ARTICLES

Police are dealing with a multi vehicle collision on Trans Canada Highway at 3 Street NW, as such we are asking that motorists exercise caution when travelling on the highway as the roadway is very icy at this time.

Three Medicine Hat men were recognized with Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) service coins for their role in assisting with a police investigation.

On April 23, 2021, at approximately 7:40 PM MHPS Constable Erica Neigum was attempting to locate and arrest a forty-six-year-old male who was wanted in connection to a domestic violence related incident. Constable Neigum located the male outside of a residence and when she informed him that he was under arrest the suspect fled on foot in the direction of a nearby golf course.

Constable Neigum was observed by a group of golfers as she pursued the male on foot across the fairway. The three men quickly sprang into action and assisted her by utilizing their golf carts to divert the suspect toward a grove of trees. In an attempt to avoid the golfers, the male tripped on the ground and was quickly apprehended by Constable Neigum without further incident or injury.

In recognition of their quick thinking and willingness to assist, Mitch Hallas, Joel Sieben and Kenan Kustra were each presented with a MHPS service coin and certificate of appreciation.

Media Contact:

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

National Police Week: Working together to keep our communities safe

May 9, 2021 marked the beginning of National Police Week – a seven-day public awareness campaign that encourages new connections between police and the communities they serve. The theme for 2021 is “Working together to keep our communities safe” and we are celebrating our role and our pride in being an important public safety partner.

Public safety involves a collaborative effort within police agencies and between police services, first responders, as well as social and community organizations. Several professionals are collectively required to manage the risks and impacts to the health and safety of Canadians as a result of crime, natural disasters, mental illness, addiction, etc. Health and safety are essentially built on four pillars: treatment, harm reduction, enforcement, and prevention. Police agencies take pride in their leadership and/or support role for each of these pillars. As frontline first responders, police officers are often the gateway to many community supports. Our goal is always to make that first contact meaningful and to achieve the best possible outcome.

We realize that not all police interactions successfully achieve these goals. We have heard the public demand for police reform. Know that we are listening and that we are constantly adapting, to be more responsive, and to better meet the needs and expectations of the community we serve. The Medicine Hat Police Service is committed to providing more than law enforcement, through a focus on crime prevention and community engagement that reflects true partnerships. The success of our service depends on our ability to create, maintain, and strengthen relationships with various community partners and stakeholders.

“In Medicine Hat we are extremely fortunate to work alongside partners who share our passion and commitment to the health and safety of our residents,” says Chief Mike Worden. “We strive every day to meet the needs of our community and without these connections, we could not properly serve the citizens of our community.

Policing in Canada is dependent on the trust, accountability, and support of the community – these are cornerstones of our profession. This week, we wish to remind the community we serve that the Medicine Hat Police Service is listening, and that we will continue to work with you, the local government as well as various community partners and stakeholders to find opportunities and solutions that work for residents of our community when it comes to public safety. Because diversity and inclusion are our strengths, we are also committed to enhancing our recruitment, hiring and promotion processes to increase the quality of our recruits and accelerate the diversification of our organization so that we can be more representative of, and be more responsive to, the community we serve.

For further information please contact:

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

On May 4, 2021, at approximately 1:30 AM a member of the Medicine Hat Police Service observed two males operating a vehicle on Bridge Street SE without headlights. A vehicle stop was conducted and the driver provided a license that did not belonging to him. The officer became suspicious about the identity of the driver and began to detain the driver for obstruction of a peace officer. Before the driver’s identity could be confirmed he attempted to run away from the officer and then resisted arrest.

The investigation revealed 2 ounces of cocaine, scales, and cash money in the vehicle. Once the true identity of the driver was established it was learned that he also had outstanding warrants originating from a violent firearms event that occurred in Calgary, AB in 2017.

Resulting from this investigation the 33-year-old male driver is facing charges of; possession of controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, proceeds of crime, breach of release order and resist arrest. The 26-year-old male passenger was jointly charged with possession of controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and proceeds of crime. The two males remain in custody and are awaiting bail hearings.

Media Contact:

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

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) has recently identified an increase in frauds involving down payments or deposits paid for items sold online.

Although this can happen in many different ways, the recent trend is in relation to a sales ad offering a vehicle at a great price. The seller requests that the interested purchaser provide a down payment or deposit to hold the vehicle. The purchaser is then provided an address to attend to so that the vehicle can be picked up, only to find that they were the victim of a fraud. In these circumstances, the fraudulent seller even provided false photos of their identification, insurance, and registration. The items were copied from a previous real ad and used to their advantage.

The MHPS would like to encourage buyers to be vigilant when online shopping and recommends the following tips:

• While we all love a good bargain, if something appears “too good to be true”, unfortunately it likely is.
• Although e-transfers are an efficient and easy way to send money, you should never send money if you do not know the person who is receiving it. Often, this money that is going to an email address that is not traceable and not returnable. The seller may be out of the country which makes any type of police investigation very difficult.
• For large purchases, such as a vehicle, be sure to meet in person to view the item before transferring any funds.
• Do your research and ask lots of questions of the seller. People legitimately selling items will have no issues answering questions.

If you have been the victim of a fraud or need assistance in relation to an incident you feel may be fraudulent, contact the MHPS non-emergency line at 403-529-8481 to speak with an officer.

Media Contact:

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

On April 24, 2021 the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) responded to a report of an unknown male who entered a yard in the 100 block of Cooney Road SE at 12:30 PM and stole a child’s bike. A neighbor in the area was able to capture video of the suspect leaving the area on the bike. The bike is from an unknown manufacturer but it is described as black with bright orange rims. While the responding officer was unable to locate the suspect or the bike, he did purchase the young boy a new bike from a garage sale as he felt terrible for this family who had recently moved to Medicine Hat and knew they were struggling financially.

On average, each year the MHPS will receive 150 reports of bikes stolen, with only 15-20 of those returned to the owner. However as the total number of recovered bikes each year is often in excess of 200, this would suggest thefts are under reported. As a reminder, thefts can be reported via the MHPS website (mhps.ca) or mobile app or by calling the non-emergency line at 403-529-8481.

Additionally the MHPS encourages cyclists to register their bikes with Bike Index. Bike Index is a non-profit, online bike registry that allows owners to create a free account at BikeIndex.org and in just a few minutes register their bike including the details such as; serial number, make, model, and colour. A photo can be added as well as additional details like aftermarket parts and other distinguishing features. Thru the same site an owner can alert the community if their bike has been stolen, search for a found bicycle to identify its owner and help police return recovered bicycles to their rightful owners as soon as possible.

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. 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.

In addition to registering with Bike Index, citizens are also reminded to safeguard their bikes by taking steps to help reduce the risk of theft. While there is no way to completely eliminate the risk of theft, police advise cyclists to always use 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 possible do not leave a locked bike on a public street overnight and at home secure your bike – locked up if possible – in a locked garage or shed.

Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is asked to contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481 to tips may also be submitted (anonymously if preferred) thru the MHPS website (mhps.ca) or MHPS Mobile App. The app is free and available to download for both Apple and Android devices by searching ‘Medicine Hat Police Service’ on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Found bikes are held by the MHPS for a minimum of 60 days before being sent to auction. In light of the current health restrictions instead of holding an annual bike auction, the MHPS has been sending approximately 25 bikes per month to be auctioned online by Gateway Auction Services on the third Saturday of the month. For more information on upcoming sales or to bid online visit www.gwacountry.com.

Media Contact:

Inspector Brent Secondiak
Operational Services Division
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8412

On April 21, 2021 at approximately 11 PM, two suspects entered the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre, located at 401 1st Street SE, and stole various property with an estimated value of $13,000.

Included in the items taken were: electronics, transit passes, a debit terminal and a Peruvian cloth (see photo attached).

Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is asked to contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481 or tips may also be submitted (anonymously if preferred) thru the MHPS website (mhps.ca) or MHPS Mobile App. The app is free and available to download for both Apple and Android devices by searching ‘Medicine Hat Police Service’ on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Media Contact:

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

A 20-year-old Medicine Hat man has been charged in connection with a robbery of a business that occurred on April 3, 2021.

In the early morning hours of April 3, 2021, the Medicine Hat Police Service received a report of a robbery at a business located in the 300 block of 12 Street NE. The male approached the counter and after a brief conversation with the clerk, produced a weapon, and made demands. The male left the business with an undisclosed amount of product.

The MHPS Major Crimes Section led the investigation and extend thanks to the members of the public that came forward to provide information that resulted in this arrest and charges.

Resulting from the investigation, Jose Chacon Fierro was charged with Robbery and Possession of a Weapon. Fierro has been released from custody with conditions and a court appearance scheduled for May 11, 2021.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt. Darcy Brandt
Major Crime Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph:403-529-8421

Four Medicine Hat men have been charged in connection to an investigation of sexual offences involving youth.

In late February 2021, the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) Major Crimes Section received information that a youth was involved in providing adult men with sex in exchange for profit. The subsequent investigation revealed that three youth, ranging in age from 12 to 15 years old, had been communicating with adult men to provide sex in exchange for money, drugs, alcohol and/or tobacco.

The legal age of consent in Canada is 16, and therefore some of the victims could not legally consent at the time of the offences.

Resulting from this investigation:

Cory James Dominaux, 36-years-old, of Medicine Hat, AB is charged with:

• Two counts of obtaining sexual services from a person under 18 years
• Two counts of sexual assault on a person under 16 years
• Two counts of sexual contact with a child under 16 years
• Two counts of luring a child under 16 years
• One count of trafficking a controlled substance

Next court appearance: April 27, 2021

Micheal Beauchesne, 19-years-old, of Medicine Hat, AB is charged with:

• Two counts of obtaining sexual services from a person under 18 years
• Two counts of sexual assault on a person under 16 years
• Two counts of sexual contact with a child under 16 years
• Two counts of luring a child under 16 years
• One count of trafficking a controlled substance

Next court appearance: April 16, 2021.

Cody Spencer Riddell, 21-years-old, of Medicine Hat AB is charged with:

• Obtaining sexual services from a person under 18 years
• Sexual assault on a person under 16 years
• Sexual contact with a child under 16 years
• Luring a child under 16 years
• Trafficking a controlled substance

Next court appearance: April 14, 2021.

Simarjeet Singh Bhathal, 25-years-old of Medicine Hat, AB is charged with:

• Two counts of Obtaining sexual services from a person under 18 years
• Three counts of Sexual assault on a person under 16 years
• Three counts of Sexual contact with a child under 16 years
• Three counts of Luring a child under 16 years

Next court appearance: April 14, 2021.

The youth involved in this file are being offered supports and counselling.

The investigation is ongoing and investigators believe there may be people who may have more information related to this case, and encourage them to come forward. Anyone with information relating to these crimes is asked to contact the MHPS at 403-502-8914.

Media Contact:
S/Sgt Darcy Brandt
Major Crimes Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421

On April 6, 2021 at approximately 7:20 AM a sedan was travelling west on 1 Street SW, approaching the intersection with Harris Street SW, when it veered to the right and left the road. The vehicle then struck a power pole, sheering it in half. The male driver and lone occupant of the vehicle was uninjured by the collision. Total damage to the vehicle and power pole is in estimated to be in excess of $20,000.

The investigation into the collision has revealed that the driver was impaired by drug at the time of the collision, and he was released under the IRS Alberta Provincial Sanctions Program.

The Medicine Hat Police Service Traffic Unit continues to investigate the collision and thanks the witnesses that provided information to assist.

Media Contact:

A/Sgt Darren Holeha
Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8481