ARTICLES

On September 19, 2024, at approximately 2:20 PM members of the Medicine Hat Police Service, including members of the Tactical Team, conducted a vehicle stop in the 100 block of Sprague Way SE in relation to an ongoing investigation.  During the vehicle stop the male driver and lone occupant of the vehicle was uncooperative with police instruction and refused to exit the vehicle. This resulted in the deployment of less lethal pepper ball munition, which allowed officers to safely take the male into custody.

Due to proximity of the arrest in relation to George Davison School, the school was voluntarily placed in a hold and secure which lasted approximately 20 minutes.

The investigation is ongoing and no further information will be released at this time.

Media Contact:

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

On September 10, 2024, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service Criminal Investigation Section were conducting follow-up investigations at a hotel on Redcliff Drive SW. During their inquiries, investigators located a loaded sawed-off shotgun in inside one of the rooms. As a result, the lone male occupant, a 51-year-old, Medicine Hat man was arrested and charged with the following offences:

• Possession of a weapon dangerous to the public
• Unauthorized possession of a weapon
• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited/restricted firearm
• Careless use/storage of a firearm

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear in Medicine Hat Provincial Court on November 20, 2024. The name of the man charged can not be disclosed until the charges are officially sworn in court.

Media Contact:

Staff Sergeant Jason Graham
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421

On September 7, 2024, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) responded to a report of a male pointing a firearm outside of the mall. According to initial reports, a verbal altercation had occurred between a male and a group of youths, during which the male allegedly pointed a handgun at the group before fleeing the scene.

Thanks to witness statements and video surveillance of the area officers were able to quickly identify the suspect. On September 11, 2024, the MHPS Criminal Investigation Section located and arrested the male without incident. At the time of his arrest, the suspect was found in possession of a BB-style handgun, believed to have been used during the incident.

Resulting from the investigation, Joey Cameron McConnell, 43-years-old, of Medicine Hat, AB has been charged with the following offenses:

• Assault with a weapon
• Possession of a weapon dangerous to the public
• Failing to comply with a release order

McConnell was held for a judicial interim release hearing, where he was released on a release order.  His next court appearance is scheduled for October 3, 2024, at Medicine Hat Provincial Court.

Media Contact:

Staff Sergeant Jason Graham
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421

On April 10, 2024, the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) arrested and charged Cassandra Chenoweth, 41, of Medicine Hat, AB, in connection with multiple thefts from Canada Post community mailboxes throughout the city. Following her arrest, the MHPS Criminal Investigation Section executed search warrants at a local residence and two storage lockers, resulting in the recovery of thousands of mail items, both reported and unreported, including letters and parcels.

After a lengthy and complex investigation, MHPS investigators linked Chenoweth to 30 similar mailbox thefts in Medicine Hat and surrounding areas. On September 5, 2024, after consulting with Canada Post investigators and the Crown prosecutor’s office, her charges were upgraded to include:

• Theft of Mail
• Mischief (Damage Under $5,000)
• Possession of Break-in Instruments
• Possession of Canada Post Keys
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Possession of Stolen Credit Cards
• Possession of Identity Information
• Possession of Property Under $5,000
• Making or Possessing Identity Documents
• Possession of Property Over $5,000
• Possession of a Forged Document
• Possession of Credit Card Data

Chenoweth appeared in Medicine Hat Provincial Court and is scheduled to return to Provincial Court on September 17, 2024.

In collaboration with Canada Post, the recovered mail and packages will be returned to their intended recipients once they are no longer needed for investigational purposes.

Media Contact:

Staff Sergeant Jason Graham
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421

The investigation into a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred on August 23, 2024, has concluded with no charges.

On August 23, 2024, at approximately 7:00 PM members of the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS), fire and emergency services responded to a report of a motor vehicle collision that had occurred at the intersection of Park Meadows Drive SE And Southview Drive SE.

The investigation into this collision revealed that an 82-year-old woman was walking on the westbound sidewalk adjacent to Southview Drive SE, approaching the intersection of Park Meadows Dr SE when she stumbled, lost her lost her balance, and fell directly into the path of a vehicle that was travelling eastbound on Southview Dr SE. As a result of the collision, the woman succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at scene.

The MHPS offers condolences to everyone impacted by this collision. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

Media Contact:

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

The investigation into a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred on July 18, 2024, has concluded with three youth facing criminal and provincial charges.

On July 18, 2024, at approximately 10:30 PM, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service, fire and emergency medical services responded to a motor vehicle collision that had occurred at the intersection of Strachan Road SE And Spruce Way SE. The investigation revealed that moped was travelling west bound on Strachan Road SE, about to turn south bound onto Spruce Way SE, was struck from behind by a west bound vehicle. Further, the operation of a separate vehicle was found to contribute to the cause of the collision.

The 15-year-old male driver of the moped suffered serious injuries during this collision and was transported to hospital for treatment. He later succumbed to his injuries.

As a result of the investigation, a male youth was charged with Dangerous Driving Causing Death and two other male youths were charged with Provincial Traffic Offences.  Alcohol was not a factor; however aggressive driving was a primary contributor to the collision.  Due to the age of the youth charged they can not be named.

The Medicine Hat Police Service offers condolences to the family and friends of the youth who was killed during this tragic event.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

Media Contact:

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

Police are now clear of the scene on Southview Drive SE and traffic is no longer restricted from the area.

There will be no further release on this incident.

S/Sgt. Trevor Humphries

Shortly after 7:00 pm, on August 23, 2024, the Medicine Hat Police Service patrol officers responded to a domestic violence complaint at a condominium complex located in the 1600 block of Saamis Dr NW., Medicine Hat, Alberta. At the outset of the incident, police believed that a weapon had been involved in the incident. Police were able evacuate occupants from the complex and utilized an on-duty crisis negotiator to de-escalate the situation and safely take the suspect into custody.

Police secured the area and utilized the MHPS Tactical Team, Explosive Disposal Team, and Crisis Negotiators to resolve the incident. The actions of the suspect resulted in people being displaced from their homes until the matter was resolved. Units that worked behind the scenes included Medicine Hat Fire and Emergency Services and an Information Management Section Clerk.

At 1:02 am, August 24, a 27-year-old male suspect was taken into police custody and is awaiting a Judicial Interim Release Hearing.

The suspect will be facing charges that include:

• Forcible Confinement
• Assault by Choking
• Breach of Probation
• Breach of a Conditional Sentence Order  

The Medicine Hat Police Service would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Medicine Hat Fire Service and Alberta Health Services for their assistance.

There is a significant emergency services presence in the area of Southview Drive and Park Meadows Drive SW. Due to the ongoing investigation,  Southview Drive SW between Southview Court SE and Dunmore Road SE, will be closed until further notice.notice.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area and use an alternate route.

S/Sgt. Trevor Humphries - Patrol Team #1  

Medicine Hat Police Service

On August 14, 2024, at 2:52 AM members of the Medicine Hat Police Service - Patrol Section responded to a 911 call for emergency assistance reporting a break and enter to a residence located in the 600 block of 8th Street SE.  The homeowners were present when their home was forcibly entered by a suspect not known to them. Upon arrival, the suspect was taken into custody with the assistance of the homeowner. The suspect was a 54-year-old Medicine Hat man. He was held in custody for a bail hearing and subsequently released to appear in court on August 28, 2024.  

Acting Inspector Trevor Humphries
Operations Division
Medicine Hat Police Service