ARTICLES

On October 23, 2024, at approximately 11:45AM members of Medicine Hat Police Service Patrol Section were called to a report of an injured person in the 800 block of 3 Street SE. On arrival, it was soon learned that the involved person was injured because of an assault at a residence in the same block. Patrol officers subsequently attended to the residence where the assault happened. Officers then attempted to speak with an occupant of the house who was later learned to be the suspect in the assault. At this time, the suspect brandished a knife and threatened a police officer with it. The suspect then went back into the residence and additional police resources arrived on scene. Officers made attempts to decompress the situation, and a PACT police officer (Police and Crisis Team) was able to successfully negotiate the suspect out of the residence.

The suspect, a 44 year old Medicine Hat man, has been charged with assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, possess weapon dangerous, and utter threats. The victim is known to the suspect and the suspect is scheduled to make his court appearance on November 18, 2024.

S/Sgt. Rod Thompson

Patrol Team 4

Medicine Hat Police Service

UPDATE:  October 24, 2024 3:45 PM

On October 23, 2024, Richard McArthur, 34, of Medicine Hat, was formally charged in connection with a stabbing incident reported in the area of 1 St SE and 6 Ave SE. Following an investigation, investigators have determined that the suspect and the victim were known to each other, and this was not a random attack. Following a bail hearing, McArthur has been remanded into custody with his next court appearance scheduled for October 31, 2024.  At this time, there is no evidence to suggest any ongoing risk to the public. 

On October 23, 2024, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service responded to the area of 1^st Street and 6th Avenue SE after receiving a report that a man had been stabbed. Officers located the injured man, who was immediately transported to hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Officers were also able to identify a suspect who had fled the area following the attack and arrested him a short time later. Members of the MHPS Major Crimes Unit attended to assist with the investigation and were able to locate an edged weapon in the area.

Resulting from this investigation a 34-year-old man has been charged with assault with a weapon causing bodily harm and is currently in custody awaiting a Bail Hearing.

Media Contact:

Acting S/Sgt. Darren Lole
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421

Three males are facing charges of theft, fraud and extortion after an investigation into a scam operating in the Medicine Hat area.

On October 17, 2024, the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) received a report of a banking scam operating in our community targeting seniors.

In this scenario, a senior received a phone call from a con artist pretending to be an investigator from their bank. The caller claimed the person’s identity had been compromised and their account has been used for illegal activity.  The senior was told that they were required to pay for an investigation through their bank security services, to clear their name, and that the money would be refunded to them on conclusion of the investigation.

As a result of this matter being reported to the MHPS, the Criminal Investigation Section assisted by the Patrol Section and ALERT Medicine Hat, commenced an investigation into fraud, theft and extorsion, and using specialist techniques turned the table on the scammer resulting in the apprehension of persons involved. 

Rahul DUDRA 25 years old, Kumar RAJAT 25 years old, and Jaskirat SINGH 25 years old, all of Calgary, Alberta were identified and arrested in Medicine Hat. The males were each charged with the following offences;

• Theft Over $5000 x 2
• Fraud Over $5000 x 2
• Extortion. 

Following a Judicial Interim Release Hearing and the accused were released by the Justice of the Peace  and scheduled to attend court in Medicine Hat on November 5, 2024. 

Media Contact:

A/SSgt. Darren Lole
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421

On October 15, 2024, at approximately 6:53 PM, Police, Fire and EMS responded to the intersection of South Boundary Road SE and Southridge Drive SE following a report of an injury motor vehicle collision.  The collision involved a SUV and a motorcycle.  The driver of the motorcycle sustained serious injuries and was transported to the hospital for treatment.  No injuries were sustained by the driver of the SUV.

The collision is still under investigation and the Medicine Hat Police Service Traffic Unit is requesting assistance from the public.  Anyone who witnessed the collision and has not yet spoken to investigators is asked to call 403-529-8481 to speak to a member of the Traffic Unit.

Media Contact:

Sgt. Stacey Fishley
Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8471

On October 15, 2024, at approximately 7:20 AM, Police, Fire and EMS responded to the 800 block of Gershaw Drive SW following a report of injury motor vehicle collision.  The collision involved a truck and a motorcycle. The driver of the motorcycle sustained serious injuries and was transported to the hospital for treatment.  No injuries were sustained by the driver of the truck.

The collision is still under investigation and the Medicine Hat Police Service Traffic Unit is requesting assistance from the public.  Anyone who witnessed the collision and has not yet spoken to investigators is asked to call 403-529-8481 to speak to a member of the Traffic Unit.

Media Contact:

Sgt. Stacey Fishley
Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
PhL 403-529-8471

Emergency Crews are currently on scene at a serious MVC at Southridge Drive SE and Southboundry Rd. Please avoid the area, as the intersection will be closed until further notice. The MHPS Traffic Unit has been called into investigate. No further details are available at this time. Please avoid the area and give us room to work.

On October 3, 2024, at approximately 7:40 PM members of the Medicine Hat Police Service responded to a motor vehicle collision that had occurred on Dunmore Road SE at the Trans Canada Hwy westbound off ramp.

The investigation revealed that a truck travelling north on Dunmore Road SE, attempted to make a turn and collided with a youth riding a moped travelling southbound. The youth was transported to hospital for treatment of several injuries.

The collision is still under investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or may have dashboard video are asked to contact MHPS (403)529-8481.

Media Contact:

A/Insp. Darcy Brandt
Operational Services Division
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8412

The MHPS will be conducting an over dimensional load escort on October 3, 2024, starting at 9:30 am. The load will be starting at Bromley Mechanical (925 23 Street SW) and will be travelling to the west Redcliff town limits on Highway #1.

Traffic will be affected in both the East and West bound lanes on Highway #1 and in the SW industrial area of Medicine Hat due to counterflowing required. Please avoid these areas if possible and arrange to take alternate routes. If you are travelling in the area, please be patient and follow all police/bylaw/pilot vehicle directions. Thank you!

On September 20, 2024, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) Patrol section responded to a report of a domestic dispute involving a 34-year-old male who had a Canada Wide Warrant for his arrest and was reportedly in possession of a firearm. The male had left the residence prior to police arrival and extensive efforts were made to locate him.

During the afternoon of September 21,2024, the MHPS received information that he was at a residence located in the 400 block of 8^th Street SE. Officers attended the area and upon arrival found the man outside of the home and in possession of firearms.  Officers attempted to gain compliance from the man by using deescalating techniques but were unsuccessful. The man was uncooperative which led to officers deploying less-lethal impact rounds to prevent him from entering a nearby residence. The man subsequently discharged his firearm, causing injuries to himself, and was secured and transported by EMS to hospital for treatment of the injuries.

The Director of Law Enforcement for the Province of Alberta was notified and deemed the incident to be out of scope for investigation by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team. As a result, the MHPS Criminal Investigation Section continues the investigation.

Media Contact:

Acting Insp. Rod Thompson
Operational Services Division
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

A 39-year-old Medicine Hat man is facing numerous firearms and drug related offences following an investigation by the ALERT Medicine Hat organized crime team, with assistance from the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS).

On September 19, 2024, at approximately 2:20 PM, Kaden Schenkey was arrested following a vehicle stop completed by members of the MHPS Tactical Team. During the arrest, Schenkey failed to comply with officer commands, resulting in the deployment of pepper ball munitions to allow officers to safely take him into custody. Following the arrest, search warrants were executed at both his South Ridge area residence and at a storage unit located in the Cottonwood area.  The following items were seized during this investigation:

• Eleven (11) firearms, many with ammunition in close proximity
• A firearm suppressor
• Body armour
• 147 grams of cocaine
• 34 grams of methamphetamine
• 1.48 grams of fentanyl
• 16.24 fluid oz of gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
• $5,440 in Canadian currency
• Multiple cellular phones
• Scales
• Packaging material
• 255 grams of buffing agent

Resulting from this investigation, Schenkey has been charged with multiple firearms-related offences including possession of a loaded firearm with ammunition, possession of a firearm knowing it was unauthorized, unauthorized possession of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon, unsafe storage of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a prohibited device, possession of a firearm contrary to an order, and possess unauthorized body armour.

Schenkey has been further charged with the following drug-related offences; three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of fentanyl, and proceeds of crime.

"This arrest is a significant step in protecting our community from dangerous criminal activity.,” said Ryan Thorburn, ALERT Medicine Hat. “Along with the suspect, we seized multiple firearms that posed a serious threat to public safety. By getting these firearms off the streets, we are taking a strong stand against violence and illegal drug operations. Our investigation remains ongoing, and we will continue to work with the community to ensure that those responsible are held accountable."

Schenkey was held for a Judicial Interim Release bail hearing and has been remanded in custody with a court appearance schedule for September 24, 2024.

In Medicine Hat, members of the public who suspect drug activity can contact MHPS by calling 403-529-8481 or submitting tips online (anonymously, if preferred) via the website at mhps.ca or the MHPS mobile app. The app 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 Contact:

S/Sgt Ryan Thorburn
Organized Crime Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416