ARTICLES

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

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 unknown 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 unknown male subject of this event is still at large. Members of the Patrol Section and Major Crime Section are continuing this investigation. A surveillance video image was obtained and is being shared with the public. Police are asking anyone with further information about this event or if you know the identity of the male in the photo to please contact police at (403)529-8481 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) has identified a concerning trend involving an increased number of reports of online bullying and the sharing of intimate images and videos, among youth in particular.

The digital world is a continuously evolving environment that operates 24 hours, 7-days-a-week, 365 days a year. The Internet can be both a wonderful resource for connecting and learning but also comes with risks, like inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and online predators.

Because the technology and platforms are rapidly evolving it’s not uncommon for kids to know more than their parents or teachers and as a result it’s difficult for parents and caregivers to keep up and know how to ensure their loved ones are safe and using this technology appropriately.

Another inherent challenge is that once something has been shared online, it is almost impossible to take it back. Because of this, the MHPS would like to encourage everyone, but specifically our youth to remember that when you hit send to a message, an image, or a video that is can become public, permanent, searchable, and potentially exploitable.

The online world is no stranger to the criminal element and social media applications are no different. People need to be aware that online bullying and sharing of intimate images can lead to criminal and other types of charges such as bullying, harassment, extortion, distribution of child pornography, and a variety of other offences

The MHPS Community Support Unit encourages youth to protect themselves and for parents/guardians to watch over their children’s social media use and help guide them to safety.

Remember when online and when using social media applications to; set the privacy settings high, use a secure password and don’t share it, only interact with people who you know, think about everything you post before you post it, and if you don’t want it out in the world, don’t post it.

As the world, but specifically our community, learns to grow through this digital environment, there are resources out there to help our youth and parents/guardians. Please take some time to explore the below links.

Please take care of each other and help each other as there are enough normal life stressors without creating extra in our digital future.

https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/behavior-and-development/social_media

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/social-media-smarts.html

https://www.protectchildren.ca/en/

Media Contact:

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

On March 18, 2021, the Medicine Hat Police Service attended to a domestic assault in the area of the 600 block of Industrial Ave SE. Prior to police arriving on scene the suspect, who can now be identified as Gerald Mohr, fled in a stolen 2004 Dodge Ram. Since that time the pickup has been recovered, however police are still requesting public assistance to locate Mohr, who is arrestable for the following offences in relation to this incident;

• Common Assault
• Breach of Probation x 2
• Theft Over $5000.00

Mohr is described as 46-years-old, 5’10 tall, approximately 180 lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information to assist with locating Mohr is asked to contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481.

If located, do not approach the suspect or attempt to apprehend.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt Jason Graham
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8461