ARTICLES

The Medicine Hat Police is currently investigating a motor vehicle collision.  As a result the westbound lane of the Trans Canada Highway will be shut down between College Ave and 16 St SW.  Please avoid this area and take an alternate route.

On December 8^th, 2021, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) attended to a serious incident, located at the parking lot of 2051 Strachan Rd SE, Medicine Hat, AB. The MHPS can confirmed that a male at the scene died as the result of injuries sustained. Members of the Major Crimes Section continue to investigate the occurrence but have determined it to be not criminal in nature. Out of respect for the family and friends of the deceased, no further information will be released.

The holiday season is a time to celebrate with colleagues, family and friends, and the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) would like to remind those who will be driving to those celebrations to plan ahead to ensure a safe ride home. Throughout the month, drivers can expect increased officer presence as check stops are conducted to promote safe roads.

Some of the check stops will be advertised, including one held this weekend on December 11, 2021, and one on December 18, 2021, while others will not. Check stops will be conducted at various times through the day.

Drivers are also reminded that in December of 2018 new impaired driving legislation came into effect, including the introduction of Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS). When entering a check stop drivers will be required to provide a sample of breath. The MAS test is very quick to complete. The device provides an immediate reading and drivers that pass will continue on their way in as little as 30 seconds. The goal is to provide minimal disruption to motorists while enhancing the safety of our roadways.

In 2019 the MHPS charged 128 impaired drivers. In 2020, 88 were charged and year-to-date in 2021, (as of December 7) there have been 104 charges for an Immediate Roadside Sanctions (IRS) Fail under the new legislation. In addition, there have been 76 other IRS sanctions issued for 24 hr and warning suspensions.

Every death and injury caused by impaired driving is preventable. We all have a responsibility when it comes to preventing drinking and driving. If you suspect someone of driving under the influence, please call 9-1-1.

There are many options and no excuses for driving impaired. Drive safe Medicine Hat!

Media Contact:

Sgt. Gerald Sadlemyer
Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8471

The Medicine Hat Police along with other emergency services are currently at the scene of a serious incident in the parking lot of Walmart.  We are asking the public to avoid the parking lot entrance by Tony Romas.  Walmart is still open during this time.  Updates will be provided when they become available.

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) wants you to become a member of our team! We have an exciting opportunity for you to join a dedicated group of police professionals, serving and protecting our community with pride. As a member of the MHPS you will be part of a progressive, thriving organization and a community with plenty to offer.

The MHPS is currently seeking applicants for the position of police constable. Ten applicants will be selected from this application process, be sworn in as police cadets and commence 20 weeks of police recruit training at the MHPS starting on October 3, 2022.

The Police Cadet training program has been accredited by the Lethbridge College and will follow standards set forth by the Alberta Solicitor General’s office. Upon successful completion of the cadet training program, the Cadets will be selected for immediate employment as a police constable with the MHPS.

If you are ready for an exciting and rewarding career in law enforcement, in one of the most beautiful cities in Canada, click here for more information about the MHPS and this exciting opportunity.

For information about Police Recruit minimum requirements – click here

Member of the MHPS Recruitment Team will be holding an online information session on December 8, 2021, at 7:30 PM on to provide information and answer any questions on the standards and application process. Interested participant are required to register.  To register click here 

Application deadline is March 11, 2022.

If you have any additional questions you may contact a member of the MHPS Recruitment Team by email at recruiting@mhps.ca

Media Contact:

Cst. Kinsi Steiger
Recruitment Team
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-458-2037

On November 25, 2021, Chad Lentz was located in Calgary, AB and arrested with the assistance of the Calgary Police Service for outstanding arrest warrants from Medicine Hat. Lentz was the subject of an investigation into an aggravated assault that occurred in Medicine Hat, AB on November 11th, 2021.

Media Contact:

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

A 30-year-old male has been charged with arson following an investigation into a suspicious fire that occurred in the ATM area of a bank located in downtown Medicine Hat on November 1^st, 2021.

On the morning of November 1, 2021, the Medicine Hat Fire Department responded to a fire in the ATM vestibule of a bank located in the 600 block of 3 Street SE. Fire investigators deemed the fire to be suspicious with an estimated value of the damage exceeding $75,000.

The Medicine Hat Police Major Crimes Unit initiated an investigation which resulted in, Mawien Marac, being charged on November 19, 2021, with arson and two counts of disobeying a court order. Marac was remanded in custody with his next court appearance scheduled for Thursday, November 25, 2021.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt Darcy Brandt
Major Crimes Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

November is Family Violence Prevention month.  Throughout the month the Medicine Hat Police Service has been sharing information to raise awareness about resources and supports available to assist families in needs. 

The Safe Family Intervention Team is a partnership between the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society (MHWSS) and the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS).

In 2014, in response to a serious domestic violence incident that occurred in our community, the MHWSS and MHPS advocated for funding to build a team responsible for working strictly with domestic/family violence. As a result, the Safe Family Intervention team was created (SFIT). At first the team was comprised of one police officer and two outreach workers but has since expanded to a supervisor and four MHWSS staff members, who work with the MHPS officer.

The focus of SFIT is to provide early identification and assessment of families that may need family violence intervention. SFIT is committed to the reduction of repeat domestic violence related calls through education and safety planning. SFIT ensures that women, children, and men have access to services within the MHWSS and also provides the necessary resources, services and referrals for families to establish healthy violence free relationships.

SFIT works closely with other support agencies within the community such; Child and Family Services, Alberta Health Services, Probation, Victim Assistance, the Crown Prosecutor and Community Housing to ensure the families are provided with the services needed.

Anyone experiencing family violence can access these services. A police referral is not required.

To contact the SFIT team phone 403-458-2037 or visit https://mhps.ca/posts/post/366 for more information.

Three males have been charged with assault following an altercation in the downtown.

On Saturday, November 7, 2021, at approximately 11:00 PM members of the Medicine Hat Police Service responded to a report of a male who had received significant injuries and required medical assistance. Upon arrival a second male was also located with injuries related to the same incident. An investigation conducted by the Patrol Section, in conjunction with the Major Crimes Section, determined that a fight had broken out between three males in the 300 block of 6 Avenue SE. The fight escalated and several weapons were produced. Two of the males required medical treatment for their injuries. All three of the individuals were known to each other and this was not a random incident.

Resulting from the investigation charges have been laid against all three individuals.

Nathan Wiens, 26 years old, charged with assault causing bodily harm, assault with a weapon, possess weapon dangerous to the public and fail to comply with Probation Order

Wilson Thorn, 23 years old, charged with assault causing bodily harm, assault with a weapon and possess weapon dangerous to the public.

Brendon Webb, 29 years old, charged with assault causing bodily harm.

All three males have been released from custody and are scheduled to appear in court.

Media Contact:

Sgt. Todd Hodgins
Major Crimes Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

On November 17^th, members of the Regional Property Crimes Unit obtained a search warrant for a residence in the 100 block of 1^st Ave SW. The search warrant allowed entry to the location to search for stolen property and weapons. Once at the location several people exited the location after Police contained the residence and ordered the safe exit of all occupants. At the scene Police were able to determine that the primary offender had refused to exit and had barricaded himself within the location, with the stolen property and weapons.

Members at scene determined the situation to be high risk due to the circumstances and enacted MHPS protocols for such events. As a results members of the MHPS Tactical Team, K-9 unit and Crisis Negotiators attend the location. At approximately 5:15 p.m. members of the Crisis Negotiators Team were able to successful negotiate the accused from the residence, without injury.

A 39-year old Medicine Hat resident is currently in police custody for several offences. Investigators will now execute the search warrant on the location, to determine the exact nature of the charges. The accused name can be released after the conclusion of the investigation and the formal charges have been sworn to.

The MHPS would like to thank the public for their assistance in this matter.