ARTICLES

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

On the early evening of June 16, 2022, the Medicine Hat Police Service responded to a serious incident in the 1200 Block of Ross Street SE.  This matter has concluded, and is now being investigated by the Medicine Hat Police Major Crimes Section.  This was an isolated incident and there is no danger to the community.  Further comments will follow.

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, Tara Chisholm was nominated and chosen as the recipient of the “Be the Change Award.” Tara volunteers as the Head Coach for the Women’s National Canadian Para Hockey Team. Tara also provides leadership in five very prominent roles: She is the Founder and Program Coordinator of the Medicine Hat Adaptive Sport & Recreation; Provincial Coordinator for Boccia - Alberta Cerebral Palsy Sports Association; and the Provincial Program Director for the Paralympic Sport Association and the Physical Literacy Consultant with Ever Active Community.

Tara recognized the need for adaptive sports in Southeastern Alberta and was committed to making sports available to all. Through her leadership, advocacy, fundraising and commitment to her community, Tara has made competitive and recreational sports more equitable and accessible to everyone. Medicine Hat Adaptive Sport and Recreation focuses on the sports of sledge hockey, boccia, adapted cycling, wheelchair curling, and other adapted fitness. In addition, Tara works with organizations in Medicine Hat and the surrounding area to provide others with free certification and the tools to be able to coach, lead, and gain confidence while fulfilling their dreams. Tara has taken this passion one step further – she also advocates to increase women not only in sport but also in coaching positions. Tara spends a lot of her time organizing and coaching other women to fulfill this endeavour.

Tara’s passion for helping others in the community has certainly touched those around her. Tara’s friends and co-workers say that “Tara inspires women daily to be their best selves”. Tara is recognized for stepping up when a helping hand is needed and is most certainly a role model in this community. Through mentorship and guidance, she inspires the future generation of women not to be afraid and to speak up for equitable opportunities. Tara is committed to mentoring women and encourages them to step into her leadership roles. Tara recognizes the importance of guidance and is dedicated to the future development of women coaches in today's world.

Congratulations Tara! You are a true pillar in this community. Through your commitment and dedication to others, you brighten our community. The Medicine Hat Police Service along with the Medicine Hat Police Association are proud to recognize you and your endeavours. We urge you to continue your advocacy and encourage all those in the community to support you as well.

If you know of a role model in our community who would be deserving of the Be The Change award recognition, nominations can be submitted via the MHPS website (https://app.mhps.ca/be-the-change-award) or mobile app for consideration. The nominations will be reviewed by a committee comprised of women who serve with the MHPS and each month they will select and arrange to meet with the winner to celebrate their accomplishments.

Media Contact:

Cst. Michelle Brunet
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

One male is in custody charged with several property and firearms related offences following an arrest by the Brooks RCMP on June 6, 2022.

On June 6, 2022, at approximately 5:35 AM, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) attended to a break and enter in progress at a business located on Allowance Avenue SE.

Video surveillance determined that two males arrived in a black Ford Escape SUV and made entry by smashing through the front door. Upon making entry the suspects stole 10 long rifles and ammunition.

Between the hours of 5:30 AM and 7:10 AM police were notified of three other break & enters that occurred at other Medicine Hat businesses, that had involved a grey Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Police immediately notified neighbouring agencies about the break and enters. Both the black Ford Escape and grey Jeep Grand Cherokee had been reported stolen from Strathmore, Alberta on June 5, 2022.

At approximately 10:15 AM the Brooks RCMP located the black Ford Escape near Brooks with the assistance of the owner who was tracking the vehicle.

The lone occupant of the vehicle, Jordon Paupst-Wall, 28-years-old, of Red Deer, AB was taken into custody by Brooks RCMP. A search of the vehicle revealed all of the stolen firearms and ammunition from the break and enter that occurred in Medicine Hat, along with clothing worn at the time of the offence.

Jordon Paupst-Wall has been charged by the MHPS with the following offences:

• Break & Enter and Steal Firearms 98(1)(b) C.C.
• Breach of release conditions 145(5)(a) C. C.
• Break & Enter 348(1)(a) C.C. x 2

Paupst-Wall is currently remanded in custody on Brooks RCMP and MHPS charges.

Members of the MHPS Major Crimes Section are continuing this investigation and working to determine the identity of other suspects involved in these break and enters.

Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is asked to contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481 or submit a tip via the MHPS website (mhps.ca) or mobile application. The MHPS app is available for Apple and Android devices and is free to download.

Media Contact:

A/Insp Kelsey Fraser
Criminal and Investigation Support Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

The Medicine Hat Police Service shares everybody’s concern when it comes to road safety and road users.

At about 10:00 am, June 3, 2022, the Medicine Hat Police Service responded to a crash at the intersection of Highway 1 and 7 St SW.

Police have determined that a 2018 Hyundai Tucson travelling east bound on Highway 1 collided with two stopped vehicles. Three persons were transported to the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital with undetermined, non-life-threatening injuries.

The roads have been cleared for travel, and the crash is under investigation by one the MHPS Traffic Unit investigators.

Emergency crews are currently on the scene of a motor vehicle crash at Highway 1 at 7 SW. Traffic east bound is slowed to one lane. Please avoid the area and give EMS, Fire Service and police room to work. 

It is suggested that motorists completely avoid the area.

Please follow the directions of personnel who are doing traffic control. 

We will provide more details at the conclusion of the police investigation.

The "Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival" at Echo dale Regional Park  is experiencing significant traffic congestion which has made the area impassable for emergency vehicles such as Fire and EMS. We appreciate your enthusiasm and don't want to discourage you from attending the event tonight. However, if possible, please enjoy the sights from afar.

The Medicine Hat Police Service has been called by the organizers to assist in traffic control. 

If you are currently in the area, please follow the directions of flag persons and police officers, and respect any traffic control barricades that are in the area. 

The Medicine Hat Police Service is advising business owners and residents of the potential that counterfeit Canadian $100 bills may be circulating in the community.

Following a recent arrest, a suspect was found to have $2,000 in counterfeit “movie” currency in his possession. While the investigation in ongoing, it is unknown at this time where he may have passed the bills. See attached photos of the bill, which at a quick glance may look like Canadian currency, but clearly identifies on both sides that it is not legal tender and for motion picture use only.

As a precaution the MHPS the public to be extra diligent in verify $100 bills received in recent transactions. Anyone who suspects they may have received a counterfeit note should contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481.

Media Contact:

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