arrests, and
• Issued several warnings.

The Unit was formed to provide an increased police presence in the downtown area and increase the feeling of safety for residents and businesses. Informally, the MHPS has received anecdotal information that the police presence is appreciated and in the short time the Unit has been operational it is making a difference in the area.

Media Contact:
Insp. Brent Secondiak
Operational Services Division
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

On June 13, 2019 at approximately 11:48 AM a Kia Spectra was driving South in the left lane on Kingsway Avenue, when the male driver lost control of the vehicle, striking a Jeep Grand Cherokee in the right lane, before rolling onto its roof.

Neither of the drivers suffered major physical injuries as a result of the collision. Total damage to the involved vehicles is estimated at $10,000.

The male driver of the Kia Spectra was requested to perform a roadside Standard Field Sobriety Test resulting in a 24 Hour suspension for Impairment by Drugs and also issued tickets for operating a motor vehicle while using a cell phone and careless driving.

Media Contact:

A/Sgt Darren Holeha
Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph:403-529-8471

The Medicine Hat Police Service will be holding an auction sale on Saturday, June 22, 2019 in the parking lot across from the main building.

There will be a variety of items for sale including; bikes, tools, household items and décor. To view some of the items for sale visit www.gwacountry.com. Viewing starts at 8 AM and the auction will begin at 9:00 AM.

Payment by credit card, debit and cash accepted. Persons are responsible for pick up of purchased items at time of sale.

Media Contact:

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

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) has noted an increase in the number of stolen trucks reported over the last 30 days, with Ford F250 and F350 being reported as stolen more frequently.

The majority of stolen vehicles are recovered within a short period of time and most vehicle thefts are simply a crime of opportunity, with criminals taking advantage of an easy target and using the vehicle to aid in committing other crimes such as; break and enters, robberies and drug trafficking.

There are several ways to minimize the chance of vehicle theft including:

• Do not leave your vehicle running. Under no circumstances should you leave your vehicle unattended while running with the keys in the ignition.
• Lock your vehicle. Close the windows and sunroof all the way. Where possible, leave your vehicle in a locked garage and lock your vehicle even when it is in the locked garage.
• No spare keys. Do not leave a spare key hidden in the vehicle. Thieves look for spare keys and once they break into your vehicle, they know all of the hiding spots.
• Do not leave items visible in your vehicle. This includes; parcels, cell phones, GPS devices, laptops, clothing or money. Thieves can be attracted to your car because of personal items left in plain sight.
• Be aware of where you park. Park in well-lit parking lots or on a street with lots of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. This will help to deter car thieves.

The MHPS recommends that Ford truck owners (2005-2008 models) take extra precaution, as the vehicles are being stolen using common tools. Extra precautions would include; installing an alarm system, steering wheel locking system or other anti-theft devices.

The members of the MHPS are working diligently to apprehend and charge known offenders. However, successfully charging and prosecuting offenders does not remove the cost and inconvenience to the victim of vehicle theft and higher insurance costs for all vehicle owners.

Observant residents are also another important part of preventing vehicle theft. Report suspicious behavior in your neighborhood by calling the MHPS at 403-529-8481 or 9-1-1 if you see a crime in progress.

Media Contact:

Insp Brent Secondiak
Operations Division
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

During the night of June 3, 2019 unknown person(s) caused damage to several vehicles in the Crescent Heights area of Medicine Hat. The Medicine Hat Police Service received 12 reports of vehicles with tires punctured, causing in excess of $1,800 damage to vehicles located in the northeast and northwest areas around Division Avenue North. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact the Medicine Hat Police Service at 403-529-8481 or submit a tip anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).
 

Media Contact:
Acting S/Sgt Brian Bohrn
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8461

On June 3, 2019 at approximately 8:00 AM members of the Medicine Hat Police Service responded a residence on Anson Ave SW for a report of a male breaking into a home, armed with edged weapons.

Upon police arrival, the suspect confronted officers with the weapons and demanded that police shoot him. Crisis negotiations were initiated with the male, who continued to challenge police before a Taser and one round of the Arwen Ace was deployed to temporarily incapacitate the male. The suspect began to fight and resist as police executed his arrest. The suspect was taken into custody by several officers, and then transported to hospital for assessment and treatment of his injuries.

The male will be held in police custody to await a judicial interim bail hearing on the following changes; Forcible Entry, Possess Weapon Dangerous, Assault, Forcible Confinement, Utter Threats, Mischief and Resist Arrest.

The matter remains under investigations, but has determined that the resident of the home, who has been provided with support from Victim Services, has a previous relationship with the male.

This type of crisis could have lead to a potential lethal force confrontation for police. In 2018, the MHPS initiated the Patrol Arwen-Ace Program to equip front line officers with this tool as another force option before resorting to a firearm. Today’s event is a great example of how the Arwen Ace force option prevented the need to utilize a firearm to stop the threat.

Media Contact

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

On Saturday, June 8, 2019 the Medicine Hat Police Service will be opening our doors to the community from 11 AM to 3:00 PM. This event will provide an opportunity to learn more about the MHPS and its operations through information and displays, a demonstration by a K9 team and building tours.

In coordination with the open house, the Medicine Hat Safe Community Association will be hosting a BBQ from 11 am until 2 pm in recognition of the Chief Earl Leadership Legacy Fund. The Fund was established in 2008 to celebrate Chief Earl’s contributions to the community and to honor his memory. The fund is administered through the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta and each year recognizes Grade 6 students that have demonstrated outstanding leadership skills. Each year, elementary schools identify students from within the local school districts who have demonstrated the qualities of future community leaders. Parents of the scholarship recipients are encouraged to place the awards into an existing or newly opened Registered Educational Savings Plan. Since its inception in 2008, the Chief Earl Leadership Legacy Fund has awarded 128 local students with scholarships. This year 21 additional student will be presented with awards.

There is no charge to attend this event and no need to pre-register.

Media Contact:

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

During the week of May 20, 2019, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) Priority Street Crimes Unit received information about a local female producing counterfeit US currency. A short-term investigation was initiated, resulting in a search warrant being executed at a Medicine Hat residence on May 24, 2019. Approximately $2200 in US currency was seized, along with a small amount methamphetamine and fentanyl (street value estimated at $400) and a significant amount of stolen documents.

Resulting from this investigation, Jessica Peterson, 35 years old, of Medicine Hat, Alberta has been charged with; 24 Criminal Offences, including Possession of Counterfeit Currency, Possession of Methamphetamine/Fentanyl, Possession of Stolen Property Under $5000.

Peterson was held for a bail hearing and subsequently released with several conditions. Peterson’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 6, 2019 in Medicine Hat Provincial Court.

Media Contact

S/Sgt Brian Christmann
Community Safety Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-581-1056