ARTICLES

A woman is facing charges after the vehicle she was driving crashed into a Medicine Hat home.

On February 8, 2021, at approximately 9:00 PM a 911 call was received from a resident in the 700 block of Taylor Road SE who advised that a vehicle had crashed into their house.

Police and Fire were immediately dispatched to the scene however before they arrived the driver had fled the area on foot. Members of the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) contained the area and a K9 unit was called to assist in locating the driver. A short time later, police officers were flagged down by another area resident who advised that an unknown female was located hiding in their garage.

Police initiated an impaired driving investigation and a K9 track was utilized to confirm the driver’s identify. Resulting from this investigation a 37-year-old female is facing several charges including; failing to remain at the scene of an accident, impaired and dangerous driving. Damage to the vehicle and residence is estimated at over $50,000. Thankfully no serious physical injuries were sustained as a result of this collision

The MHPS would like thank the members of the public who assisted with this investigation.

Media Contact:

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

The Strategic Traffic Enforcement Program for February will focus on Distracted Driving, which continues to be a traffic safety priority for the Medicine Hat Police Service. In 2020, the MHPS issued 495 tickets for distracted driving and yet the issue continues to grow. Many motorists continue to operate their vehicles while distracted, regardless of the fines and demerits associated with the offence. The risks associated with distracted driving closely resemble those of impairment and can have deadly consequences.

In Alberta, the penalty for distracted driving is a $300 fine and 3 demerits.

The Traffic Safety Act restricts drivers from:

• using hand held cell phones, texting or emailing

• using electronic devices like laptop computers, video games, cameras, video entertainment displays and programming portable audio players (MP3 players)

• entering information on GPS units

• reading printed materials in the vehicle

• writing, printing or sketching

• and personal grooming

A driver can pull over to the side of the road to use their devices, providing they are stopped and legally parked. If a driver is not in a legal parking spot, for instance a drive-thru, a ticket can still be issued. The only time a driver can use their cell phone while driving is to call in an emergency situation to a 9-1-1 Communications Centre.

Among the most frequently asked questions regarding this law is whether pets are specifically addressed by the law. The answer is yes. The Traffic Safety Act also allows police to charge a driver who permits anything, including a pet, to occupy the front seat of the vehicle in such a manner that it interferes with the driver's access to the vehicle controls and the safe operation of the vehicle. Furthermore, the Traffic Safety Act allows police to charge a driver who permits anything, including a pet, to cause any obstruction to the driver's clear vision in any direction.

To learn more about all forms of distracted driving, laws to enforce safer behaviours and why focusing on the road is so important visit https://www.alberta.ca/distracted-driving.aspx.

Media Contact:

Sgt. Gerald Sadlemyer
Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8481

On January 31^st members of MHPS Patrol Team 4 continued the investigation into the theft of the $1700.00 crystal reported the previous day. As a result of the investigation, officers arrested a 41 year old Medicine Hat woman who is scheduled to appear in court on March 30, 2021. Police were also able to recover the stolen property and return it the owner. MHPS would also like to send out a big thank you to all members of the public who assisted with this investigation.

Police have a 30-year-old male in custody who was wanted on outstanding warrants for arrest held by RCMP Strathcona for following offences that occurred in Strathcona, Alberta:

• Assault on a Police Officer
• Resist a Peace Officer

He was also arrested on warrants for arrest that are held by RCMP Fort Saskatchewan for the following offences:

• Resist a Peace Officer
• Flight from Police
• Impaired Operation (x2)
• Breach Conditional Sentence Order
• As well as Traffic Safety Offences

His history of assaultive behaviour towards law enforcement required a measured approach utilizing sound tactical doctrine (ie: negotiations, intelligence, and tactical officers) to maintain the safety of the public and the police.  We appreciate your cooperation and patience.

Police are on scene at an emerging high risk incident on Division Ave at 2 St SW. Please avoid the area and give us room to work. You may encounter traffic disruptions as a result.  If that is the case, please follow the directions of police officers that are directing traffic.

Thanking you in advance, for your cooperation.

On January 21^st 2021 at about 4:50 PM members of the Medicine Hat Police Service Patrol Section responded to a multi-vehicle collision that had occurred on 11 Street SE at 4^th Avenue SE.

Prior to police arrival, the primary offending vehicle had fled the scene prior with considerable damage and was later located abandoned within the city.

Investigators received information that the vehicle was stolen during a robbery with a firearm that had occurred in Calgary earlier that day, by two unknown males who were believed to be armed and dangerous. The subsequent investigation led police to locate the two suspects in a suite of a duplex located on Southlands Boulevard SE.

Police containment was established on the residence and after several hours the incident was safely resolved with assistance from the MHPS Tactical Team. Two male suspects are presently in custody as MHPS Major Crimes continues the investigation.

After the investigation is complete further information will be provided.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt Darcy Brandt
Major Crimes Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421

On January 19^th, 2021 the Medicine Hat Police Service responded to two calls for service involving persons who have appeared to have overdosed from a new opioid based drug, known as “blue heroin” or “diz”. The drug has a bright, royal blue color and may be sold in rock form. Three subjects involved in the two calls for service were successfully provided immediate medical attention

Anyone ingesting street drugs should be aware that any opioid-based drugs they are using may be more potent than they expect. The MHPS is currently investigating the source of these street drugs, but would remind those who do use opioids purchased from illegal suppliers, to do so with this warning in mind.

If you or someone you know needs help with a substance addiction and would like assistance or information, contact Addiction and Mental Health - Community Services at 403-529-3500.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481 or submit at tip (anonymously if preferred) through the MHPS Mobile App. The MHPS mobile app is free and available to download for both Apple and Android devices by searching ‘Medicine Hat Police Service’ on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Media Contact:

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

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) Major Crime Section has charged at 54-year-old male in connection with the high risk incident that occurred on January 18, 2021.

The initial call was received at 9:30 AM reporting a male in distress, who was possibly a danger to himself and others, and that he may be armed with a weapon.

At approximately 12:00 PM members of the MHPS located the male in an isolated area, south of Smelter Avenue and Factor Street SE. The area was contained as officers attempted to make contact with the male. After several attempts to communicate with the male were unsuccessful, members of the MHPS Tactical Team and Crisis Negotiators were called to the scene.

At approximately 1:15 PM the male exited the structure and pointed a long barrel weapon at the police officers on scene. An armored rescue vehicle was utilized to provide protection for the officers who were then able to deploy a single-shot projectile launcher to subdue the male and safely take him into custody.

Resulting from this investigation Dale Melbourn has been charged with the following offenses; possession of a weapon x2, assault with a weapon x2, pointing a firearm x2 and breach of previous release conditions. Melbourn was held in custody with his next court appearance scheduled for January 21, 2021.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt. Darcy Brandt
Major Crimes Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421

On January 18, 2021 at approximately 9:30 AM members of the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) received a report of a male in distress, who was possibly a danger to himself and others, and that he may be armed with a weapon. Investigators attempted to locate the male within the city as his location was unknown at that time.

At approximately 12:00 PM members of the MHPS located the male in an isolated area, south of Smelter Avenue and Factor Street SE. The area was contained as officers attempted to make contact with the male. After several attempts to communicate with the male were unsuccessful, members of the MHPS Tactical Team and Crisis Negotiators were called to the scene.

At approximately 1:15 PM the male exited the structure and pointed a long barrel weapon at the police officers on scene. An armored rescue vehicle was utilized to provide protection for the officers who were then able to deploy a single-shot projectile launcher to subdue the male and safely take him into custody.

The use of the projectile launcher offers a less lethal option to be deployed in situations where extended ranges are needed, to create greater distance between the officer and the high-risk person(s) in crisis, and potentially avoid the need to escalate to the use of lethal force with firearms.

The male subject is known to police. He was also found to have a replica handgun and a large hunting knife in his possession during the arrest. The MHPS Major Crimes Section is investigating the incident and the subject is currently held in custody awaiting formal criminal charges.

The MHPS would like to thank the public for their cooperation during this incident. The MHPS mobile app, was used to notify the public of the high risk incident. The app is free to download and available for both Apple and Android devices or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Media Contact

S/Sgt Darcy Brandt
Major Crimes Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421

A new tool is available to assist with facilitating effective communication between drivers and police officers. A visual communication card has been developed to support communication between police officers and individuals with communication challenges and those who are not yet proficient in the English language.

The idea for this communication card came from the community after a similar tool was created in Edmonton. Using the Edmonton card, which focused on the communication needs of people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, the Advisory Committee on Disability Issues (ACDI) felt that there would be value in also including the needs of others who have communication barriers. After speaking with agencies and services whose staff or clients might benefit from a communication tool like this, a committee was formed. ACDI brought together a small working group to create the communication card, including representatives from each of the following organizations; Medicine Hat Police Services (MHPS), Speech-Language Pathology department with Alberta Health Services, Saamis Immigration Services Association, and Brain Injury Relearning Services.

The visual card is intended to aid with effective communication at traffic stops by allowing police officers to point to what they need from the driver as well as indicate what violation has occurred, and in turn the driver can point to the best way for the officer to communicate with them.

“The client group we work with, sometimes have language barriers and may not understand the official wording used by officers during a traffic stop,” says Marie-Claude Scahill, Manger of Settlement, Saamis Immigration. “This tool will reduce some of the stress, for both the officers and the person being pulled over, by breaking down barriers for both parties involved. It is also a very good educational tool for our newcomers as they transition into driving in Canada.”

All members of the MHPS have been issued cards and are encouraged to keep the card in their vehicle. The cards have also been distributed to current Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada students and newly arrived newcomers under the Resettlement Assistance Program through Saamis Immigration as well to local AHS Speech-Language Pathologists and members of the Deaf/hard of hearing communities.

Above all, communication is about giving and receiving information. “Visual supports, such as picture symbols, can be a valuable tool for people with communication challenges, augmenting their ability to independently share and understand information,” says Carolyn Maynes (Speech-Language Pathologist with Alberta Health Services). During high stress situations (for example, during traffic stops), communication often becomes more challenging. With that in mind, this card was designed to benefit those with hearing loss and various other language deficits by allowing them to more effectively and efficiently communicate with others”.

“The fundamental purpose of the MHPS is to serve and protect the community,” says Inspector Brent Secondiak. “To accomplish this, we must be aware of the needs of various groups to ensure we are providing accessible and responsible policing services to all people in the community equally. We commend the community stakeholders who were involved in the development of this card for their efforts to increase awareness and bridge potential gaps in service delivery”.

For more information or to access a copy of the communication card contact Leslie Jerry, Community Inclusion Coordinator by phone at 403-502-8086 or by email at lesjer@medicinehat.ca.

Media Contact:

Leslie Jerry
Community Inclusion Coordinator
City of Medicine Hat
Ph: 403-502-8086

Or

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

or

Marie-Claude Scahill
Manager of Settlement
Saamis Immigration Services Association

Ph: 403-504-1188 ext.102

Or

Carolyn Maynes
Speech-Language Pathologist
Medicine Hat Regional Hospital
Alberta Health Services
Ph: 403-528-8175