ARTICLES

On May 26, 2023, MHPS were alerted to a male, located in Strathcona Park, Medicine Hat, who was believed to be in possession of a firearm and experiencing mental health problems. Patrol members attended Strathcona Park and contained the area for public safety.

The male was confirmed to be in possession of a loaded pump action shotgun and during interacting with police, pointed this shotgun at police officers. Police support units including the Tactical Team, Crisis Negotiators, Explosive Disposal Unit, and AHS Emergency Medical Services attended the scene.

A police robot was used to deliver a communication device to the male and following negotiations, the male surrendered peacefully. In total, Strathcona Park was closed to the public for just over 5 hours.

A 53-year-old Medicine Hat male, who cannot be named until charges are formally sworn, has been charged with the following and is held for a Judicial Interim Release Hearing:

1. Pointing a firearm x 4
2. Assault with a weapon x 4
3. Possess weapon dangerous to the public x 2
4. Carrying a concealed Firearm
5. Careless use of a firearm
6. Possession of a prohibited device
7. Mischief
8. Resisting arrest

No further information will be released by the police service.

The police services appreciates the public cooperation by staying clear of the area during this incident.  

The investigation into the sudden death that occurred in the 2100 block of 24th Street SE on May 24, 2023, is ongoing, in conjunction with the Medical Examiner’s Office, however there is no indication that this is a criminal matter and there is no risk to the safety of the public.

No further information about the investigation or the identity of the person will be released.

Our condolences are extended to the family & friends of the deceased.

The Medicine Hat Police Service is seeking assistance from the public to identify two males believed to be involved in a serious assault that occurred outside of a local hotel during the evening of May 12, 2023.

The MHPS Criminal Investigation Section continues to investigate this matter and is asking for anyone who can identify the individuals in the photos and video below to contact Cst. Adam Johnston at 403-529-8481 or by email to adajoh@mhps.ca. Additionally, tips can be submitted through 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. Jason Graham
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421

Three community members were presented with a Chief’s Commendation in recognition of their life saving efforts.

On March 30, 2023, the Medicine Hat Police Service received a call reporting that a suicidal person had climbed over the railing of an overpass in the city and appeared to be planning to jump off.

Kiaya Turner and Christine Hunter-Wagner were driving by the area when they noticed the person in distress. Instead of continuing their way, they made a safe U-turn, stopped their vehicle, and approached the individual to offer help. Upon realizing the gravity of the situation, they quickly acted.

Karlie Schmaltz, also witnessed the unfolding events and stopped to provide assistance.

Kiaya and Christine engaged in conversation with the person and once realizing their intent to jump, they firmly grabbed the individual's sleeves. They then asked Karlie to call 9-1-1. Throughout this tense situation, Kiaya and Christine maintained their hold on the individual, who tried to pull away, while Karlie calmly called for emergency support.

The women stayed with the distressed person until MHPS officers arrived on scene and were able to assist with the rescue. The three women were presented with a Chief’s Commendation during a meeting of the Medicine Hat Police Commission held on May 17, 2023. There were commended for their bravery and selfless willingness to intervene. Their actions saved a life, and we thank them for their courage.

Media Contact:

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

Two Medicine Hat residents are facing 31 total charges following a short-term ALERT investigation into drug trafficking.

On May 9, 2023 ALERT Medicine Hat’s organized crime unit, with the assistance of Medicine Hat Police Service, executed a search warrant on an apartment suite in the Crescent Heights neighbourhood and seized the following items:

• 619 grams of methamphetamine;

• 42 grams of fentanyl;

• 10 grams of cocaine;

• 140 pills of oxycodone;

• $960 in cash.

The drugs have an estimated street value of nearly $50,000.

ALERT also seized a sawed-off shotgun, two replica firearms, ammunition, and a conducted energy weapon which resembled a flashlight.

The firearm will be submitted for further forensic analysis, ballistics testing and serial number restoration. ALERT is conducting a follow-up investigation to determine how the firearm was acquired as the suspect is currently bound by a lifetime firearms prohibition.

“This is a repeat offender and was out on bail when we began our investigation. He is bound by a lifetime firearm prohibition, and his involvement in the drug trade puts the community at risk,” said Staff Sgt. Ryan Thorburn, ALERT.

Justin Crawford, 40 years old, and Melissa Andrews, 40 years old, of Medicine Hat are facing various drug related and firearm offences. The pair remain in custody.

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity can report to the Medicine Hat Police Service at 403-529-8481 or submit a tip annoymously throught the MHPS mobile app or website.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt Ryan Thorburn
Organized Crime Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8425

On the evening of May 12, 2023, at about 10:55 p.m., the Medicine Hat Police Service attended to a serious assault in the rear parking lot of the Medicine Hat Lodge located at 1051 Ross Glen Drive SE.  The investigation revealed that two male suspects immediately fled the area on foot towards Ross Glen Drive SE and Redwood Court SE.  Specific to this time frame, police are asking members of the public with home security cameras who reside in the neighbourhood to check their systems for potential footage of these suspects entering or leaving thearea.  Suspect #1 was wearing dark shorts and a hoodie.  Suspect #2 was wearing dark pants with a white logo on the front left leg and a dark hoodie.  

Additionally, anyone who may have witnessed this incident or saw anyone running from the vicinity is encouraged to contact police.

The Medicine Hat Police Service’s Criminal Investigation Section is investigating this matter. If you can provide any details of this incident, please call 403-529-8481 or contact Cst. Adam Johnston at adajoh@mhps.ca.

A Medicine Hat man has been charged in connection to a high-risk incident that occurred in the city.

During the early evening of May 2, 2023, the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) became aware of the whereabouts of a male who was wanted by police for various criminal code offences.

Officers located the man in a home in the 300 block of 11 Street SW and based on information obtained it was believed there was a potential risk of access to a weapon. After several failed attempts to have the male exit the home on his own, the MHPS Tactical Response Team (TACT) along with the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) were deployed and successful in apprehending the male without incident or injury to anyone involved.

Resulting from this investigation, a 32-year-old Medicine Hat man was charged with the following;

• Assault with a Weapon
• Possess Weapon Dangerous to the Public x 2
• Point Firearm
• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
• Utter Threats
• Failing to comply with Undertaking
• Failing to comply with a Release Order x 5

The investigation in ongoing and the man’s name will be withheld pending a Judicial Interim Release hearing, however the MHPS can confirm the male involved in this investigation is not the same individual who was the subject of a MHPS media release earlier this week.

Media Contact:

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

A Medicine Hat man has been charged in connection to two suspicious devices found in Medicine Hat over the past six months.

On November 23, 2022, the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) responded to a report of a suspicious device located around Terrace Drive and 11 Avenue NE. The device was identified as a homemade pipe bomb and was safely disposed of by members of the MHPS Explosives Disposal Unit (EDU).

On April 1, 2023, MHPS once again responded to a report of second device found around Cactus Street SW. Once again, the device identified as a homemade pipe bomb, was safely disposed of by members of the MHPS EDU.

The Criminal Investigation Section of the MHPS conducted a thorough and comprehensive investigation, which resulted in a residential search warrant being executed at a home in the 300 block of 11 Street SW. As a result of this investigation and subsequent search, a 40-year-old Medicine Hat male, identified as James Jerard McNulty was arrested and charged in connection to these two events. McNulty was charged with the following;

• Make or Possess Explosive Substance x 2
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Failing to Comply with a Release Order x 4

McNulty was held for a Judicial Interim Release hearing on April 28, 2023, where he was subsequently released and scheduled to appear in Medicine Hat Provincial Court on May 25, 2023.

Media Contact:

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

On April 27th, 2023, the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) was notified of a potential fraud in-progress. The victim had been flagged down by two individuals who indicated that they were in distress and needed money to return to Ontario. The accused(s) sold the victim worthless gold in exchange for an undisclosed amount of money.

As part of the fraud, they advised that they wanted another large amount of money and were following the victim to a bank to obtain the remainder of the cash. The victim contacted police when he realized that he was being scammed. The offence is consistent with fraudulent activities that have been occurring across the country.

As a result of this investigation two males were arrested and charged with fraud. A 35-year-old male and a 45-year-old male are held in custody, awaiting the results of a Judicial Interim Release Hearing. The identity of the two males will not be released as the matters are still before the initial stages of court proceedings.

The MHPS is once again reminding residents to be aware of these fake gold/jewellery scams that can occur periodically in our community as fraudsters travel thru the area. While the scam can take many forms, most often victims are approached by persons who advise the that they are selling high value items, often gold or silver jewelry, that is supposedly valued tens of thousands of dollars and for a substantially reduced amount.

The victims of the fraud later learn that the items are worthless, but only after having lost a substantial amount of money. Sometimes during the conversation, while the victims are distracted, they are also pick-pocketed or targeted by the scam artists for theft from vehicles.

The most practical advice when presented with an opportunity is, that if something seems too good to be true, then it probably is.

Anyone with information on similar activities are asked to report it by calling the non-emergency line 403-529-8481 or by submitting a tip 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 Kelsey Fraser
Operational Services Division
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8461

On April 19, 2023, at about 10:05 AM, emergency services responded to a single vehicle collision that occurred in the area of Box Springs Road NW and eastbound Trans Canada Highway. A 66-year-old male driver suffered a medical event that caused the vehicle he was driving to leave the road and strike a lamp standard. The male was transported to the hospital with undetermined injuries. Damage is estimated at $25,000.

Media Contact:

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