ARTICLES

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

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, Brenda Mercer, has been chosen as the winner of the MHPS “Be the Change Award.” Brenda is also known for her Dakota, Indigenous name, Wacungu Waste Win; Good Sweetgrass Woman. Brenda holds a position of high esteem in Medicine Hat for her ability to lead, inspire and motivate woman through holistic approaches; to strengthen women’s bonds to family and community.

With passion and humility, Brenda has regularly shared her own story of how the residential school system and the 60’s scoop has affected her life and those of her biological family. Brenda’s story is one which has encompassed prejudice, racism, elements of assimilation, interrupted precious cultural practices and fragmented family relationships.

In Brenda’s own journey of healing and learning, she has chosen to be an advocate for change and to work with Indigenous people, especially woman, through encouragement and support of self-empowerment. Brenda’s biological mother was a residential school survivor but did struggle once becoming a mother. Brenda was removed from her mother and placed in foster care (60’s scoop) at birth and lived with a non-Indigenous family. Brenda understands the importance of mothering across generations and has two daughters of her own. Brenda’s story and the passing of knowledge from one generation to the next is her practice of “love.”

Brenda has been determined to share her story and use Indigenous traditional crafting to bridge the gap and provide opportunities to connect with others in our community. Brenda believes art and story telling are inviting ways to inspire healthy dialogue about healing and reconciliation. Brenda shares her art of drum and rattle making, beading and other leather work regularly in Medicine Hat and online. She has held traditional crafting sessions at the local library and at the Miywasin Friendship Centre to all who are interested. Brenda also started sharing her traditional crafting online being the founder of White Horse Rider Co.

Over the last several years, Brenda has worked with the Miywasin Friendship Centre as the cultural co-ordinator and volunteers with the Sixties Scoop Indigenous Society of Alberta (SSISA). Brenda has spoken in the past at International Women's Day events sharing her life story. Brenda is determined to be a good role model and lead by example; seizing any opportunity to learn and demonstrate her knowledge and skills to others.

MHPS understands this is only a fraction of the impact Mercer has had on the women of our region.

Congratulations Brenda for fostering inclusive collaboration through sharing your journey and passion!

Over the next year, each month the MHPS will select a local individual(s) to highlight and celebrate, with a goal of raising the profile, recognizing, and celebrating the achievements of these individuals who are catalysts for change in our community, and are working to advance women professionally and personally.

Anyone who wishes to nominate a strong role model in our community can submit a nomination 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.

On Saturday, June 11, 2022 the Medicine Hat Police Service will be opening our doors to the community from 11 AM to 3:00 PM. This event will provide an opportunity to learn more about the MHPS and its operations through information and displays, demonstrations and building tours.

In coordination with the open house, the Medicine Hat Safe Community Association will be hosting a BBQ and 22 local Grade 6 students will be presented with awards from the Chief Gord Earl Leadership Legacy Fund. The Fund was established in 2008 to celebrate Chief Earl’s contributions to the community and to honor his memory. The fund is administered through the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta and each year recognizes Grade 6 students that have demonstrated the core values of the MHPS of integrity, respect, courage, and accountability.

Elementary schools identify students from within the local school districts who have demonstrated the qualities of future community leaders. Parents of the scholarship recipients are encouraged to place the awards into an existing or newly opened Registered Educational Savings Plan. Since its inception in 2008, the Chief Earl Leadership Legacy Fund has 187 students with scholarships.

There is no charge to attend this event and no need to pre-register.

Media Contact:

Sgt. Adam Gregory
Community Safety Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8451

At 5:33 PM, May 10, 2022, patrol team members were dispatched to the 2100 block of 10 Ave NE, in response to a “check on the well-being” call for service. As the investigation unfolded, it was determined that a violent episode had occurred at a private dwelling house, and the suspect remained in the house.

Out of an abundance of caution; taking into consideration safety of the public, the suspect, and the police, a variety of police specialty units were utilized to safely resolve this situation. Those units included the Crisis Negotiations Team, Tactical Team, Drone Team, and K9 Unit.

At 10:22, May 10, PM, police took a 38-year-old male into custody for several offences. The matter is currently under investigation by the MHPS Criminal Investigation Section supported by the Patrol Section.

Prior to the arrest occurring, three distraction devices (flash bangs) were deployed. 

Further details will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.