ARTICLES

A Calgary pair, suspected of trafficking methamphetamine, have been arrested following an ALERT investigation that concluded in Medicine Hat.

Earlier this month, ALERT Medicine Hat received intelligence that led to the identification of a vehicle believed to be involved in drug trafficking. ALERT initiated a planned traffic stop of the vehicle in Medicine Hat and found 510 grams of methamphetamine inside.

The drugs have an estimated street value of $30,540.00.

“It’s our understanding that these drugs were being brought to Medicine Hat with the intention of being sold and ending up on our streets. Having seized this amount, and laying charges on those involved, speaks volumes and says that we don’t want this kind of activity in our community,” said Sgt. David Gornisiewicz, ALERT Medicine Hat.

Shingiral Chinyani, 37, and Nehemie Chery, 31, of Calgary are both facing trafficking charges. The pair remain in custody as they await a bail hearing.

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.

Media Contact:

Ashley Wiebe
Digital Communications Specialist
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
780-509-3028

On June 20, 2023 at 9:00 AM the Medicine Hat Police Service Traffic Unit will be conducting an Over Dimensional Load Escort starting at Hwy #1 Redcliff west limits to the Hwy #1 Medicine Hat east city limits. As part of the OD Load escort there will be delays on Hwy #1 and in the Southwest Industrial area of Medicine Hat due to counterflowing of the loads. Please avoid these areas if possible and obey all directions given by the police and the pilot vehicles.

The Medicine Hat Police Service in partnership with the Medicine Hat Police Commission is pleased to present the 2022 Medicine Hat Police Service Annual Report.

The report includes a review of operational highlights, as well as features key accomplishments in relation to the five strategic priorities of: community safety, community engagement, service delivery, organizational wellness, and human resources.

The report also celebrates highlights throughout the year such as the renaming of the Aahkoinnimaan ni Community Boardroom in collaboration with the Miywasin Friendship Centre, to honor and acknowledge the Indigenous history of the land. The MHPS also was pleased to welcome Athena, a second facility dog who along with Mulder, provides invaluable comfort and support to victims of crime.

Throughout the year the MHPS found ways to reconnect with the community following the pandemic with programs such as Coffee with a Cop, the MHPS Open House and the Be The Change award, which celebrated the achievement of individuals in the community who lead, inspire and motivate women to work to break the bias towards advancing gender equity.

To view the entire report, visit the MHPS website.

For more information contact:

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

The Medicine Hat Police Service is asking the public to avoid streets and areas that have been flooded due to the recent storm.   Several streets in the southeast hill are impassible due to water.   Please allow municipal works room to work and avoid the area. 

Suspicious Package

On the morning of June 2, 2023, the Medicine Hat Police Service responded to a report of a suspicious package in Strathcona Park. Early indications suggests that a small package was set on fire, by unknown persons which resulted in a minor discharge, from an unknown device.

There were no injuries or property damage the matter is now being investigated by the Criminal Investigation Section.

Anyone with information on this event is asked to call the MHPS at 403-529-8481.

MHPS is pleased to announce that Mr. Joseph Myers has been located and is safe.  We would like to thank the public for their support and assistance in the location of Mr. Myers.

On May 26, 2023, MHPS were alerted to a male, located in Strathcona Park, Medicine Hat, who was believed to be in possession of a firearm and experiencing mental health problems. Patrol members attended Strathcona Park and contained the area for public safety.

The male was confirmed to be in possession of a loaded pump action shotgun and during interacting with police, pointed this shotgun at police officers. Police support units including the Tactical Team, Crisis Negotiators, Explosive Disposal Unit, and AHS Emergency Medical Services attended the scene.

A police robot was used to deliver a communication device to the male and following negotiations, the male surrendered peacefully. In total, Strathcona Park was closed to the public for just over 5 hours.

A 53-year-old Medicine Hat male, who cannot be named until charges are formally sworn, has been charged with the following and is held for a Judicial Interim Release Hearing:

1. Pointing a firearm x 4
2. Assault with a weapon x 4
3. Possess weapon dangerous to the public x 2
4. Carrying a concealed Firearm
5. Careless use of a firearm
6. Possession of a prohibited device
7. Mischief
8. Resisting arrest

No further information will be released by the police service.

The police services appreciates the public cooperation by staying clear of the area during this incident.  

The investigation into the sudden death that occurred in the 2100 block of 24th Street SE on May 24, 2023, is ongoing, in conjunction with the Medical Examiner’s Office, however there is no indication that this is a criminal matter and there is no risk to the safety of the public.

No further information about the investigation or the identity of the person will be released.

Our condolences are extended to the family & friends of the deceased.

The Medicine Hat Police Service is seeking assistance from the public to identify two males believed to be involved in a serious assault that occurred outside of a local hotel during the evening of May 12, 2023.

The MHPS Criminal Investigation Section continues to investigate this matter and is asking for anyone who can identify the individuals in the photos and video below to contact Cst. Adam Johnston at 403-529-8481 or by email to adajoh@mhps.ca. Additionally, tips can be submitted through 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:

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

Three community members were presented with a Chief’s Commendation in recognition of their life saving efforts.

On March 30, 2023, the Medicine Hat Police Service received a call reporting that a suicidal person had climbed over the railing of an overpass in the city and appeared to be planning to jump off.

Kiaya Turner and Christine Hunter-Wagner were driving by the area when they noticed the person in distress. Instead of continuing their way, they made a safe U-turn, stopped their vehicle, and approached the individual to offer help. Upon realizing the gravity of the situation, they quickly acted.

Karlie Schmaltz, also witnessed the unfolding events and stopped to provide assistance.

Kiaya and Christine engaged in conversation with the person and once realizing their intent to jump, they firmly grabbed the individual's sleeves. They then asked Karlie to call 9-1-1. Throughout this tense situation, Kiaya and Christine maintained their hold on the individual, who tried to pull away, while Karlie calmly called for emergency support.

The women stayed with the distressed person until MHPS officers arrived on scene and were able to assist with the rescue. The three women were presented with a Chief’s Commendation during a meeting of the Medicine Hat Police Commission held on May 17, 2023. There were commended for their bravery and selfless willingness to intervene. Their actions saved a life, and we thank them for their courage.

Media Contact:

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