ARTICLES

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a 34-year-old female.

Samantha Johnson is missing from the Medicine Hat, Alberta area and was last heard from on November 21^st, 2023. She is described as a Caucasian female, 5’6” tall, with an average build, numerous tattoos and long braided hair that may be blonde or pink. Johnson does not have a fixed address and is involved in a high-risk lifestyle.

The MHPS is asking for anyone who may have information on the whereabouts of Johnson to contact police as her family is concerned for her wellbeing.

At present, there is no reason to believe that Johnson’s absence is the result of foul play.

Anyone with information that could aid the investigation is asked to contact the MHPS at 403- 529-8481 or contact the police service in your local area. Tips may also be submitted via the MHPS website (mhps.ca) or mobile app. The MHPS app is free to download and available for both Apple and Android devices.

Media Contact:

Sgt. David Gornisiewicz
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8461

Mischief to Vehicle- 500 Block 1 Street SE

Between 9:00 AM and noon on November 22, 2023, an unknown person caused damage to a white Dodge Ram truck while it was parked in the 500 block of 1st Street SE. Damage was caused to the paint and windows of the truck and is estimated at $2,000.

Anyone with information that could aid the investigation is asked to contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481. Tips may also be submitted via the MHPS website (mhps.ca) or mobile app. The MHPS app is free to download and available for both Apple and Android devices.

Media Contact:

Cst. Lisa Gervais
Downtown Patrol Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-458-0809

On November 28, 2023, the Medicine Hat Police Service received multiple reports of a “Grandparent Scam” operating in our community.

In this scenario, a grandparent receives a phone call from a con artist pretending to be their grandchildren. The caller will sometime say that they are in trouble, usually a car accident, returning from a foreign country, or even in jail and need money immediately.

As a result of these reports, the MHPS Criminal Investigation Section and the Patrol Section, identified and arrested Ashley Gackle, 46-years-old, from Medicine Hat, AB. Gackle was charged with the following;

• Theft Over $5000 x 2
• Fraud Over $5000 x 2
• Breach of Release Order
• Breach of Conditional Sentence Order

Gackle was held for a Judicial Interim Release Hearing and remanded into custody pending his next court appearance scheduled for November 30, 2023.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone who was impacted by this scam is asked to contact the MHPS by calling 403-529-8481.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt. Jason Graham
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421

The Medicine Hat Police Service is receiving reports that the “Grandparent Scam” is once again circulating in the community.

In the typical scenario, a grandparent receives a phone call from a con artist pretending to be their grandchildren. The caller will sometime say that they are in trouble, usually a car accident, returning from a foreign country, or even in jail and need money immediately.

Unfortunately, victims do not verify the story until after the money has been sent as the caller specifically asks “Can you please help me? I'm in jail (or in the hospital / or in some type of financial need). But don't tell Mom/Dad. They will kill me if they find out, please sent the money ASAP. I'm scared". Wanting to help their grandchild, the victim sends the money as requested.

Variations on the scam are an old neighbor, a friend of the family etc. but predominantly the emergency scam is directed towards seniors and grandparents.

If you or someone you know has received such a request for money, take measures to verify the requestor’s identity and the legitimacy of their story before you complete the transaction. If you have fallen victim to this scam, and have not already reported it, please contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481.

Media Contact:

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

A Medicine Hat adult male and youth have been charged in connection to a serious assault that occurred outside of local hotel in May 2023.

During the evening of May 12, 2023, at approximately 10:55 pm., members of the Medicine Hat Police Service responded to a report of a serious assault that had occurred in the rear parking lot of a hotel. The investigation revealed that two male suspects were responsible, and that they had fled the area prior to police arrival. The victim received serious, life-threatening injuries and required immediate medial attention.

The MHPS Criminal Investigation Section continued the investigation and after several months were able to identify two Medicine Hat males in connection to this incident.

On October 4, 2023, a 14-year-old male youth was charged with:

• Aggravated Assault
• Assault with a Weapon
• Possession of a Weapon Dangerous to the Public.

In accordance with the provisions set forth in the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the name of this male can not be released. This male has since been released on several court-imposed bail conditions and is due back in court on January 22, 2024.

On November 21, 2023, Branson Baptiste, 26 years old, from Medicine Hat, AB was charged with:

• Aggravated Assault
• Assault with a Weapon
• Possession of a Weapon Dangerous to the Public
• Breach of Release Order

Baptiste appeared in Provincial Court and has been remanded into custody pending his next court appearance scheduled for December 6, 2023.

The victim has since been released from the hospital and is recovering from their injuries.

Media Contact:
S/Sgt Jason Graham
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421

The Medicine Hat Police Service and Redcliff Bylaw Services will be conducting an over dimensional load escort on November 27, 2023, starting at 1:00 pm. The load will be travelling from Highway #1 Redcliff limits to Ecole St. John Paul II (4802 Southlands Dr. SE). Traffic will be affected on Highway #1 eastbound, 13^th Avenue SE, Strachan Road SE, and Southlands Drive SE. Please avoid these areas if possible and arrange to take alternate routes, please be patient and follow all police/bylaw/pilot vehicle directions.

Medicine Hat… A joint investigation between ALERT and the Medicine Hat Police Service has led to charges against three suspected drug dealers.

The investigation concluded on November 14, 2023, when a search warrant was executed at a home in the city’s North Flats neighbourhood. ALERT Medicine Hat’s organized crime team seized 126 grams of fentanyl, 43 grams of methamphetamine, as well as two conducted energy weapons.

Jewellery, and a large number of bicycles, including several e-bikes were also seized as investigators believe it to be stolen property.

The drugs seized have an estimated street value of nearly $30,000. Meanwhile, investigators are trying to return the stolen property to its rightful owners.

“It’s common that these types of investigations also lead us to seizing stolen property. The impacts of drug activity in a community, big or small, affect our neighbours and sense of community safety,” said Staff Sgt. Ryan Thorburn, ALERT Medicine Hat.

The investigation began in October when ALERT received information regarding the trafficking of methamphetamine and fentanyl in the city.

Three people have been charged, while charges are pending against three additional suspects.

Jacqueline Dopp, 45 years old of Medicine Hat, is charged with:

1. Possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking;
2. Possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking; and
3. Possession of a prohibited weapon x2.

Tammie Melnick, 39 years old of Medicine Hat, is charged with:

1. Possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking;
2. Possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking; and
3. Possess Identity Documents x 10.

Cole Mowatt, 40 years old of Medicine Hat, is charged with:

1. Forgery x 3;
2. Possess Identity Information

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.

The youth who had been previously been reported as missing has been located and is safe. Thank you to the public who have assisted by sharing the social media posts as well as other tips.

Three Medicine Hat men have been charged with assault following a disturbance that occurred during the afternoon of November 8, 2023, in the 200 block of 2nd Street NE. Upon arrival patrol officers located a man who had been seriously assaulted and required treatment for his injuries.

The MHPS Criminal Investigation Section investigated the matter and identified three men in connection to the incident. Resulting from this investigation the following individuals have been arrested and charged with;

Jeremiah James Alfonse Amero (33 years of age)

• Assault Causing Bodily Harm
• Breach of Release Order x 5

Isaiah Cole Wawia (28 years of age)

• Assault Causing Bodily Harm
• Breach of Release Order x 3

Ryan Joseph Paskaluk (26 years of age)

• Assault Causing Bodily Harm

The three males were held for Judicial Interim Release Hearings and remain in custody pending their next appearance in Medicine Hat Provincial Court.

The victim of the assault remains in hospital.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt. Jason Graham
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421

UPDATE: The matter has been resolved. Anyone calling the non-emergency line of 403.529.8481 will receive a message and a prompt to press 1. Please follow the instructions on the recorded message. Thank you!

The Medicine Hat Police Service is issuing a public advisory regarding a series of robocalls that have been directed at our non-emergency phone lines. This issue has been occurring since about 12:30 pm today.

The numerous automated calls have been made to our non-emergency phone line. The calls have congested our phone lines and have hindered our ability to promptly address our ability to answer and address legitimate non-emergency calls from our community.

This has the potential to delay our response time to non-emergent situations. It is important to understand that we have the ability to receive any emergency calls for service through 9-1-1. This line remains unaffected and is available for urgent police, fire, or emergency medical services.

The Medicine Hat Police Service is actively investigating the source of these “robocalls”.