ARTICLES

ALERT has seized several firearms and an array of stolen property following the arrest of a Coaldale, Alta. man.

ALERT’s Southeast Alberta Property Crime Unit seized six firearms in total, including two sawed-off shotguns, two rifles, and two homemade zip guns. Investigators also seized numerous firearms parts and ammunition from the suspect’s Coaldale residence.

“Police had been called to the suspect’s home a number of times and it had become a community nuisance of sorts. We are confident that this arrest and seizure prevented an escalation of violence,” said Insp. Sean Boser, ALERT Regional teams.

Two of the firearms were reportedly stolen from a Coaldale break and enter. The homemade guns will be submitted to RCMP’s National Weapons Enforcement Support Team for further analysis and ballistics testing.

In addition to the firearms ALERT located multiple stolen credit cards and identity documents, stolen license plates, counterfeit U.S. currency, and miscellaneous stolen property.

ALERT made the arrest and seizure on October 15, 2020 with help from Coaldale RCMP and Medicine Hat Police Service. The investigation began in September 2020.

Ethan Wiebe, a 20-year-old man from Coaldale, was charged with:

• Manufacturing a firearm;

• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon;

• Unauthorized possession of a weapon;

• Careless storage of a firearm;

• Possession of a firearm obtained by an offence;

• Possession of stolen property;

• Possession of identity documents;

• Possession of stolen credit card data;

• Possession of counterfeit currency; and

• Failure to comply with a probation order.

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous. Medicine Hat residents can also submit tips anonymously through the Medicine Hat Police Service mobile app, which is free to download and available for both Apple and Android devices.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.

Media inquiries may be directed to:

Staff Sgt. Kelsey Fraser

Southeast Alberta Property Crime Unit

Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)

403-529-8425

Every Halloween children look forward to dressing up as their favorite character to go trick or treating through the neighbourhood. While it is an exciting time for kids, it is important for parents and homeowners to follow some simple safety tips to ensure it is also a safe time.

• Children should trick or treat in groups in a familiar neighbourhood. Younger children should be accompanied by a trusted adult who accompanies them to the door of every home they approach.
• Review road safety rules, such as looking both ways before crossing the road and create a specific route for children to follow. Stay on side of the street and then cross over at the end of the block. Avoid crisscrossing the street.
• Carry a flashlight for extra visibility and only visit homes where the lights have been turned on. Remind children to never enter a stranger’s home or vehicle.
• Ensure children are dressed for the weather and that their costumes are easily visible by incorporating bright colors and reflective taped. Avoid masks with limited visibility or use face paint instead.
• Inspect all candy received and throw away any unwrapped or unsealed items.
• Homeowners, turn on your home’s exterior lights so children can easily find the front door. Keep candles or other flammable items out of the reach of children.
• Secure pets for the evening as they may become frightened with all the unfamiliar visitors to your home.
• For the adults – if you have plans to go out to celebrate, don’t drink and drive, plan ahead to ensure you have a safe ride home.

For tips additional tips on how to celebrate Halloween safely without fear of spreading COVID-19 visit: https://www.alberta.ca/halloween-during-covid19.aspx. Included on the website are downloadable posters to let trick-or-treaters know if your household is participating this year.

Have a safe and fun Halloween!

Media Contact:

Sgt Darlene Garrecht
Community Support Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8451

On October 29, 2020 at approximately 9:00 AM an officer from the Municipal Enforcement Section responded to a report of three or more coyotes in the Police Point Park area. After discussion with the complainant it was learned that the coyotes appeared to be very curious and not fearful, which in turned caused this individual to fear for their own personal safety and that of others.

The staff at the Police Point Interpretive Center have advised they are also aware the coyotes in the area. Signs are posted as a warning however staff are also asking for greater vigilance from the public going into the area.

As always, please ensure pets are kept under control at all times, clean up after yourself and pets, and please give nature the space and respect it demands. Fish and Wildlife have been notified of the situation.

For sightings and/or further information, please contact Alberta Fish and Wildlife at 403.529.3680 or visit www.medicinehat.ca/services/animal-and-pest-control/dealing-with-wildlife.

Media Contact:
Supt. Heather Trail
Municipal Bylaw Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8436

On October 28, 2020 at approximately 3:20 AM members of Medicine Hat Police Service Patrol Section responded to an alarm at a church located on Palliser Place NE. Upon arrival officers observed damage indicative of a break and enter and the building was contained.

A search by officers and the K9 unit resulted in a 41-year-old male being located and taken into custody. The male sustained minor injuries as a result of the K9 apprehension.

The suspect is held in custody awaiting a bail hearing on charge of break and enter, as well as a charge of mischief stemming from a separate incident that occurred on October 27, 2020.

Media Contact:

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

The intersection of Trans Canada Way and 13 Avenue is now open.  Thank you for yor patience.

On October 23, 2020 shortly after midnight the Medicine Hat Police responded to a report of a disturbance at a residence located in the 300 block of 4 Street NW. When officers arrived on scene they found that the home had been forcefully entered, bear spray was used and the lone female occupant was assaulted. Further investigation revealed that the accused had also brandished a firearm during the commission of the offence.

Resulting from this investigation a 42-year-old Medicine Hat male was charged with the following offences:

• Break and enter / commit assault with a weapon
• Break and enter / commit robbery
• Failing to comply with release conditions x 6
• Breaching a firearms prohibition order
• Possession of weapon dangerous to the public x 2
• Possess firearm knowing the possession was unlawful

This was a targeted incident and there is no immediate threat to the public.

The accused is currently in custody awaiting a Judicial Interim Release hearing. The name of the individual cannot be released at this time.

Media Contact:

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

The Medicine Hat Police is currently at the scene of a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Trans Canada Way and 13 Avenue. We ask that you avoid this area as traffic is being re-directed.

On October 23,^, 2020 at approximately 2:30 AM the Medicine Hat Police attempted to stop a red SUV that was traveling at a high rate of speed on Parkview Drive. The driver did not comply and due to the speed at which the vehicle was traveling and in consideration of the risk to public safety the pursuit was discontinued. The same vehicle was located shortly thereafter, and a male was observed running from it. This male was apprehended and taken into custody without further incident.

The vehicle was later determined to be stolen with a stolen license plate as well.

Resulting from this investigation a 29-year-old Medicine Hat male has been charged with the following offences;

• Dangerous Driving,
• Flight from Police,
• Possession of Stolen Property,
• Trespass at Night,
• Resist Arrest,
• Breach of Probation

The male is currently being held in custody awaing a Judicial Interim Release Hearing and as such the name of the individual can not be released at this time.

Media Contact:

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

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS), after consultation with the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service, has charged a MHPS police officer with one count of sexual assault in connection with an off-duty incident.

On October 11, 2020 the MHPS responded to a report of a sexual assault that had occurred at a local licensed establishment. Upon arrival at the scene it was determined that the accused was an off duty MHPS officer. As a result, the Alberta Justice and Solicitor General’s Director of Law Enforcement was notified as required by Section 46.1 of the Police Act. The Director of Law Enforcement directed that the MHPS continue with the investigation of the incident. Upon conclusion of the investigation, the file was forwarded to Edmonton for an independent review by a member of the Crown Prosecution Service who determined that the legal test for proceeding with the prosecution of the charge was met.

On October 23, 2020, Cst. Chance Franklin was charged with one count of sexual assault. Cst. Franklin is a 12-year member of the MHPS. He was immediately placed on administrative duties while the investigation was conducted and has since been relieved from duty without pay.

Upon conclusion of the matter in court, it is anticipated that the internal disciplinary process under the Police Act will follow. The disciplinary process determines whether any discipline, up to and including dismissal, is appropriate.

In order to ensure appropriate oversight, the Chair of the Medicine Hat Police Commission and the Director of Law Enforcement, have been provided with updates on the progress of this investigation on an ongoing basis.

“Police officers are held to a high standard of conduct as they have been sworn to serve and protect” says MHPS Chief Andy McGrogan. “The MHPS understands and respects the importance of transparency with and accountability to the members of our community, however as this matter is now before the courts the MHPS will be unable to provide further comment at this time.”

Media Contact:

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

The Medicine Hat Police Service is pleased to introduce the members of the newly formed Downtown Patrol Unit (DPU). Sergeant Brian Bohrn will lead the team and will be supported by Constables Jason Van Mulligen and Lori Parasynchuk.

Throughout his career with the MHPS, Sgt. Bohrn has demonstrated excellent communication, conflict resolution and interpersonal skills. He has 16 years of policing experience with previous experience in the Patrol and Major Crimes Sections as well as the Traffic Unit.

Cst. Van Mulligen has 23 years of policing experience and has served in the Community Safety Section and Traffic Unit. Cst. VanMulligen has training in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and has strong communication skills as well as many valued community relationships.

Cst. Parasynchuk has 13 years of policing experience primarily the in Patrol Section. Cst. Parasynchuk has prioritized the downtown core in her patrol duties and as a result has formed many well established community connections.

The DPU was formed to address public behaviour concerns and increase the feeling of safety for residents and businesses in the downtown. The unit will patrol an area including; North Railway to 3rd Avenue SE, River Road SE to the SE Hill, with specific attention on maximizing public safety during peak business hours in the downtown core.

The primary objectives of the DPU will be met through a combination of presence, stewardship and enforcement activities including;

• Foot Patrols: Foot patrols are a well-established means of deterrence, detection, observation and community engagement. Foot patrols will be at the very core of policing activity downtown.

• Partnership Building: The downtown is home to many social service agencies and groups that have collaborative partnerships with police and/or have clients that frequently deal with law enforcement. Building relationships and sharing information will enhance operational efficiently as well as provide intervention services for individuals to access mental health / addictions resources required.

• Relationship Building: The downtown and North Railway areas are home to many longtime residents, tenants, business owners, transients and some homeless individuals. Building relationships will be key to detecting and deterring crime and disorder.

• Enforcement: Members of the DPU will enforce the Criminal Code of Canada, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act as well as Provincial statutes and city of Medicine Hat bylaws.

• Licensed Premises Security and Safety: Officers must be proactive in optimizing the safety of patrons and staff.

The anticipated outcome of this unit will be a reduction of crime and anti-social behaviour, increased feeling of safety and enhanced community relationships with the Service. unit will be augmented by members of the MHPS School Resource Unit during the summer months.

Media Contact:

Sgt. Brian Bohrn
Downtown Patrol Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-594-0638