ARTICLES

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 who work to break the bias towards advancing gender equity.

This month as our community is celebrating our western heritage through our annual Stampede, we are celebrating a remarkable cowgirl, Brittney Chomistek as our July recipient of “Be the Change Award.”  Brittney was born and raised northeast of Medicine Hat on land that has been in her family for four generations. Her family on both sides, have always been involved in rodeo, whether as a competitor, promoter, rodeo queen, committee member or spectator. Brittney and her family have been long time volunteers at the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede she is one of the many that is working to change the landscape and demographics of the organization to this day.

In 2016, Brittney was crowned the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede Queen and throughout her reign she focused on being a role model for young girls as well as an ambassador for the western way of life. As the Medicine Hat Stampede royalty, she had the unique opportunity to collaborate with community organizations and be an ambassador for the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede as well as the City of Medicine Hat. At the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton Brittney competed and won the title of 2018 Miss Rodeo Canada. Making Chomistek and her mother, Shelley Sodero the first mother-daughter duo to both hold the prestige title. Throughout her reign as Miss Rodeo Canada, Brittney toured extensively as Canadian rodeo’s most active ambassador; meeting, greeting, riding, and carrying the Canadian flag in countless arenas in front of thousands of people. Using her unique platform to encourage and inspire young girls as she visited communities across Canada, United States and Australia.

Brittney recently graduated with her Bachelor of Education and has a goal of teaching grade one. From a young age Brittney has volunteered with numerous local organizations. She was named the Southeast Alberta United Way Youth Ambassador in 2017 and said that it was “an honour” to the spokesperson for such an amazing organization. These duties complement Brittney’s desire to make a difference with children, as many of the United Way programs focus on helping vulnerable families through difficult times. Two of her favourite projects include” Tools for School” and “Brown Bag Lunch,” both of which assist children of economically challenged families to receive proper tools and nourishment to be successful in school. She also has volunteered her time doing agricultural classroom presentations, as an athletic coach, and founding the Dunmore Equestrian Centre Little Britches Rodeo Sweetheart queen competition. The program allows girls between the ages of 9-12 years old to compete in public speaking, modeling, and horsemanship. Brittney’s focus was to create a competition that will allow young girls to compete in a supportive and learning environment. Girls in the competition come out with strong mentors and friends that will carry them into future endeavours.

We are excited to see the lives she will impact as she embarks on her teaching career and her continued work in the community. Currently in her spare time you will find Brittney around the rodeo arena with camera in hand or in front of the camera showing off her unique style on @canadiancowgirlcloset Instagram page. From vintage to quirky, from the big city to the rodeo arena Brittney encourages women to show off their unique styles and personalities through clothing. The empowerment of women is a great responsibility of all women, and the world becomes a better place when women do not feel the hardships to exist. Congratulations Brittney on being a woman of change!

Two people have been charged following a fentanyl seizure in Southeast Alberta. ALERT seized nearly 700 grams of suspected fentanyl powder in Brooks, Alta.

The fentanyl seizure was completed after ALERT Medicine Hat’s organized crime team executed a planned traffic stop in Brooks on July 6, 2022. Two suspects were arrested at the time.

Following the vehicle stop, a home in Empress, Alta. was searched where additional drugs were located. In total, ALERT seized what amounts to approximately $135,000 worth of drugs, including;

• 679 grams of suspected fentanyl;
• 1,110 illicit prescription pills;
• 1 gram of cocaine;
• Suspected GHB; and
• $15,400 cash.

Edward Nicholson, a 55-year-old from Empress, is charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, and breach of a release order.

Stephan Devonshire, a 49-year-old from Medicine Hat, is charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, possession of drugs, and possession of proceeds of crime.

Nicholson remains in custody while Devonshire is scheduled to appear in court on July 27, 2022.

The seizure and arrests a seven-month investigation that also involved the assistance of Medicine Hat Police Service, Calgary Police Service, Oyen RCMP, Brooks RCMP, and Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC).

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:
Sgt. David Gornisiewicz
MHPS Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
Ph: 403-581-8115

On July 12, 2022, at approximately 5:43 PM a collision between a sport utility vehicle and a motorcycle occurred at the intersection of Division Avenue and Northlands Way NE which resulted in serious, but not life-threatening injuries to the motorcycle rider.

The collision occurred when a 29-year-old driver of a Toyota Rav4, was travelling southbound on Division Avenue and was attempting to turn left onto Northlands Way NE when the vehicle struck a 58-year-old riding a motorcycle northbound on Division Avenue through the intersection on a green light.

Witnesses on scene rendered emergency first aid to the motorcycle rider and called 9-1-1. To aid the investigation into this collision, investigators request those individuals who assisted in this capacity contact the MHPS Traffic Unit by calling 403-529-8471.

The Medicine Hat Police Service would also like to thank the public for their assistance and understanding with the traffic delays.

Media Contact:

Acting Sgt. Kurtis LaDouceur
Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8471

Emergency crews are currently on the scene of a serious injury MVC at Division Avenue and Northlands Way NE. Traffic is requested to avoid Division Ave between 20 St NE and Rotary Centennial Dr NW.

Please obey directions of police and flag persons that are in the area.

The MHPS Traffic Unit has been called in to investigate the cause of the crash. No further details are available at this time.

Please avoid the area and give us room to work.

Emergency crews are currently on the scene of an injury Motor Vehicle Collision at Box Springs at Saamis Dr NW. Please avoid the area.  Motorists that plan on using Saamis Drive between Redcliff and Medicine Hat are asked to use Highway 1 as their alternate route.

Please give us room to work.

The Medicine Hat Police Service is encouraging any families attending Canada Day Events, or any other large gatherings this summer, to take a photo of your child(ren) prior to attending the event. Children often get distracted by the displays, vendors, and large crowds, causing them to wander away from parents and guardians. Having a photo of your child in their current clothing and hairstyle, etc., greatly assists police and event organizers in finding your child, and returning them to you promptly. Members of MHPS will be in attendance at Canada Day celebrations.

The Police Service hopes everyone has a great and safe summer!

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) can confirm that on June 27, 2022, the Service executed a Canada Wide Warrant for Tamara Lich.

The warrant was extended from the jurisdiction of Ontario for one count of fail to comply with a release order. Ms. Lich was held in custody and participated in a Judicial Interim Release (JIR) Hearing at approximately 10:30 AM this morning where a six-day remand was ordered by the Justice of the Peace.

A Canada wide Warrant is generated from the jurisdiction from where the offence took place and must be authorized by the Crown Prosecutor of that jurisdiction, when the accused person resides in another province or Territory. A six-day remand is the process whereby the accused may be held by the jurisdiction where the warrant was carried out so that a hearing before a Justice of the Peace can occur. The hearing determines a form of release or will order the remand of the accused. The accused must then be brought before a justice of the peace the province in which the offence occurred within six days.

As such Ms. Lich will be transported to Ottawa, ON in the next day by the Ottawa Police Service where she will appear before a justice to answer to the charge. Any questions related to the details of the allegation of failing to comply with the release order should be directed to the Ottawa Police Service for comment.

The Medicine Hat Police Service in partnership with the Medicine Hat Police Commission is pleased to present the 2021 Medicine Hat Police Service Annual Report.

The report includes a review of operational highlights and identifies how the health pandemic impacted police service activities, 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 the success of Project Motor, an 18-month long joint investigation involving the Medicine Hat Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) and RCMP Federal Serious Organized Crime. The investigation into a drug trafficking network that spanned across three provinces resulted in the seizure of more than $1.6 million dollars’ worth of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, along with 11 firearms and $82,000 cash.

Throughout the year, several initiatives augmented the MPHS relationship with the local Indigenous community.  These included the creation of a Chief’s Indigenous Advisory Committee (IAC), the gifting of a sacred Eagle Feather from the Blackfoot community adopted by MHPS to affirm and support employees and members of the community, and the creation of an Indigenous Liaison Officer to ensure the relationship remains strong.

To view the entire report, visit the MHPS website at: https://www.mhps.ca/uploads/files/MHPS-2021-Report-web.pdf

For more information contact:

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

The Medicine Hat Police Service is requesting public assistance with an investigation into a road rage incident that occurred on June 18, 2022, at approximately 1500 hrs. This incident occurred on the Trans Canada Highway near the east city limits. Two vehicles were involved in this incident, the first being a blue coloured Dodge truck, and the second being a bronze coloured Volkswagen van. This incident resulted in damage to property and this investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information in relation to these offences is asked to contact MHPS at 403-529-8481 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Tips can also but submitted online via the MHPS website (mhps.ca) or mobile app, which is free to download and available for both Apple and Android devices.

Police File Number 22-13854.

A female is in custody charged with assault and firearms offences following a response by the Medicine Hat Police Service to a serious incident at a home on June 16, 2022.

In the early evening of June 16, 2022, officers responded to a serious incident in the 1200 Block of Ross Street SE. When Police arrived on scene, they were informed about a male who required immediate medical assistance within the residence. Patrol members entered the residence and located the 41-year-old male with serious injuries. He was transported to the hospital for treatment and later flown to Calgary where he remains in stable condition.

The investigation revealed this was an isolated incident and the persons involved were known to each other. A 41-year-old female is in police custody awaiting a bail hearing charged with Aggravated Assault, Assault with a Weapon and numerous firearms offences.

The MHPS Major Crimes Unit continues to investigate, and no further information will be available until the conclusion of the investigation.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt. Darcy Brandt
Major Crimes Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421