ARTICLES

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.

During the early morning hours of November 12, 2022, the Medicine Hat Police Service along with the Medicine Hat Fire Department, responded to a residential fire in the 800 block of 9 Street SE. During the investigation the remains of a 54-year-old male were found within the home. Currently the circumstances of the death do not appear to be criminal in nature however the MHPS Criminal Investigation Section is continuing the investigation. The identity of the deceased will not be released pending next of kin notification. Our condolences are extended to the friends and family of the male.

Media Contact:

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

More than $15,000 in drugs and cash has been seized following an investigation by ALERT Medicine Hat Organized Crime Section.

On October 27 and October 28, 2022, search warrants were executed on three locations in Medicine Hat, Alberta and one location in Redcliff, Alberta. Police seized 104 grams of methamphetamine, 28 grams of fentanyl, $3,180.00 in cash, ammunition and a small amount of cocaine.

Resulting from this investigation three suspects have been charged as follows:

Nicole Kilthau, 43-year-old from Medicine Hat, is charged with possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of cocaine and possession of proceeds of crime. Kilthau was released and is to appear in Medicine Hat Provincial Court on November 10, 2022.

Allison Keller, 39-year-old from Medicine Hat, is charged with possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime. Keller was released and is to appear in Medicine Hat Provincial Court on November 17, 2022.

Brian Aske, 44-year-old from Redcliff, is charged with two counts of Breaching a Court Order. Aske was released and is to appear in Medicine Hat Provincial Court on November 15.

ALERT completed the investigation with assistance from the Redcliff RCMP.

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity can report to the MHPS by calling 403-529-8481 or submit tips anonymously through the MHPS website (mhps.ca) or mobile app, which is free to download and available for both Apple and Android devices.

Media inquiries may be directed to:

Acting Staff Sgt. David Gornisiewicz

Medicine Hat Organized Crime Team

Ph: 403-581-8115

The Medicine Hat Police Service is seeking public assistance to identify suspects involved in recent acts of vandalism that occurred at Crescent Heights High School.

On October 29, 2022, between the hours of 10:00 pm and midnight, a group of unidentified suspects accessed the roof of school located at 1201 Division Ave North. Once on the roof the offenders spray painted vulgar graffiti symbols and words on the upper roof portion and windows of the school. They also defaced a sign at the front of the school. Damage is estimated at approximately $5,000.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481 or tips may also be submitted (anonymously if preferred) through the MHPS Mobile App, which is free and available to download for both Apple and Android devices by searching ‘Medicine Hat Police Service’ on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Media Contact:

Sgt. Adam Gregory

Community Safety Unit

Medicine Hat Police Service

Ph: 403-529-8451

Please avoid the Kin Coulee dip on Highway #1 as police are currently on scene with a collision and several others vehicles stuck.  Police are asking people to stay at home tonight if possible as the roads are very slippery and vehicles are not able to make it up most hills within the city.

Thank you

The search for a missing Medicine Hat man continues. On October, 19, 2022 the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) requested public assistance to locate Bradley Kiefer (age 62 years). A photo of Mr. Keifer is attached.

Mr. Keifer has not been seen or in contact with his family since October 16, 2022.

Over the past couple of weeks, the MHPS has conducted a comprehensive search for Mr. Kiefer, including but not limited to, the use of Alberta Search and Rescue as well as HALO air support, but has been unsuccessful locating Mr. Keifer.

Anyone with information on the location of Bradley Kiefer is asked to contact Medicine Hat Police Service at (403)529-8481.

Media contact:

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