ARTICLES

An intense winter storm is occurring in the Medicine Hat area.  Heavy snow is expected to continue tonight into Sunday before ending early Monday morning.  Officers are reporting that road conditions in the city are currently very poor.  There have been reports of extremely icy conditions and reduced visibility making travel difficult. If possible please avoid any non essential travel and allow extra time to arrive if you must venture out.  Thank you and please stay safe! 

Please be advised police will be assisting with a wide load escort today at 9:00 a.m.  Expect traffic delays between 10 Ave SW and the Trans Canada Highway westbound through to Redcliff.  The move should not take any longer than 90 minutes.  Thank you. 

Amber Drain, who was the subject of a missing person report, has been found and is safe.  The Medicine Hat Police thanks the public for their attention with this matter.

On November 1^st,2020 at approximately 9:00 PM members of the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) responded to a report of a Bobcat excavator driving south on Dunmore Road SE. It was reported that the Bobcat had intentionally rammed a City of Medicine Hat Fire Service vehicle before continuing south. Shortly afterwards a marked MHPS patrol vehicle attempted to stop the Bobcat, which was traveling at 3-5 mph, and it too was also deliberately struck with the Bobcat forks. Additional attempts by other police units to stop the vehicle were made and the driver taken into custody.

Further investigation also revealed that the accused was associated to an unrelated matter involving an utter threats complaint that occurred earlier in the evening. This resulted in the accused also being charged with utter threats and breach of court order. It should also be noted that neither the accused, nor members of Fire Service or MHPS were injured as a result of this incident however extensive property damage was sustained.

Resulting from the investigation a 24-year-old Medicine Hat male is currently in custody awaiting a Judicial Interim Release Hearing for the following charges:

• Dangerous Driving
• Impaired / Exceed .08
• Failing to Stop at the scene of an accident
• Flight from Police
• Assault with a weapon x 2
• Breach of Probation x 2
• Breach of Undertaking
• Possession of Stolen Property
• Theft Over $5000
• Utter Threats.

Media Contact:

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

The Medicine Hat Police Service is requesting public assistance to locate Amber Drain who was last seen on October 31, 2020. Amber is a resident of Calgary, AB however she was last seen leaving the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. Amber is 38 years old and described as 5'2, slim build with shoulder length brown hair.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the MHPS at 403-529-8400.

ALERT has seized several firearms and an array of stolen property following the arrest of a Coaldale, Alta. man.

ALERT’s Southeast Alberta Property Crime Unit seized six firearms in total, including two sawed-off shotguns, two rifles, and two homemade zip guns. Investigators also seized numerous firearms parts and ammunition from the suspect’s Coaldale residence.

“Police had been called to the suspect’s home a number of times and it had become a community nuisance of sorts. We are confident that this arrest and seizure prevented an escalation of violence,” said Insp. Sean Boser, ALERT Regional teams.

Two of the firearms were reportedly stolen from a Coaldale break and enter. The homemade guns will be submitted to RCMP’s National Weapons Enforcement Support Team for further analysis and ballistics testing.

In addition to the firearms ALERT located multiple stolen credit cards and identity documents, stolen license plates, counterfeit U.S. currency, and miscellaneous stolen property.

ALERT made the arrest and seizure on October 15, 2020 with help from Coaldale RCMP and Medicine Hat Police Service. The investigation began in September 2020.

Ethan Wiebe, a 20-year-old man from Coaldale, was charged with:

• Manufacturing a firearm;

• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon;

• Unauthorized possession of a weapon;

• Careless storage of a firearm;

• Possession of a firearm obtained by an offence;

• Possession of stolen property;

• Possession of identity documents;

• Possession of stolen credit card data;

• Possession of counterfeit currency; and

• Failure to comply with a probation order.

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. Medicine Hat residents can also submit tips anonymously through the Medicine Hat Police Service 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.

Media inquiries may be directed to:

Staff Sgt. Kelsey Fraser

Southeast Alberta Property Crime Unit

Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)

403-529-8425

Every Halloween children look forward to dressing up as their favorite character to go trick or treating through the neighbourhood. While it is an exciting time for kids, it is important for parents and homeowners to follow some simple safety tips to ensure it is also a safe time.

• Children should trick or treat in groups in a familiar neighbourhood. Younger children should be accompanied by a trusted adult who accompanies them to the door of every home they approach.
• Review road safety rules, such as looking both ways before crossing the road and create a specific route for children to follow. Stay on side of the street and then cross over at the end of the block. Avoid crisscrossing the street.
• Carry a flashlight for extra visibility and only visit homes where the lights have been turned on. Remind children to never enter a stranger’s home or vehicle.
• Ensure children are dressed for the weather and that their costumes are easily visible by incorporating bright colors and reflective taped. Avoid masks with limited visibility or use face paint instead.
• Inspect all candy received and throw away any unwrapped or unsealed items.
• Homeowners, turn on your home’s exterior lights so children can easily find the front door. Keep candles or other flammable items out of the reach of children.
• Secure pets for the evening as they may become frightened with all the unfamiliar visitors to your home.
• For the adults – if you have plans to go out to celebrate, don’t drink and drive, plan ahead to ensure you have a safe ride home.

For tips additional tips on how to celebrate Halloween safely without fear of spreading COVID-19 visit: https://www.alberta.ca/halloween-during-covid19.aspx. Included on the website are downloadable posters to let trick-or-treaters know if your household is participating this year.

Have a safe and fun Halloween!

Media Contact:

Sgt Darlene Garrecht
Community Support Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8451

On October 29, 2020 at approximately 9:00 AM an officer from the Municipal Enforcement Section responded to a report of three or more coyotes in the Police Point Park area. After discussion with the complainant it was learned that the coyotes appeared to be very curious and not fearful, which in turned caused this individual to fear for their own personal safety and that of others.

The staff at the Police Point Interpretive Center have advised they are also aware the coyotes in the area. Signs are posted as a warning however staff are also asking for greater vigilance from the public going into the area.

As always, please ensure pets are kept under control at all times, clean up after yourself and pets, and please give nature the space and respect it demands. Fish and Wildlife have been notified of the situation.

For sightings and/or further information, please contact Alberta Fish and Wildlife at 403.529.3680 or visit www.medicinehat.ca/services/animal-and-pest-control/dealing-with-wildlife.

Media Contact:
Supt. Heather Trail
Municipal Bylaw Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8436