ARTICLES

The Medicine Hat Police Service is seeking public assistance to identify a man who caused thousands of dollars of damage to several vehicles in the early morning hours of March 15, 2026.

Between 4:30 a.m. and 5:10 a.m., the suspect vandalized parked vehicles in the 600 block of 5 Street SW, then continued on foot to the 400 block of 5 Street SE, damaging additional vehicles.

The suspect was captured on several surveillance cameras. Police are releasing some of the video in hopes someone can identify the suspect.

Anyone with information related to these offences is asked to contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481 or submit an anonymous tip online at MHPS.ca.

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

The Medicine Hat Police Service is reminding the public to be alert for mass marketing fraud and phone scams, which remain among the most common frauds reported. Scammers typically try to obtain personal information or pressure victims into sending money by impersonating legitimate businesses, government agencies, or someone the victim trusts.

Common tactics include spoofed phone numbers that make calls appear to come from local numbers or well-known organizations; high-pressure language demanding immediate action; and requests for payment by e-transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or credit card information. Police remind the public that legitimate organizations do not demand payment using gift cards or cryptocurrency. If you are unsure, end the call and contact the organization directly using contact information you locate independently.

Red flags:

• You are told to keep the situation secret or not speak to family/friends.
• You are pressured to act “right now” or threatened with arrest, account closure, or financial penalties.
• You are asked to click links, open attachments, provide one-time passcodes, or confirm personal/banking information.
• Payment is requested by gift cards, cryptocurrency, or e-transfer to an unfamiliar recipient.

Grandparent / Emergency scams: A caller may claim to be a relative in trouble (injured, arrested, or stranded) and urgently needs money. Scammers often avoid giving a name, ask for secrecy, and request quick payment. Slow down and verify the story by contacting the relative or another family member using a number you already have.

Other common frauds include work-from-home schemes, prize or lottery scams, inheritance scams, overpayment scams, and offers that request personal or banking information.

Tips to protect yourself: take your time, ask questions, and independently verify who you are dealing with. Do not send money or share personal information because of pressure, threats, or urgency.

If you have been targeted or victimized: stop communication, do not send additional funds, and keep any records (screenshots, emails, phone numbers, receipts, transaction confirmations). Contact your financial institution immediately if you provided banking information or sent money.

Report fraud: If you believe you have been the victim of fraud, report it to the Medicine Hat Police Service at 403-529-8481 and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) at 1-888-495-8501 or online at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.

Media Contact:

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

On March 22, 2026, while on patrol a member of the Medicine Hat Police Service Patrol Section observed damage to the gate of a secure compound in the 1000 block of South Railway Street SE. Investigation determined the compound had been breached and a vehicle belonging to the business was taken.

The vehicle was located later that morning. As a result of the investigation, Paul Dubois, 44, of Medicine Hat, was arrested and charged with break and enter and theft, possession of stolen property, and possession of break-in instruments. Dubois was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in court on March 24, 2026.

Media Contact:

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

On March 22, 2026, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service Patrol Section responded to a report of an assault in the Riverside area. When officers arrived, they learned that the suspect had already fled the scene. One officer soon found the suspect nearby and began a foot chase. To escape arrest, the suspect jumped into the South Saskatchewan River. Concerned for the suspect's safety and to carry out the arrest, the officer entered the water and was able to bring the suspect safely back to shore.

The suspect, a 50-year-old man from Medicine Hat, has been charged with assault, assault by choking, resisting arrest, and unlawful confinement. He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on March 26, 2026.

Media Contact:

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

People naturally seek companionship and meaningful relationships. Unfortunately, criminals exploit that desire for connection through relationship-based scams that can cause serious financial loss and emotional harm.

Romance scams

Romance scams target people seeking friendship, companionship, or love. They often begin through social media, dating apps, or online forums with a friendly message, a follow request, or interaction with a public post.

Over time—sometimes spanning months—the scammer builds trust and emotional attachment. Eventually, they request money, often claiming it is needed for bills, an emergency, or travel so they can meet in person.

Promises are rarely kept, and requests often escalate. Scammers may use stolen photos, scripted video calls, or excuses to avoid meeting in person. If you have only met someone online and they ask for money or gift cards, it is a major red flag—pause, verify, and talk to someone you trust.

Grandparent scam

The grandparent scam involves an urgent call or message from someone pretending to be a relative—often a grandchild—in trouble. The scammer may claim they have been arrested, injured, or involved in an incident and need money immediately.

To create urgency, they may pressure you to act quickly and keep it secret. Before sending money, hang up and call your family member back using a number you already know (or contact another relative to confirm). Scammers often request payment by gift cards, cryptocurrency, or money transfers—methods that are difficult to trace or recover.

Extortion scams

Extortion scams involve threats to release private or sensitive information unless money is paid. Scammers may claim to have personal details, private messages, or images and use fear and urgency to pressure victims.

Paying does not guarantee the threats will stop, and it can lead to further demands. If you receive an extortion message, stop communicating, keep copies of the messages, and report it to police.

How to protect yourself

•             Be cautious when someone you have not met in person quickly asks for money, gift cards, or financial help.

•             Verify emergencies independently (call back using a trusted number; contact another family member or friend).

•             Do not share personal or financial information (banking details, ID documents, passwords, one-time codes).

•             Talk to someone you trust before sending money—an outside perspective can help spot red flags.

•             If you feel threatened, stop communicating, save the messages, and report it.

If someone asks you for money—especially a person you met online—take a moment to pause and verify. Talking it through with a trusted friend or family member can prevent a costly mistake.

Remember: what you share online can be saved, copied, and used in ways you did not intend. Be careful about sending personal photos, videos, or details to people you do not know and trust.

During Fraud Prevention Month, everyone is encouraged to stay informed, ask questions, and talk openly about fraud. Awareness, verification, and timely reporting are key tools in protecting our community.

If you believe you have been targeted or have sent money, report it to the MHPS as soon as possible and keep any messages, receipts, usernames, phone numbers, and screenshots you have.

Media Contact:

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

On March 28, 2026, in the early morning hours, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) Patrol Section conducted a traffic stop involving a 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit in the 600 block of College Drive SE. During the interaction, officers observed what appeared to be the butt end of a firearm on the floor near the driver’s feet. The driver was identified as John Lewis, 45, of no fixed address.

The item was determined to be an air pistol. A subsequent search of the vehicle located approximately 18.15 grams of methamphetamine, one magazine containing .22-calibre ammunition, and an additional 24 rounds of .22-calibre ammunition located throughout the vehicle.

As a result of the investigation, Mr. Lewis has been charged with four counts of breaching a firearms prohibition and one count of possession of a controlled substance. He was held for a judicial interim release hearing and was remanded into custody. His next appearance is scheduled for April 7, 2026, in Medicine Hat Provincial Court.

Media Contact:

Patrol S/Sgt.
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Phone: 403-529-8481

As Fraud Prevention Month comes to a close, the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) is sharing key statistics to highlight the scope and impact of fraud in our community.

In 2025, MHPS investigated approximately 590 fraud-related occurrences. The most commonly reported types of fraud included computer fraud, online fraud, transaction card fraud, mass marketing fraud, and securities or financial fraud.

The financial impact on local residents was significant. In 2025, Medicine Hat residents reported losses of more than $4 million. Through investigative efforts, MHPS was able to recover approximately 4% of reported losses.

Frauds involving online banking, credit or debit cards, and cheques may also result in financial institutions conducting their own investigations. In some cases, victims may be able to recover funds through their bank or card issuer.

Online scams continue to be challenging to investigate, particularly when funds are transferred using gift cards, e-transfers, cryptocurrency, or online deposits. These methods can be difficult to trace, and funds may be moved outside of Canada, which can limit recovery.

MHPS reminds the public that fraud prevention is a year-round responsibility. Ongoing education and awareness help reduce victimization and empower citizens to recognize warning signs early.

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud or an attempted scam, talk to a trusted person for support and contact police for guidance and assistance.

MHPS encourages residents to:

•             Talk openly with friends and family about common scams

•             Slow down and question urgent demands, threats, or timelines

•             Never pay fines, fees, or debts using gift cards or cryptocurrency

•             Contact police if you are unsure or need advice

Awareness, caution, and communication remain key tools in preventing fraud.

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

At approximately 1:20 a.m. on April 7, 2026, a member of the Medicine Hat Police Service Patrol Section was conducting traffic control in the area of the Trans-Canada Highway when a truck travelling eastbound passed at a high rate of speed in the opposite direction. The officer attempted to catch up to the truck to initiate a traffic stop. After exiting onto 13 Avenue to travel northbound, the truck lost control due to excessive speed and collided with a traffic light pole. When the officer arrived, the male driver and male passenger fled on foot. Two females and another male were observed exiting the rear passenger seats of the vehicle. A female occupant was located injured in the rear passenger seat.

All four individuals identified as youths at the scene were transported to hospital with minor injuries. Further investigation identified the driver who fled as a 17-year-old male youth. It was also confirmed that the truck had been reported stolen.

The 17-year-old male driver was later located, uninjured, and charged with:

•             Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm (four counts)

•             Possession of stolen property over $5,000

•             Breach of probation (three counts)

•             Driving without a licence

•             Driving without insurance

•             Fail to remain at the scene of an accident

The accused was held for a judicial interim release hearing and remanded into custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 10, 2026, at Medicine Hat Provincial Court.

Three passengers were also charged with breaching court orders and were released to appear in Medicine Hat Provincial Court on May 25, 2026.

In accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the names of the youths accused will not be released.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Media Contact:

Patrol S/Sgt, Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Phone: 403-529-8461

The Medicine Hat Police Service joins policing partners across Canada in mourning the line of duty death of Sgt. Anaïs Fortin-Cozzens of the Sûreté du Québec.

To honour Sgt. Fortin-Cozzens’ service and sacrifice, MHPS flags will be lowered to half-mast until sunset on April 29, 2026. Officers are also authorized to wear memorial ribbons during this period as a sign of respect and solidarity.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Sgt. Fortin-Cozzens’ family, friends, and colleagues at the Sûreté du Québec.

We stand with the policing community in remembering Sgt. Fortin-Cozzens, and in recognizing the risks and sacrifices inherent in police service.

May she rest in peace.