ARTICLES

UPDATE 6 PM:  The Trans Canada Highway has reopened for all traffic eastbound at 6th Street SW. Thank you for your patience and cooperation!

Please be advised the MHPS are currently on the scene of an injury motor vehicle collision on the Trans Canada Highway at 6 Street SW. All east bound traffic is being diverted onto 1 Street SW until further notice. Please avoid the area if possible until further notice

Following an investigation completed by members of the Medicine Hat ALERT Regional Property Crime Unit (RPCU), a man and woman from Medicine Hat have been charged with several offences in connection to stolen property.

The investigation was initiated in early November, and on November 21^st and 22^nd, with the assistance of Medicine Hat Police Service, led to the discovery of a stolen vehicle parked in the Southwest area of Medicine Hat. Justin Castor aged 24, was observed operating the stolen vehicle and safely apprehended.

A short time later, Teegan Austin, aged 21, was located and arrested for the possession of stolen property. Following these apprehensions, a search warrant was executed at a residence in the 300 block of 4 Street NW, resulting in the seizure of items associated to numerous break-ins and thefts in Medicine Hat, Cypress County, and the Elkwater area. Some of these investigations are still ongoing and efforts are being made to return the stolen property to the rightful owners.

The following items were recovered because of this investigation:

• 2006 Ram 3500 truck
• Custom cowboy chaps, rope & western gear
• Multiple pieces of stolen identification
• Assorted tools
• A rural crime watch road sign

Justin Castor was charged with the following:

• Possession of Stolen Property Over $5,000
• Possession of Stolen Property Under $5,000 x 3
• Flight from Police

Teegan Austin was charged with the following:

• Possession of Stolen Property Over $5,000
• Possession of Stolen Property Under $5,000 x 3
• Possess Identity Documents x 4
• Fail to Comply with Release Order

Following a Judicial Interim Release hearing Castor was held in custody and Austin was released subject to conditions. Both are scheduled to appear in court on December 12, 2023.

MH ALERT would like to thank our policing partners for their contributions including members of the Medicine Hat Police Service Patrol Section and members of the Redcliff RCMP Detachment.

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

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) is seeking public assistance to locate a dangerous driver.

Between December 4 and 5, 2023, MHPS has received multiple complaints of a person on a dirt bike, with no plate attached, driving aggressively in the areas of Dunmore Road, Vista Heights, Carry Drive and Downtown. Police observed the bike at one point and attempted to complete a vehicle stop, however the driver refused to stop and fled in a dangerous manner.

The driver is described as having a slim build, wearing a black dirt bike helmet and goggles, and a black jacket with neon green sleeves. The dirt bike may possibly be orange and white in colour.

Police are seeking public assistance in identifying the operator of this dirt bike. Anyone who has seen this dirt bike is asked to check dashcam footage and report any recordings to police. If you know the identity of the person involved or have any other information that may help lead police to the identity of the driver, please call 403-529-8481 to report.

Media Contact

S/Sgt. Humphries

Patrol Staff Sergeant

403.529.8461

Samantha Johnson, who had been previously reported as missing, has been located and is safe.

No further information will be released by the Medicine Hat Police Service. The police service would like to thank those people who shared the post. The incoming tips as a result of social media, assisted the police service in bringing this investigation to a successful conclusion.

Mischief to Vehicle- 500 Block 1 Street SE

Between 9:00 AM and noon on November 22, 2023, an unknown person caused damage to a white Dodge Ram truck while it was parked in the 500 block of 1st Street SE. Damage was caused to the paint and windows of the truck and is estimated at $2,000.

Anyone with information that could aid the investigation is asked to contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481. Tips may also be submitted 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:

Cst. Lisa Gervais
Downtown Patrol Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-458-0809

On November 28, 2023, the Medicine Hat Police Service received multiple reports of a “Grandparent Scam” operating in our community.

In this scenario, a grandparent receives a phone call from a con artist pretending to be their grandchildren. The caller will sometime say that they are in trouble, usually a car accident, returning from a foreign country, or even in jail and need money immediately.

As a result of these reports, the MHPS Criminal Investigation Section and the Patrol Section, identified and arrested Ashley Gackle, 46-years-old, from Medicine Hat, AB. Gackle was charged with the following;

• Theft Over $5000 x 2
• Fraud Over $5000 x 2
• Breach of Release Order
• Breach of Conditional Sentence Order

Gackle was held for a Judicial Interim Release Hearing and remanded into custody pending his next court appearance scheduled for November 30, 2023.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone who was impacted by this scam is asked to contact the MHPS by calling 403-529-8481.

Media Contact:

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

The Medicine Hat Police Service is receiving reports that the “Grandparent Scam” is once again circulating in the community.

In the typical scenario, a grandparent receives a phone call from a con artist pretending to be their grandchildren. The caller will sometime say that they are in trouble, usually a car accident, returning from a foreign country, or even in jail and need money immediately.

Unfortunately, victims do not verify the story until after the money has been sent as the caller specifically asks “Can you please help me? I'm in jail (or in the hospital / or in some type of financial need). But don't tell Mom/Dad. They will kill me if they find out, please sent the money ASAP. I'm scared". Wanting to help their grandchild, the victim sends the money as requested.

Variations on the scam are an old neighbor, a friend of the family etc. but predominantly the emergency scam is directed towards seniors and grandparents.

If you or someone you know has received such a request for money, take measures to verify the requestor’s identity and the legitimacy of their story before you complete the transaction. If you have fallen victim to this scam, and have not already reported it, please contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481.

Media Contact:

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

A Medicine Hat adult male and youth have been charged in connection to a serious assault that occurred outside of local hotel in May 2023.

During the evening of May 12, 2023, at approximately 10:55 pm., members of the Medicine Hat Police Service responded to a report of a serious assault that had occurred in the rear parking lot of a hotel. The investigation revealed that two male suspects were responsible, and that they had fled the area prior to police arrival. The victim received serious, life-threatening injuries and required immediate medial attention.

The MHPS Criminal Investigation Section continued the investigation and after several months were able to identify two Medicine Hat males in connection to this incident.

On October 4, 2023, a 14-year-old male youth was charged with:

• Aggravated Assault
• Assault with a Weapon
• Possession of a Weapon Dangerous to the Public.

In accordance with the provisions set forth in the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the name of this male can not be released. This male has since been released on several court-imposed bail conditions and is due back in court on January 22, 2024.

On November 21, 2023, Branson Baptiste, 26 years old, from Medicine Hat, AB was charged with:

• Aggravated Assault
• Assault with a Weapon
• Possession of a Weapon Dangerous to the Public
• Breach of Release Order

Baptiste appeared in Provincial Court and has been remanded into custody pending his next court appearance scheduled for December 6, 2023.

The victim has since been released from the hospital and is recovering from their injuries.

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

The Medicine Hat Police Service and Redcliff Bylaw Services will be conducting an over dimensional load escort on November 27, 2023, starting at 1:00 pm. The load will be travelling from Highway #1 Redcliff limits to Ecole St. John Paul II (4802 Southlands Dr. SE). Traffic will be affected on Highway #1 eastbound, 13^th Avenue SE, Strachan Road SE, and Southlands Drive SE. Please avoid these areas if possible and arrange to take alternate routes, please be patient and follow all police/bylaw/pilot vehicle directions.

Medicine Hat… A joint investigation between ALERT and the Medicine Hat Police Service has led to charges against three suspected drug dealers.

The investigation concluded on November 14, 2023, when a search warrant was executed at a home in the city’s North Flats neighbourhood. ALERT Medicine Hat’s organized crime team seized 126 grams of fentanyl, 43 grams of methamphetamine, as well as two conducted energy weapons.

Jewellery, and a large number of bicycles, including several e-bikes were also seized as investigators believe it to be stolen property.

The drugs seized have an estimated street value of nearly $30,000. Meanwhile, investigators are trying to return the stolen property to its rightful owners.

“It’s common that these types of investigations also lead us to seizing stolen property. The impacts of drug activity in a community, big or small, affect our neighbours and sense of community safety,” said Staff Sgt. Ryan Thorburn, ALERT Medicine Hat.

The investigation began in October when ALERT received information regarding the trafficking of methamphetamine and fentanyl in the city.

Three people have been charged, while charges are pending against three additional suspects.

Jacqueline Dopp, 45 years old of Medicine Hat, is charged with:

1. Possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking;
2. Possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking; and
3. Possession of a prohibited weapon x2.

Tammie Melnick, 39 years old of Medicine Hat, is charged with:

1. Possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking;
2. Possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking; and
3. Possess Identity Documents x 10.

Cole Mowatt, 40 years old of Medicine Hat, is charged with:

1. Forgery x 3;
2. Possess Identity Information

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.

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.