ARTICLES

The Medicine Hat Police Service is asking for motorists to use caution on the Trans Canada highway as well as city streets as the recent snow fall has made driving conditions very poor.   Please take extra time if you are travelling tonight.

Media Contact

A/SSgt. Jeff Klick

403-529-8461

Please be advised of the following holiday closure hours for our reception and call centre.  Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a safe New Year!

The Medicine Hat Police Service is happy to report that Samantha Slack has been found and is being cared for at this moment.   The Police Service would like to thank the public for assisting in locating Samantha.

The Medicine Hat Police along with other emergency personnel are currently on the scene of a structure fire in the 700 block of 2 Street SE.  Please avoid the area if possible 

The Medicine Hat Police Service is requesting public assistance to locate cosmetic skin care equipment that has been reported stolen.

On December 2, 2021, members of the MHPS responded to an insecure premise. When the owner arrived on scene, they identified that an Equippro Micro-dermabrasion machine, with estimated value of $50,000 was missing. It is believed that the theft occurred between the dates of November 17 to December 2, 2021. A photo of a similar machine is attached for reference.

Anyone with information on this theft is asked to contact Cst Lori Parasynchuk at (403) 529-7155 or submit a tip via the MHPS website at mhps.ca or mobile app.

Media Contact:

Cst. Lori Parasynchuk
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-7155

We are clear of the scene and the Trans Canada Highway is now open.  Thank you for your patience.

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.