ARTICLES

Three individuals have been charged in connection to a string of residential break and enters that occurred during the overnight hours of August 31 and September 1, 2022, in the Ross Glen, East Glen, Crestwood and Strachan Road areas of Medicine Hat.

An investigation completed by the Medicine Hat Police Service Patrol Section and Criminal Investigation Section (CIS) determined that a total of six residential properties and two commercial properties had been impacted, and that three motor vehicles were stolen during the crime spree. Much of the stolen property including e-bikes, bicycles and televisions, have been recovered and is in the process of being returned to their owners.

Resulting from this investigation the following individuals have been charged:

William MacPhail, 18-years-old of Medicine Hat, AB is charged with four counts of break, enter and commit theft under $5,000, two counts of break, enter and commit theft over $5,000 and one count of possession of stolen property. MacPhail was released by way of a bail hearing and scheduled to appear in for court on September 28, 2022.

Steven Slater, 47 years old of Medicine Hat, AB has been charged with one count of possession of stolen property over $5,000. Slater was released by way of an undertaking and scheduled to appear in court on November 23, 2022.

One youth who cannot be named in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act has been charged with one count of break, enter, and commit theft under $5,000. The youth was released by way of a youth undertaking and scheduled to appear in court on October 24, 2022.

The investigation is still ongoing and anyone with any information that could assist is asked to contact investigators at 403-529-8400. Please refer to MHPS File #22-21228.

Media Contact:

Acting S/Sgt Clarke White
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
PH: 403-529-8421

Contrary to an online report circulating, the MHPS has NOT arrested Myles Sanderson, wanted for 1^st deg murder in connection to the multiple deaths in SK. The male arrested in Medicine Hat was not connected in anyway to those offences. Anyone with information relating to the whereabouts of Myles Sanderson should call 911 immediately. The suspect is considered armed and dangerous, do not approach or attempt to apprehend.

The MHPS continues to monitor the events in SK and will update the community with timely and accurate information when it is received.

Following the conclusion of a criminal trial, on September 1, 2022, Medicine Hat Police Service Constable Myles Steiger was found guilty of assault in connection with an off-duty incident that occurred on April 21, 2021 and was given an 18-month suspended sentence by the Court.

Cst. Steiger is a 12-year member of the MHPS. He has been placed on administrative duties since June 23, 2021. The Service will now assess the findings of the court and commence an internal disciplinary process under the Police Act. The disciplinary process will determine whether any discipline, up to and including dismissal, is appropriate.

To ensure appropriate oversight, the Chair of the Medicine Hat Police Commission, and the provincial Director of Law Enforcement, have been provided with updates on the progress of this investigation on an ongoing basis.

Media Contact:

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

A variety of weapons, including a rifle, were seized from the home of an alleged Medicine Hat drug dealer. ALERT seized fentanyl and methamphetamine from the home as well.

The seizure and arrest took place on August 30, 2022, when ALERT Medicine Hat’s Regional Property Crime Unit executed a search warrant at a home located in the Southwest Hill area of Medicine Hat, with help from the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS).

The following items were seized from the home:

• Rifle and ammunition;
• Crossbow;
• Taser;
• Dart launcher;
• 15 grams of fentanyl;
• 31 grams of methamphetamine; and
• $6,360 cash.

James McNulty, 41, was charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, careless use of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of proceeds of crime, and unauthorized possession of identity documents.

McNulty was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court on September 29, 2022, in Medicine Hat, AB.

“Clearly there were variety of dangerous weapons seized during this investigation and what’s most concerning is the home’s proximity to a junior high school. Anytime drugs and weapons mix it poses a threat to public safety and community well-being,” said Staff Sgt. Ryan Thorburn, ALERT Medicine Hat.

Members of the community who suspect drug, gang or property crime issues in their neighborhood can submit tips anonymously through the MHPS website at mhps.ca or the MHPS mobile app, which 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.

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Media inquiries may be directed to:

Staff Sgt. Ryan Thorburn
Medicine Hat Organized Crime team
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
Ph: 403-529-8425

The Medicine Hat Police Service is requesting public assistance following a rash of residential or commercial break and enters that occurred during the evening of August 31^st, 2022 / the early morning hours of September 1^st, 2022. The offences occurred in the Ross Glen, East Glen and Crestwood areas of Medicine Hat.

A male is in custody for multiple offences and the MHPS is requesting that anyone who has been impacted and has not yet file a police report contact the MHPS by calling the non-emergency line at 403-529-8481.

More information on the crime spree will be release once the investigation is complete.

Media Contact:

Insp Brent Secondiak
Support Services Division
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8412

During a recent investigation, the Medicine Hat Police Service seized multiple stolen items including: a vintage sports card collection, a coin collection and jewelry. A search of previous reports of items reported as stolen has been unsuccessful in identifying the potential owners and as such the MHPS is requesting that anyone with information that could assist in identifying the rightful owners contact Constable Adam Johnston by email at Adam.Johnston@mhps.ca

At 0729hrs on Saturday, August 20th, 2022, a Manitoba semi tractor/trailer eastbound on the TransCanada. (TC Highway) failed to stop for a red light at the 7^th St SW intersection in Medicine Hat, Alberta.  

A northbound Kia Seltos SUV, driven by a 46 year old Medicine Hat male, was proceeding from 7^th St SW across  the TC Hwy intersection.  

The semi tractor/trailer collided with the Kia Seltos on the driver's side of the vehicle.  The driver of the Kia Seltos was transported by EMS to the hospital with undetermined injuries.  Members of the Traffic unit continue the investigation and charges are pending  

On the morning of August 16, 2022, the Medicine Hat Police Service responded to a serious assault on the riverbank of the South Saskatchewan River in Strathcona Park. As a result of the investigation, Andrew Beaudoin (32 years of age) of Medicine Hat was arrested and charged with the following offences.

• Aggravated Assault
• Possession of a Weapon Dangerous to the public x 2
• Breach of Release Order x 2

Beaudoin was held for Judicial Interim Release Hearing, where he was remanded into custody pending his next court appearance on August 23^rd, 2022

Staff Sergeant Jason Graham

Criminal Investigation Section

One person was arrested and over $100,000 worth of drugs was seized after a Medicine Hat hotel room was searched.

ALERT Medicine Hat’s organized crime team and Medicine Hat Police Service teamed up to make the seizure and arrest on August 11, 2022. Criminal intelligence was shared between the two partner agencies concerning suspected drug trafficking activity in the region.

A search warrant executed at a hotel in Ross Glen that resulted in the following items being seized:

• 242 grams of fentanyl;
• 252 grams of methamphetamine; and
• 423 grams of cocaine.

The drugs have an estimated street value of $106,000.

“Our agencies work in tandem to keep Medicine Hat safe and take harmful drugs off the street. This is a large amount of cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine to take out of circulation, and in doing so also hold a drug dealer accountable,” said Staff Sergeant Ryan Thorburn, ALERT Medicine Hat.

Mathew Hillier was arrested and the 37-year-old man was charged with:

• Possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking;
• Possession of stolen property;
• Obstructing a peace officer; and
• Failure to comply with a release order.

Hillier is scheduled to appear in court on August 18, 2022.

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.

On the early morning hours of August 16, 2022, the Medicine Hat Police Service responded to a report of a serious assault located at a campsite on the riverbank of the South Saskatchewan River in Strathcona Park.  As a result of this incident, a 19-year-old male was transported to the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital where he remains with serious, nonlife threatening injuries.  

The Medicine Hat Police Service’s Major Crimes Unit is currently investigating this matter and if you have any information that can assist, please contact the Medicine Hat Police Service at 1-403-529-8481.