ARTICLES

Several stolen vehicles have been recovered and one man is facing charges following an ALERT investigation in southern Alberta.

ALERT Medicine Hat’s Regional Property Crime Unit began their investigation into a rash of regional vehicle thefts in early December.

On December 7, 2022, members identified a man exiting a 2002 Ford pickup truck which had been reported stolen from Redcliff, AB earlier that day. Upon further investigation, the following stolen items were recovered:

• Suzuki dirt bike;

• Recreational vehicles; and

• Enclosed trailer.

The total value of the property recovered is estimated at $58,000.

“Our RCPS works hard to arrest and charge prolific property offenders. Following this latest seizure, we are now working to ensure everything is returned to its rightful owners,” said Staff Sergeant Ryan Thorburn, ALERT Medicine Hat.

Jeffrey Lawless, 37 years old of Medicine Hat, is facing stolen property charges, as well as breach of probation. He has been released on conditions and is scheduled to appear in court on January 19, 2023.

ALERT worked alongside the Medicine Hat Police Service and Redcliff RCMP.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt. Ryan Thorburn
Organized Crime Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8425

On International Women’s Day the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) pledged to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of individuals in the community (Medicine Hat & surrounding area) who lead, inspire, and motivate women and work to break the bias towards advancing gender equity. Each month the MHPS, in partnership with the Medicine Hat Police Association, selects a local individual(s) to highlight with the “Be The Change” award, and celebrate the achievements of these individuals who are catalysts for change in our community.

This month, Amanda Hennessey was chosen as the recipient of the MHPS “Be the Change Award” in recognition of her passion and pursuit of advancing women in the trades industry. As a Master Electrician, instructor at the Medicine Hat College (MHC), and the MHC Electrical Department Coordinator, Amanda appreciates the importance of supporting diversity in a traditionally male dominated industry. She is one of several instructors involved in the Women in Trades program at the MHC, a 16-week program that provides an introduction and overview of carpentry, plumbing welding, and electrical trades for women and non-binary individuals. The program provides participants with a safe space to explore the various trades as a potential career and forge relationships with other women in the industry.

When asked what advice she would give a woman considering a career in the trades, Amanda says simply “to realize that it is totally possible. There is a common misconception that brute strength is required to get the job done, but she encourages everyone to open their minds to the concept that with a basic understanding of physics and the right tools to do the job, anyone can be strong.” Despite the challenges faced by women, she encourages them to consider a career in the trades as it is extremely rewarding and at the end of the day you have tangible and visible evidence of a job well done.

Amanda credits her father with being the first to support her interests and remembers how she loved helping him with chores around the house when she was growing up. It wasn’t until she was in school that she began to recognize there were barriers she would have to overcome to pursue her career interests.

In Alberta in 2021, only 7.8% of trades, transport and equipment operators were women, Hennessey says “often the biggest hurdle for women in trades industry is trying to get someone to hire you.” She knows this firsthand, as the first job she applied for at an appliance repair shop she was immediately rejected by the male business owner and told that she couldn’t do the job, solely because she was a woman. Thankfully, she didn’t let this stand in her way, and went on to have a successful career spanning almost 20 years. A message that she shares with all her students, regardless of if they are male or female, is that to treat people based on their merit. In her classroom she encourages students to discuss their concerns and share past experiences to better prepare them for working in an environment with diversified team members.

Amanda's dedication goes even beyond her teaching. In 2014 she started her own business, ARH Electric, after being approached by a female co-worker who asked for help with an issue in her home. The woman shared that she had previously hired another company but had a negative experience with the repair technician and was unable to have the job completed. She had lived for over a year without a functioning clothes drier out of fear of having another male technician come into her home. When working with clients, Amanda tries to share some of her expertise so to empower them with the knowledge and practical skills that will help them be more self sufficient and have the confidence to complete some minor repairs on their own.

When not instructing, Amanda is also the President of the Bunny Run Rabbit Rescue. An organization that works to provide permanent homes for domestic rabbits that have been abandoned. She fosters and rehabilitates several rabbits in her home while waiting for them to be adopted.

Amanda was also a member of the Women in Construction Committee before it disbanded in early 2020. Their mandate was to promote a non-biased workplace in the construction industry and actively engage both men and women through opportunities that supported and increased the advancement of professional, skilled women in the community. Amanda embodies the true meaning behind this award. Her support and work to normalize women in the trades is helping to break down barriers for the future generations of tradeswomen. We thank her for her continued efforts to lead, inspire, motivate, and break the bias!

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

Please be advised that member of the MHPS Traffic Unit will be escorting a wide load through the city this morning (Dec 8/22) starting at 9 AM.  The load will be moving from west to east city limits along the Trans Canada highway. Due to the size, counter flow measures are required and significant traffic disruption are expected between Redcliff and 6th Street SW. First Street SW will be blocked during this move.  It is anticipated it will take approximately one hour to move the load through the city limits.  Thank you for your patience and cooperation!

Various amounts of drugs and cash has been seized following a three-month investigation by ALERT in southern Alberta.

ALERT Medicine Hat’s organized crime team arrested two alleged drug traffickers on December 1, 2022 after conducting a targeted vehicle stop in the Brooks area. The vehicles were searched and the following evidence was seized:

• 249 grams of methamphetamine;
• 29 grams of cocaine;
• 85 grams of fentanyl;
• $4,500 in cash.

The drugs seized have an estimated street value of $35,000.

ALERT began its investigation in September 2022 and worked alongside Medicine Hat Police Service, Brooks RCMP and Calgary Police Services. The agencies shared criminal intelligence about drug trafficking taking place between their respective communities.

“This arrest and subsequent seizure has helped to dismantle the drug network between Calgary and Medicine Hat, and also negatively impacting the communities in between. Drug trafficking transcends municipal borders and we will continue to work alongside our partner agencies to keep communities safe,” said Staff Sergeant Ryan Thorburn, ALERT Medicine Hat.

Ashley Gackle, 45 years old of Medicine Hat, is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of property under $5,000. A bail hearing was scheduled for December 6.

Amiel Mehaisen, 30 years old from Calgary, is facing similar charges. He has been released and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

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 inquiries may be directed to:
Mike Tucker
Communications Director
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
780-509-3015

We are happy to report that a local woman has been successfully reunited with her dog after it was taken when thieves stole her car.

During the morning of December 2nd, 2022, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service responded to a report of a stolen vehicle in the Kingsway Ave SE area of Medicine Hat. The owner reported that her dog was in the car at the time of the theft.

A short time later officers located and attempted to stop the vehicle but were unsuccessful but were able track the vehicle and it was located again at a rural location in Saskatchewan.

Two men were taken into custody without incident and the dog was located unharmed in the vehicle. The owner has since been reunited with her furry friend.

The MHPS would like to remind drivers to ensure that despite the cold weather vehicles are never left running and unlocked as it only takes seconds for opportunist criminals to take advantage. Please also remember, particularly during this holiday shopping season, to secure all property and leave valuable out of sight.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt Rod Thompson
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8461

Three adults are facing numerous charges following a traffic stop in Medicine Hat, AB on November 25,2022.

At approximately 4:10 AM members of the Medicine Hat Police Service conducted a traffic stop for a moving infraction. After stopping the vehicle, the three occupants attempted to flee from police but were unsuccessful. The ensuing roadside investigation revealed edged weapons in plain sight within the vehicle, and the driver was identified as being suspended and on pre-trial release conditions. Following a further search of the vehicle officers located additional weapons including two swords, a hatchet, and a taser as well as 59.34 grams of fentanyl (valued at $11,800), 227 grams of methamphetamine (valued at $13,620) and $1,600 cash.

Resulting from this investigtaion three individuals were charged with several offences:

Jason Godfrey, 40-years-old, of Medicine Hat, AB is charged with obstructing a peace officer, possession of proceeds of crime, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public, possession of a prohibited weapon, and two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking. Additionally, Godfrey was charged with; fail to comply with probation order, and two counts of breach of peace bond. Godfrey was remanded in custody and scheduled to appear in court on December 13, 2022.

Natasha Morgan, 37-years-old, of Medicine Hat, AB is charged with obstructing a peace officer, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public, possession of a prohibited weapon, and two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking. Morgan was released from custody and scheduled to appear in court on December 13, 2022.

Allissa Felkse, 29-years-old, of Medicine Hat, AB is charged with obstructing a peace officer, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public, possession of a prohibited weapon, and two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking. Felkse was released from custody and scheduled to appear in court on December 13, 2022.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt. Kelsey Fraser
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403529-8461

Over the past week there has been an increase in stolen property reported. Recent files include:

Sometime between November 27th and early November 28^th. 2022 a 16-foot 2012 Wells Cargo enclosed utility trailer was stolen from a construction sight in the Southwest light Industrial area of Medicine Hat. The trailer is described as black with a white side door, Alberta license plate 4HV171 . The trailer is valued at approximately $10,000 and had approximately $15,000 worth of construction tools inside. Most of the tools are engraved or marked with "SRH".

Sometime between November 25th and November 28th, 2022, suspects cut a hole in the fence at a storage facility in the Briar Park area. Once inside the compound thieves entered several recreational trailers stealing various types of property. UPDATE: The blue station wagon is no longer a vehicle of interest in this file and is not connected to these thefts.

On November 28, 2022, at 0103 hrs, a White 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 AB Lic: CJV-8646 was stolen from a car repair shop in Riverside. The investigation has revealed that during the time of the theft a newer SUV circled the blocked, parked in-front of the building and two males exited the SUV and walked up to the Dodge, defeated the door lock, then started the vehicle and left the area.

Anyone with information regarding the above files is asked to contact the Medicine Hat Police Service at 403-529-8481. Additionally, tips can be submitted (anonymously if preferred) via the MHPS website (mhps.ca) or mobile app. The app is free to download and available for both Apple and Android devices.

The MHPS also encourages members of the public to report suspicious activity by calling 911 in an emergency or 403-529-8481 for all other non- emergencies.

Media Contact:

Insp Joe West
Operational Services Division
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

A 39-year-old male from Bow Island, AB was arrested and charged in connection to possesion of stolen property by members of the Medicine Hat Police Service who were patrolling the southwest industrial area of Medicine Hat on the weekend.

During the early morning hours of November 26, 2022, the male was observed attempting to hitch a truck to a flatbed trailer. Upon further investigation it was revealed that the male had outstanding warrants for his arrest and was in possession of a stolen 2012 Ford F350.

The Bow Island man was taken into custody and held for a judicial interim hearing where he faces numerous charges including possession of stolen property exceeding $5000, several counts of possession of credit card data and of breach of release orders.

Members of the public are encouraged report suspicious activity to the MHPS by calling 403-529-8481 or submitting tips (anonymously if preferred) through the MHPS website (mhps.ca) or mobile app, which is free to download and available for both Apple and Android devices.

Media Contact:

Inspector Joe West
Operational Services Division
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8414

On International Women’s Day, Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) pledged to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of individuals in the community (Medicine Hat & surrounding area) who lead, inspire, and motivate women and work to break the bias towards advancing gender equity. Each month the MHPS, in partnership with the Medicine Hat Police Association, selects a local individual(s) to highlight and celebrate as a “Be The Change” award recipient. The “Be the Change” award recognizes and celebrates the achievements of individuals who are catalysts for change in our community and are working to advance women professionally and personally.

This month, Danielle Skogen was nominated and chosen as the recipient. Danielle has been a catalyst for women's empowerment not only in our community, but also internationally; facilitating and developing programs that focus on encouraging girl empowerment and supporting gender equity.

Danielle was raised in Medicine Hat and still calls it home. She obtained her Bachelor of Education degree specializing in French Immersion Education from the University of Alberta and became a grade one teacher shortly after. After a year of teaching, Danielle decided to make a drastic shift in her life and moved to Guatemala where she volunteered as a language teacher. A six-month trip was soon extended as Danielle fell in love with the culture and the people of Guatemala.

Danielle then spent the next three years with an education-focused Guatemalan non-profit as a Fundraising Manager. During her tenure, Danielle recognized the need for more overt and structured programs to support women and girls in that area. To address the rampant gender inequity she observed, in 2014 Danielle reached out to the US REALgirl foundation to bring their programs to Guatemala. In 2015, Danielle stepped down from her existing position to initiate a new girl empowerment program in Guatemala in collaboration with the REALgirls Foundation, which is now called SERniña (To Be A Girl). Seven years later, SERniña is a thriving organization that provides youth with year-long immersive empowerment and equality workshops. SERniña has already worked with over 2,000 children in 20 different communities and continues to grow each year.

In 2020, transitioning back to Medicine Hat, Danielle was hired by Canadian Humanitarian to replicate REALgirl’s work in their Ethiopian projects and alongside their team. In this role, Danielle is developing empowerment and gender equity programs for the 500 vulnerable children in their centers. With Danielle’s years of experience in the field of supporting women and girls, she has become a certified life and leadership coach. Danielle supports women locally and across the country in achieving their highest potential reaching goals and breaking free from limiting barriers. Danielle often runs free women’s workshops in Medicine Hat and as a coach has provided support to local charities, women’s groups, therapy centers and school board.

Danielle also volunteers her time with Saamis Immigration and is currently a community host to a family from the Congo. She is an active Rotarian and helps support their youth-focused projects such as literacy program in Medicine Hat and supports local after-school clubs, as well as investing in various initiatives to support Indigenous communities.

Thank you, Danielle, for not only enriching our community with your coaching and advocacy of women, but also being a champion for change internationally. We encourage you to continue your advocacy and enjoy the journey for years to come. Congratulations!

Media Contact:

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

The incident involving the suspicious device located in the area of Terrace Drive and 11th Ave NE has been safely resolved with the support of the Explosives Disposal Unit.  Most emergency crews have departed the area and there may be investigative members still on scene. There were no injuries as a result of the incident. Vehicle and pedestrian traffic have been restored and the public's safety is no longer at risk.  MHPS thanks the members of the public for their patience and cooperation. This matter will be further investigated by the Criminal Investigative Section.