ARTICLES

Emergency services are currently on the scene of a roll over motor vehicle collision on the Trans Canada highway just west of the Box Springs overpass.   Traffic is down to one lane.   Please avoid the area if possible.

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) and City of Medicine Hat have partnered with the Medicine Hat Rotary Club to provide bicycles to those in need.

Historically, the MHPS will receive approximately 150 reports of bicycles stolen annually, with the majority of the thefts occurring in the spring and summer months. Information from the community suggests that there are additional stolen bicycles that are never reported to police. Many of the bicycles are later recovered but as they were not reported as stolen or registered they remain unclaimed and are eventually sold via public auction with the proceeds directed to the City of Medicine Hat.

“The patterns of theft and recovery indicates that many times the stolen bicycles are simply used as a quick means of transportation” says MHPS Inspector Brent Secondiak, who suggested this joint initiative. In an effort to address this concern and reduce the number of thefts, the City of Medicine Hat has partnered with the Rotary Club of Medicine Hat and will provide 25 bikes to the Club for a nominal fee. The bicycles will be repaired by the Rotary Club and donated to specific individuals within the community who require transportation as identified by local support agencies.

The Rotary Club of Medicine Hat was very enthusiastic when the idea of a bicycle donation program was presented to them. Several members even contributed their own ‘gently used’ bicycles to get the program started. Peter Mueller, a bicycling enthusiast and member of the Club, says “This was a natural fit, a natural way for the Club to help members of the community who may be in need of transportation.” He also saw this initiative as a way to help the MHPS put some of the many unclaimed bicycles back on the road and put to positive use.

Once repaired each bicycle will be identified with the Rotary Club of Medicine Hat decal as well as registered with the MHPS Bike Index program. Bike Index is a non-profit, online bike registry to prove ownership, alert the community if a bike has been stolen, and search a found bicycle to help police return recovered bicycles to their rightful owners as soon as possible.

Bike Index enables owners to create a free account at BikeIndex.org, and register the bike’s details such as: serial number, make, model, colour as well as add a photo to highlight additional details like aftermarket parts and other distinguishing features. 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 then scan the sticker’s code with a smartphone camera and link it 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 a registered bike goes missing, the owner can log on and mark it as lost or stolen. When the bike is recovered, the code can be scanned and the owner contacted. Even if a bike was not previously registered before it went missing, the owner can still create an account and mark it as stolen. For more information about the BikeIndex registry visit mhps.ca.

The Medicine Hat bicycle donation pilot project will be in effect for one year after which time its effectiveness will be assessed to determine if it should continue.

Media Contact:

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

Peter Mueller
Rotary Club of Medicine Hat
Ph: 403-502-9609

Colleen Graham
Director of Marketing & Communications
City of Medicine Hat
Ph: 403-502-8071

On December 21, 2020, at approximately 11:34 AM members of the Medicine Hat Police Service responded to a report of a multivehicle motor vehicle collision which occurred at the intersection of Valley View Drive SW and 5^th Street SW.

The investigation revealed that a 2003 Ford truck was travelling east on Valley View Drive SW at a high rate of speed and lost control while making a right turn onto 5th Street SW. truck collided with a 1998 Honda Accord that was stopped at the stop sign. The Accord was then pushed back into a parked 2019 Ford F-150.

Following the collision, the 2003 truck backed up and attempted to leave the scene travelling southbound on 5th Street SW. The truck veered off road and collided with a parked 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and a parked 2014 Kia Sportage, which was pushed back into a parked 2019 Nissan Rogue. The 2003 Ford truck came to rest against a tree and was disabled at that point.

The driver of the 2003 Ford truck was found to be impaired by alcohol and was served with provincial impaired sanctions including a drivers license suspension and vehicle seizure, along with a ticket for careless during and other offences.

Four of the six vehicles involved had to be towed from the scene. Thankfully there were no physical injuries resulting from this collision. Damages are estimated at over $25,000.

Media Contact:

A/Staff Sergeant Jeff Klick
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8461

UPDATE: Clarification of Breach of Health Order Charge

In response to public concern and in an effort to provide clarification surrounding the charge laid for breach of public health orders, the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) has determined it necessary to release additional information regarding the circumstances involved.

On December 13, 2020 members of the MHPS attended a residence located in the 330 block of 4^th Street SE to assist EMS follow a report of a medical concern. At the scene it was determined that a female from Calgary, AB was suffering from drug related symptoms and was also displaying symptoms to Covid-19. Following an investigation it was determined that the male resident was involved in solicitation of prostitution offences as well as Controlled Drugs and Substances Act offences, these investigations are still on-going. The accused was advised of the Provincial Chief Medical Officer of health orders with respect to having persons within a residence.

On December 15, 2020 members of the MHPS were once again called to the residence, and requested by the accused to remove the female from the residence. Police provided supports to the female. The male was again advised of the CMOH orders and it was determined that there would likely be continual breaches and repetition of the offence and subsequently he was charged.

The intent of the health order is to increase community safety by temporarily restricting activities that could increase the transmission of the COVID-19 virus, and while it does allow for persons who live alone to have up to two other persons with whom they regularly interact with attend their private residence, that exemption does not apply in this circumstance.

The MHPS recognizes and appreciates that public concerns that surround the health orders and the restrictions to personal freedoms and as such have made a concerted effort to focus on gaining compliance through education rather than enforcement. In this circumstance the accused’s continual disregard for his personal safety and the safety of others led to the decision to proceed with a charge.

Original Release - Male Charged with Breach of Health Order

A Medicine Hat male has been charged with a breach of the Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH), public health order, the first charge laid by Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) since the CMOH orders went into effect.

On December 13, 2020 members of the MHPS were called to a residence in the 300 block of 4^th Street SE, to assist EMS with a report of a medical concern. At the scene it was determined that the male accused had a female from Calgary, AB staying with him in the residence. The accused was initially informed of the current CMOH Health orders but became argumentative and refused to comply with the directions of officers at scene.

On December 18, 2020 after a review of the investigation, aggravating factors and the subsequent legislation the male was charged with one count of section 73(1) for contravening an order of the CMOH under the Public Health Act. The CMOH orders indicate a person who resides in a private residence must not permit a person who does not normally reside in that residence to enter or remain in that residence. The fine amount carries a voluntary payment options for $1,200.

Enforcement measures are in place to protect the safety of all residents of the community. Since the introduction of the CMOH orders, the MHPS has made a concerted effort to focus on gaining compliance through education rather than enforcement, however in this circumstance the accused continued to refuse to comply with orders by allowing the female to remain in his residence despite several warnings. This combined with the circumstances surrounding the two persons involved has lead MHPS to proceed with a charge.

Media Contact:

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

On December 14, 2020 at approximately 11:00 AM members of the Medicine Hat Police Service attempted to stop a Dodge pick up truck for a red light violation. When the officer activated the emergency lights, the operator of the truck accelerated in an attempt to flee from police and a decision was made by officer not to make further attempts to stop the vehicle as it continued.

Approximately eight minutes later another member of MHPS observed the same truck on the edge of the city and a second attempt was made to stop the vehicle. The truck fled once again, this time into a field just off Highway 3, where it became high centered in a field and was incapable of being operated. At this time, the driver and passenger fled the vehicle which lead to the male driver being arrested after a short foot pursuit with one of the patrol officers. At this time it was learned that the truck operated was stolen and had a stolen licence plate.

Officers on scene, including members of the Redcliff RCMP Detachment, contained the field where the second suspect had fled. An unmanned aerial vehicle was deployed by the MHPS to assist with containing the second suspect until MHPS K9 arrived on scene. The second male was taken into custody a short time later. No injuries were sustained by either suspect or police during the arrest.

Resulting from this investigation a 34-year-old male from Okotoks, AB is held in custody facing charges of; dangerous driving, evade police, and possession of stolen property exceeding $5,000. The second suspect, a 29-year-old male from Invermere, B.C. is also in custody awaiting a bail hearing for several charges including; possession of stolen property over $5,000, outstanding warrants for arrest, as well as possession of identity documents.

Media Contact:

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

On December 12, 2020, at 1:35pm Police, Fire, and EMS responded to an injury motor vehicle collision on Carry Dr SE at Calder Rd SE. A Toyota Rav4 was Southbound on Carry Dr SE when a Mercedes Benz GLC that was Eastbound on Calder Rd SE failed to yield at the yield sign causing a T-bone collision. The occupants of the Rav4 were treated for injuries. Damage is estimated at approximately $40,000. Charges are pending against the driver of the Mercedes Benz. Speed and alcohol were not considered factors.

Police would like to remind everyone to please slow down and observe all traffic control devices during this busy holiday season.  

During the early morning hours of December 8, 2020 members of Medicine Hat Police Service Patrol Section responded to an alarm at a business on the 1200 block of Kingsway Avenue SE. Initial investigation confirmed that the business had been forcefully entered and electronics were stolen in an amount exceeding $5000.

Patrol officers continued their investigation which lead to the arrest of two Medicine Hat men. The first accused, a 34-year-old male, has been charged with breaking and entering a business and committing theft over $5000, as well as wearing a disguise in the commission of an offence. The second accused, a 37-year-old male has been charged with possession of stolen property under $5000 and possession of a controlled substance.

Although investigators are still searching for the remainder of the stolen property, they were able to recover some and return it to the owner. Both individuals are scheduled to make their first court appearance on February 16, 2021.

Media Contact:
Patrol Staff Sergeant
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8461

A Medicine Hat male has been charged with possession of stolen property following an investigation by the ALERT Regional Property Crime Unit and the Medicine Hat Police Service.

On December 7, 2020 a search warrant was executed in the 100 block of 19 Street NE, Medicine Hat, AB where police recovered numerous stolen items of property, including a recently stolen 1973 Pontiac Trans AM, power tools and several ATV tires. Also seized during the search was an illegally possessed bolt action shotgun and ammunition. The tools and ATV tires are believed to been stolen from recent break and enters to businesses in Medicine Hat and Redcliff.

Resulting from this investigation, Randy Yaholnitsky, 32-years-old, of Medicine Hat, AB was arrested and charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000, firearms offences and breaching firearms prohibitions. He is currently held for a Judicial Interim Release Hearing.

Media Contact:

Sgt Darren Lole
Regional Property Crime Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-458-2858

Stolen Vehicle Investigation

Medicine Hat Police Service patrol section is currently investigating the theft of a rare collector car, a red 1973 Pontiac Firebird. The car was reported stolen from a break and enter in an industrial area in the southwest quadrant of the city. Police are asking the public to to call MHPS at 403-529-8400 if they have any information pertaining to the location or theft of this vehicle. In the event a member of the public does see this vehicle they are asked not to approach and to call 911. Additionally, should a member of the public wish to leave an anonymous tip they can call CRIME STOPPERS at 1-800-222-8477.

UPDATE

The TC Highway Westbound lanes are now clear and open.  Thank you for your patience! 

There is currently a Semi-Trailer blocking the westbound lanes of the Trans Canada Highway at 16th Street SW. Expect delays as Westbound traffic is currently unable to proceed.  Any updates will be provided as soon as possible.