At approximately 1:20 a.m. on April 7, 2026, a member of the Medicine Hat Police Service Patrol Section was conducting traffic control in the area of the Trans-Canada Highway when a truck travelling eastbound passed at a high rate of speed in the opposite direction. The officer attempted to catch up to the truck to initiate a traffic stop. After exiting onto 13 Avenue to travel northbound, the truck lost control due to excessive speed and collided with a traffic light pole. When the officer arrived, the male driver and male passenger fled on foot. Two females and another male were observed exiting the rear passenger seats of the vehicle. A female occupant was located injured in the rear passenger seat.

All four individuals identified as youths at the scene were transported to hospital with minor injuries. Further investigation identified the driver who fled as a 17-year-old male youth. It was also confirmed that the truck had been reported stolen.

The 17-year-old male driver was later located, uninjured, and charged with:

•             Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm (four counts)

•             Possession of stolen property over $5,000

•             Breach of probation (three counts)

•             Driving without a licence

•             Driving without insurance

•             Fail to remain at the scene of an accident

The accused was held for a judicial interim release hearing and remanded into custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 10, 2026, at Medicine Hat Provincial Court.

Three passengers were also charged with breaching court orders and were released to appear in Medicine Hat Provincial Court on May 25, 2026.

In accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the names of the youths accused will not be released.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Media Contact:

Patrol S/Sgt, Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Phone: 403-529-8461