ARTICLES

The Medicine Hat Police Service is requesting the assistance of the public in locating a missing person.

Neil Holton was reported missing to the Medicine Hat Police Service on September 23, 2021.  It is believed that Holton is hitchhiking east via Highway 1. He was last seen on September 17, 2021, in the Maple Creek, Saskatchewan area.

He was last seen wearing all black coloured clothing, a bright orange camo neck warmer, carrying a backpack and a sleeping bag.

Police believe that he has shaved his head, and has lost weight since the attached photos were taken.

Police do not believe that there is anything suspicious in relation to this disappearance, but would like confirm his wellbeing.

Police are requesting that if you have any information in relation to his whereabouts, to contact the Medicine Hat Police Service at 403-529-8481 or through the MHPS App which can be downloaded free from the App Store or Google Play

A local businessman was recognized with a Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) service coin for his role in assisting with a police investigation.

On August 21, 2021, a vehicle entry resulted in the loss of a valuable and sentimental piece of jewelry. The victim shared her story on social media which gained a great deal of exposure and assisted with the apprehension of the offender and recovery of the ring.

On August 24^th, MHPS Cst. Williams attended to the King of Trade after being contacted by the shop owner, David Brown, to investigate a ring which had come into his possession. Mr. Brown had immediately suspected that the ring may have been stolen and paid out of his own pocket so that he could facilitate the return of the ring to the rightful owner. His quick and selfless action directly result in a suspect being arrested and the ring was returned to the rightful owner who was ecstatic.

The actions by Mr. Brown were exemplary and he was recognized by the MHPS for his instrumental role in the successful outcome of this investigation.

Media Contact:

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

It’s with mixed emotions that we announce the retirement of Police Service Dog (PSD) Flint. Flint was born on September 20, 2014 in the Czech Republic and began working with the MHPS in 2016 at the age of 18 months. Flint underwent basic training with his handler that spring and was validated for service in June of that year, certifying in both general duties and drug detection. In the fall of 2019, PSD Flint’s handler resigned from the police service and Flint was re-teamed with a new partner, experienced dog handler, Cst. Jason Dola. During his career, Flint was deployed over 200 times and has been credited with dozens of criminal apprehensions.

Flint had some memorable deployments during his career. In January of 2018, police were attempting to apprehend the driver of a stolen vehicle that was operating with extreme risk to the public. The driver eventually got the vehicle stuck in a ditch and was attempting to free the vehicle to resume his dangerous flight from police. PSD Flint was deployed and fearlessly engaged the subject, ending the pursuit and eliminating the risk to the public.

During another event in July of 2019 PSD Flint responded with his handler to assist with a combative subject who police were attempted to arrest for a commercial break and enter. The subject armed himself with a golf club as police attempted to arrest him and assaulted police as they tried to take him into custody. Flint was deployed and apprehended the subject, immediately stopping the assault and allowing police to safely arrest the violent subject.

Over the past few months PSD Flint has developed some ailments that are affecting his ability to continue working. He will enjoy his final shift today, then will retire to the home of the Dola family where he will spend his retirement relaxing under the sun, chasing his favorite toys in the backyard, and eating his favorite ice cream treats. The MHPS would like to thank PSD Flint for his years of service to the community.

Additionally, thank you to Cst. Dola for his commitment and leadership to the K9 Unit and doing his part to ensure its success into the future. His willingness to put service before self is commendable.

Media Contact:

Sgt Clarke White
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

Over the past month the Medicine Hat Police Service has observed a marked increase in the number of thefts reported from vehicles. To address this concern, we have increased patrols in areas of concern and have arrested and charged individuals responsible for some of the files reported.

Unfortunately, many times these thefts are simply crimes of opportunity with criminals looking for easy targets. Criminals will walk through neighborhoods, trying vehicle door handles, hoping to find an unlocked vehicle. The best way to prevent vehicle burglaries is to remove all your valuables, lock your vehicle’s doors upon exiting and take the keys to the vehicle inside your residence.

To help remind residents to take a few simple steps to protect their property, starting tonight, the MHPS is launching a #9PM routine campaign. Every Wednesday for the next month the MHPS will send out a nightly reminder at #9PM, via the MHPS mobile app, to remind residents to remove valuables from their vehicles, lock their vehicle doors, lock the doors to their residences, turn on exterior lights and activate all alarms and security systems. You can also set a nightly reminder on your smartphones or other devices as a reminder.

The MHPS mobile app is free to download and available for both Apple and Android devices. To report suspicious behaviour in your neighbourhood call 9-1-1 in an emergency or 403-529-8481 for all other non-emergencies.

Media Contact:

Insp Brent Secondiak
Operational Services Division
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

In response to several thefts of bicycles in the city, the ALERT Regional Property Crime Unit with assistance from the Medicine Hat Police Service, have deployed a few “bait bikes” within the community. Bait bikes are bicycles equipped with tracking, identification and other technologies which allow officers to follow their movement. Over a short period, the bikes were stolen on four occasions. All four persons responsible for the thefts were quickly arrested and charged with theft under $5,000.

Theft of bicycles continues to be a concern and the ALERT teams and MHPS will continue to target those responsible for committing these crimes as well as other active property offenders. Residents are also encouraged to take steps to safeguard their bikes and other property to reduce the risk of theft. This can include:

• Invest in a good lock – a U-lock is recommended. Lock your wheels and frame together, use a designated bike rack as sign poles, trees, fences, etc. are not as secure
• Lock bikes in well-lit, well-traveled areas
• When not in use/overnight, store your bike in a locked garage or shed if possible
• Record the serial number and register your bike at BikeIndex.org.

Bike Index is a non-profit, online bike registry to prove ownership, alert the community if a bike has been stolen, search a found bicycle to identify its owner and help police return recovered bicycles to their rightful owners as soon as possible. Bike Index enables owners to create a free account and in just a few minutes the bike’s distinguishing details can be recorded, including serial number, make, model, and colour. A photo can be added as well as additional details like aftermarket parts. Once a bike is registered a Bike Index sticker, each with a unique code can be picked up at the MHPS or by attending Gravity Sports or CyclePath bike shops in Medicine Hat. A photo, physical description (make/model/distinguishing characteristics) and serial number are all that are required. Owners can scan the sticker’s code with a smartphone camera and link to their bike. Bike Index stickers are made of a strong, weather-resistant material and are extremely difficult to remove. They help serve as a deterrent for potential bike thieves by showing the bike is being watched by the entire community and the owner can be identified by simply scanning the code.

If your bike is stolen, report it to police online at www.mhps.ca, via the MHPS mobile app or by calling 403-529-8481. The bike can also be marked as lost or stolen on Bike Index. When the bike is recovered, the code can be scanned, and the owner will be contacted. If a bike wasn’t registered before it went missing, the owner can still create an account and mark it as stolen.

Media Release:

Sergeant Darren Lole
Regional Property Crime Team
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

On September 8, 2021, at approximately 1:00 PM a member of the Medicine Hat Police Service was flagged down by a male victim who had just been assaulted by an unknown male subject near Central Park. The male victim received serious, nonlife threatening, physical injuries and was been transported to the hospital by EMS for further medical assessments.

It is believed that there was a witness to this event who assisted the victim following the assault and investigators are urging this individual, and any one else with information on this matter to contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt Ryan Thorburn
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
PH: 403-529-8481

On September 2, 2021, the Medicine Hat ALERT Unit concluded a two-week long drug investigation with the arrest of two males after a search was conducted where a large sum of money and cocaine was seized. A follow up search warrant was conducted at the arrested individual’s residence in Medicine Hat where additional drugs and prohibited firearms were seized, including:

• sawed off 12-gauge Remington shotgun
• sawed off Winchester shotgun
• shotgun rounds
• 36 grams of Psilocybin
• 121 grams of cocaine
• 2 grams of methamphetamine
• 2 litres of liquid GHB

The street value of the drugs seized was estimated at approximately $18,500 as well as approximately $12,000 in cash.

Resulting from this investigation, Luc REAUME aged 40 and Daryl STEFANI aged 36, have been charged with the following:

• Possession for the Purpose of trafficking cocaine and GHB
• Possession of methamphetamine and psilosybin
• Possession of proceeds of crime over $5000
• Numerous firearms offences

Both were the subject of a Judicial Interim Release Hearing and were released by a Justice of the Peace for future court appearances in Medicine Hat.

Media Contact:

Sgt. Darren Lole
Regional Property Crimes Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

On August 26, 2021, members of the ALERT Regional Property Crime Unit arrested and charged a Medicine Hat male after a sawn-off double barrel shotgun and ammunition was recovered at his residence, together with the identity documents and financial data of eight victims. The male was serving on a Conditional Sentence Order in the community following recent prior convictions. Austin LANE aged 25 yrs, of Medicine Hat, was the subject of a Judicial Interim release hearing and remains in custody at this time.

Media Contact:
Sgt Darren Lole
Regional Property Crimes Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

On August 31, 2021, at approximately 3:34 PM a Nissan Altima was travelling west on 6th Street SW between 1st Avenue SW and Division Avenue SW. A moped scooter was travelling east on 6th Street SW at the same location. The driver of the Nissan Altima turned left into a parking stall in front of the scooter resulting in a collision.

The driver of the scooter was transported to hospital for treatment of serious injuries. The driver of the Nissan Altima was uninjured. Total damage to the vehicles involved is estimated to be in excess of $2,000.

The Medicine Hat Police Service Traffic Unit continues to investigate the accident.

Media Contact:

Cst Darren Holeha
Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8471

The Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Section of the Medicine Hat Police Service will be focusing on Parking at and near Schools during the month of September.

With the start of the new school year will come some parking problems around many schools. People living near schools often find their driveways and alleys obstructed and in addition, school bus zones are often filled with student and parent vehicles.

City of Medicine Hat Public Roads Bylaw #4346 allows for parking in alleys for a maximum of 30 minutes for the purposes of loading and unloading passengers providing that the vehicle does not obstruct the use of the alley by pedestrians or other vehicles. In addition, parking in a designated school bus zone is a violation for the times posted at the schools.

It is also important to park on the public roadways only and avoid parking on private property near the school unless you have permission from the property owner. Many of the schools have parking lots that are designated for staff only or are adjacent to other private properties that have parking lots that are monitored.

Around many of the schools are clearly marked “NO PARKING” zones that should be adhered to at all times. These zones are placed to allow for the visibility and safety of all children around the schools.

Bylaw #4346 also prohibits parking within 1.5 meters of a driveway or other vehicle crossing over a sidewalk. In addition, parking within 5 meters of Stop or Yield Sign, a Marked Crosswalk or a Fire Hydrant is prohibited.

By obeying these parking laws, we can all contribute to a safe community and make sure that all the children coming and going to school can do so in safety.

Violators could be fined as well as have their vehicles towed. Fines for parking violations start at $50.00. To report a concern call 403-529-8481.

Have a great school year everyone and stay safe!

For more information contact:

Colin Heyens
Acting Supervisor,
Municipal Bylaw Enforcement
Ph: 403-529-8436