ARTICLES

During the early morning hours of July 26, 1969, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service were called to the Savings Centre Grocery, located at 391 Aberdeen Street, to investigate a break and enter.

Twenty-five year old Constable Pat Flinn was the first officer to arrive on the scene and was confronted by Raymond Bradley and Victor Roeder, who were armed with a shotgun and .22 rifle. Cst. Flinn was forced to surrender his handgun and was taken hostage by the two gunmen and as back-up police officers arrived on the scene, they too were taken hostage.

In those days there was little to no training regarding hostage situations and there was no tactical team support. In total, five police officers were taken hostage, along with six civilians, who had inadvertently walked into the situation.

At one point, Victor Roeder held the barrel of a handgun to the neck of Constable Roy Funk and pulled the trigger. The bullet traveled up through Cst. Funk’s mouth and exited out the right side of his jaw. The bullet travelled through the crest of Cst. Flinn’s hat, dislodging it from his head.

A moment later, Bradley, in possession of Cst. Clayton Stobbs’ handgun, placed the barrel against Stobbs’stomach. In those days, officers sometimes kept the first chamber empty and when Bradley pulled the trigger, it clicked on the empty cylinder. Cursing the gun thinking that it had misfired, he aimed at a police car and fired a shot through the window, then swung around and aimed at Cst. Funk and fired a shot. The bullet smashed the wristwatch of Cst. Funk’s left wrist, traveled through the wrist, shattering the bone and penetrated the plate glass window behind his head.

When Chief Sam Drader arrived at the scene, he attempted to secure the release of other hostages by offering to be a hostage for their escape. The Chief’s offer was refused and he joined the others at gunpoint.

Sgt. Norm McLeod then arrived on the scene and Roeder started firing with two handguns as he ran across the intersection towards Sgt. McLeod, who returned the fire. During this time Cst. Bill Onslow arrived with a shotgun and fired twice at Roeder, one shot hitting him in the upper chest, killing him.

Eventually the remaining gunman, realizing his partner in crime had met his demise released all of the civilian hostages, but continued to hold the police officers, threatening to kill them. Chief Drader eventually negotiated with Bradley to release the other hostages in exchange for himself as hostage and driver of a getaway car. Leaving the scene in a police car, Chief Drader accompanied Bradley to the Flats area where they picked up Bradley’s wife, Janet and his father-in-law.

After a period of time, the four drove back to the scene, at which time Chief Drader managed to escape taking the keys from the car. Bradley, finding himself surrounded by police with no avenue of escape, surrendered.

On February 9, 1970, Raymond Maxwell Bradley entered guilty pleas to; Robbery with Violence and Cause Bodily Harm with Intent to Wound. He was sentenced to four and a half years, concurrent on each charge and was paroled on August 6, 1971.

Thinking back on the events of that day 50 years later, retired S/Sgt Flinn reflects “The thing I remember the most was standing in the grocery store with two armed men pointing their guns at us and watching tear gas containers skipping down the road past us. One of the bad guys shot my partner right in the face at point blank range, while we stood a foot apart. I didn’t realize until later that the reason my hat flew off was because one of the bullets that hit my partner went right through the crest of my cap”

Many things have changed in the years since the Aberdeen Street shootout. Immediately following the events of that day, the MHPS recognized the need for improved equipment and resources, which resulted in a better radio system and firearms and enhanced training for the officers. The officers who were not physically injured, including Cst Flinn, were required to report for duty the next day. It would take several years more before there was an understanding of the impacts of post-traumatic stress on first responders.

“Fifty years ago today, it was also Stampede week, and officers responded to a call not expecting problems, but then a major event happened that changed their lives forever” reflects current Chief Andy McGrogan, “in policing, you always must be prepared for the unexpected.”

Retired Sergeant Roy Funk and Staff Sergeant Patrick Flinn are both still enjoying a long and deserved retirement.

Media Contact:

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

More than $42,000 worth of cash and drugs – including methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl – were seized as ALERT’s Medicine Hat organized crime team wrapped up a four-month investigation into drug trafficking activity. One person was arrested.

On July 22, 2019, with the help of the Medicine Hat Police Service, ALERT investigators executed search warrants on a residence and a vehicle in Medicine Hat. Between the two, they seized:

• 196 grams of methamphetamine;
• 67 grams of fentanyl;
• 48 grams of cocaine; and
• $5,680 cash proceeds of crime.

“The quantities of methamphetamine and cash seized are significant, and this is one of the larger seizures of fentanyl our team has made in Medicine Hat,” said Staff Sgt. Cory Both, ALERT Medicine Hat. “These drugs can be extremely dangerous, even in small amounts, so getting them off the streets of our community is a top priority.”

Theresa Babitzke, 54, has been charged with:

• possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (x3);
• possession of proceeds of crime; and
• breach of recognizance (x3).

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. Members of Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.

Media inquiries may be directed to:
Staff Sgt. Cory Both
Medicine Hat Organized Crime Team
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
Ph: 403-529-8448

On July 16, 2019 at approximately 9:45 PM members of the Medicine Hat Police Service attempted to stop a Ford F350 that was known to be stolen earlier in the day. The vehicle failed to stop and police did not pursue the vehicle, due to concerns for public safety. Multiple police vehicles entered the area in a further attempt to stop the offender. Once the driver was identified by police, all attempts to stop the vehicle were terminated as the vehicle continued to drive recklessly throughout the neighborhood.

Resulting from this investigation a warrant has been issued and the MHPS is requesting public assistance to locate: Jason HIGDON, 36 years old, of Medicine Hat, AB. Higdon is facing charges of; Flight from a Peace Officer, Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle, and Possession of Stolen Property Over $5000.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Jason Higdon is asked to contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Tips may also be submitted (anonymously if preferred) via the MHPS Mobile App, which 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:

A/S/Sgt Darren Lole
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8461

On July 18, 2019 the Medicine Hat Police Service Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Section, in collaboration with; Alberta Health Services, Medicine Hat Fire Services and the City of Medicine Hat Safety Codes Departments, completed an inspection of a residence located on Dominion Street SE. The inspection was to determine what actions could remedy the neighbouring concerns about a vacant property infested with bats. It was determined by all, including the City Solicitor, that an Unsightly Property Order should be issued due the appearance of the property and the fact that the property had become detrimental to the surrounding area.

The Unsightly Property Order under Section 546 (1) of the Municipal Government Act instructs the property owners to:

“CUT, REMOVE AND CONTROL ALL WEEDS ON THE PROPERTY INCLUDING THE BIND WEED ALONG THE EAST FENCE LINE. REMOVE ALL DEAD TREES AND BRANCHES AND CUT THE GRASS. REMOVE THE UNOPERABLE, UNREGISTERED VEHICLE ALONG WITH ANY GARBAGE OR REFUSE. ALSO, YOU MUST TAKE REASONBLE MEASURES TO CONTROL THE PEST INFESTATION ON THE PROPERTY, SPECIFICALLY BATS AS THEY ARE BECOMING DETRIMETAL TO SURROUNDING AREAS AND A DANGER TO PUBLIC SAFETY “

The actions in the Order must be carried out by August 21, 2019. The property owner may appeal the Order within 14 days.

Although this is not a common type of unsightly property file, it was evident that the vacant property was causing concerns for some neighbours. There was an excessive amount of bat feces on the property and it was spreading to other surrounding homes occupied by families. It was determined that the constant need to clean the bat feces, along with the lack of freedom to enjoy their yard in the evenings, was detrimental to the neighboring properties.

Bylaw Officers will inspect the property on/after August 21, 2019 to determine if further action if necessary.

Media Contact:

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

A two-month investigation by ALERT’s Medicine Hat organized crime team has resulted in what is believed to be the largest methamphetamine seizure in the city’s history. Five people were arrested, and more than $120,000 worth of drugs and cash were seized.

On July 13, 2019, with the assistance of Medicine Hat Police Service, ALERT investigators executed search warrants at two residences in Medicine Hat, arresting four people. That same day, they also stopped a vehicle along the Trans-Canada Highway near Brooks and arrested one person with the help of Brooks RCMP.

Over the course of the investigation, which started in May 2019, the following items were seized:

• 1.13 kilograms of methamphetamine;
• 156 grams of cocaine;
• 7 grams of psilocybin mushrooms;
• 207 tablets of illicit prescription drugs;
• three cans of pepper spray;
• a replica firearm; and
• $34,145 cash proceeds of crime.

This methamphetamine seizure exceeds the previous record for Medicine Hat, which the ALERT organized crime team set in December 2017 when 1.02 kilograms of meth were seized during a vehicle stop just inside city limits.

“The presence of methamphetamine has a detrimental effect not only on drug users, but also on the overall safety of citizens of Medicine Hat,” said Insp. Tim McGough, MHPS.

A total of 28 criminal charges have been laid against the five people arrested:

• Rosalind Blade, a 65-year-old woman from Medicine Hat
  • Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (x2)
  • Possession of a controlled substance (x2)
  • Possession of proceeds of crime
  • Breach of recognizance (x5)
• Bobby-Jo Blade, a 38-year-old woman from Medicine Hat
  • Trafficking a controlled substance (x5)
  • Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (x3)
  • Possession of a controlled substance (x2)
  • Possession of proceeds of crime (x2)
  • Possession of a weapon dangerous to the public
• Angie Blade, a 25-year-old woman from Medicine Hat
  • Breach of recognizance
• Harley Simons, a 44-year-old man from Medicine Hat
  • Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (x3)
• Guled Shideh, a 34-year-old man from Edmonton
  • Possession of proceeds of crime

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. Members of Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.

Media inquiries may be directed to:

Insp. Tim McGough
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

On July 15, 2019 at approximately 7:20 pm, the Medicine Hat Police Service responded to a residence on Cuyler Road SE following a report of a robbery. The investigation revealed that a male had been assaulted, threatened with bear spray and had a sum of money taken from him. The male sustained minor injuries that did not require medical attention.

Resulting from the investigation, two males are being held in custody facing numerous charges including; robbery, possession of a weapon dangerous, obstructing a peace officer and numerous breaches. The names of the accused will be withheld pending the completion of their bail hearings.

All individuals involved in this matter were known to one another and as such there is no further risk to general public safety.

Media Contact:

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

On July 16, 2019 at approximately 3:30 am, two suspects forced their way into an apartment located on Carswell Road SE, Medicine Hat. One of the suspects produced a knife, made threats toward the residents in the apartment and demanded money. Several personal items were taken from the victims and two of them suffered physical injuries. One attended the hospital, but left prior to obtaining treatment.

The Medicine Hat Police Service Major Crimes Section is continuing the investigation and currently have two offenders in custody. While it is early in the investigation, it is believed that the residence and the individuals inside were specifically targeted, and as such, there is no general public safety risk.

Anyone with information that could assist with this investigation is asked to contact the Medicine Hat Police Service at 403-529-8481 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800 -222-8477 (TIPS).

Media Contact:

S/Sgt. Chad Holt

Major Crimes Section

Medicine Hat Police service

Ph: 403-529-8421

At approximately 12:15 PM on July 9, 2019, a vehicle collided into the front entrance vestibule of a business located in the 300 block of Southridge Dr. Extensive damage occurred to the building and vehicle. A 57-year-old Medicine Hat woman, identified as the driver, has been charged with failing to provide a roadside breath sample and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.

Media Contact:

Insp Joe West
Medicine Hat Police Service
PH: 403-529-8414

On Tuesday, July 9^th at 9:30am the MHPS Traffic Unit will be conducting an over-dimensional load escort. The escort will be travelling from Bromley Mechanical at 925 23 St SW to west town limits of Redcliff.

Due to the size of the loads, the escort will be required to counter-flow the Trans-Canada Hwy and this will affect traffic along Highway #1 in both the east and westbound lanes, along with parts of Redcliff Dr SW and Gershaw Dr SW. The escort is expected to take approximately one hour to complete so please plan your morning commute accordingly.

The MHPS appreciates the motoring public's cooperation during these escorts and reminds motorists to obey all police officer, pilot vehicle and flag person's directions.

On, July 6^th, 2019, shortly after 8:00 PM Medicine Hat Police responded to a single vehicle collision on Box Springs Rd NW, Medicine Hat. The vehicle was determined to have left the roadway, rolled and stopped after colliding with a power pole. Traffic on Box Springs Rd, was stopped for several hours and diverted as the power pole was in danger of falling. After the power pole was secured by Medicine Hat Electric Utilities, traffic was allowed to resume. The driver suffered minor injuries and was treated at hospital and has since been charged with Impaired Driving, Refusing to provide a blood sample and Dangerous Driving,

The Medicine Hat Police Service conducted a push notification to the public advising of the road closure. For up to date information on similar events please download the MHPS application, available on itunes and android devices.