ARTICLES

On September 29, the Medicine Hat Police Service advanced the investigation into a recent theft of music equipment resulting in a 31-year-old Medicine Hat male charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000.

On August 21, 2020 it was reported the MHPS that sometime between August 16 and 21, 2020, several musical instruments and equipment belonging to a local band were stolen from a van parked in a residential area of Medicine Hat. The value of the equipment was estimated at $21,000.

As part of the investigation, almost all of the stolen equipment was recovered and returned to the owners. The investigation is still on going. The identity of the charged person can not being released at this time.

Media Contact:

Staff Sgt Thompson
Medicine Hat Police Service
Patrol Section
Ph: 403-529-8461

UPDATE: 3:28 PM

Sierra Blvd is now open in both directions  Thank you for your cooperation

Emergency crews are currently on the scene of a structure fire in the Sierra Blvd SW and Southridge Drive area of the City. Much of this area has been temporarily blocked off. If you are attempting to access this location please expect delays.

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) is aware of community concerns regarding the issuance of a ticket surrounding a recent intersection violation. While a public response to these types of concerns would typically not be provided, as there is a court process to argue provincial violation notices, in this circumstance it is felt that general information regarding the incident can be released to the public, while also respecting the privacy rights of persons involved and ensuring their right to due process.

On September 24, 2020 the MHPS received a third party public complaint regarding a vehicle that was obstructing traffic in the north bound lane at the bottom of the Dunmore Road hill. A patrol member responded to the location, observed the vehicle in question, and activated emergency equipment behind the vehicle to ensure the safety of the persons at the scene. The officer then exited the patrol vehicle to speak to the driver of the vehicle, as well as second person who had arrived at the scene. While the police officer was speaking to the second male, the driver without notice began pushing the vehicle in question into the busy intersection on a red light, placing himself and other drivers on the roadway in jeopardy.

The police officer then waited for the legal progression of the intersection control devices and drove to an adjacent parking lot to speak to the male regarding the incident. The police officer indicated they could have safely assisted the male in moving the vehicle, but were not given the opportunity to do so. Had the driver advised police of his plan to push his vehicle, asked police to assist him in doing so safely or waited for a tow truck to safely move his vehicle across the road, a ticket could have been avoided.

The male was subsequently charged with failing to enter an intersection safely, and not with a red light violation as is being reported.

The police officer drafted a report on the occurrence and the interactions with the male subject were recorded on a Body Worn Camera (BWC) which has since been reviewed by the MHPS.

Media Contact:

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

On September 25, 2020 at about 9:30 pm police were responding to a domestic dispute complaint between a male and a female. Officers located the vehicle involved, a white 2020 Hyundai Tucson, on 3 St SE in the 800 block. Police believed the female was in danger and she was unable to exit the vehicle. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle and it fled at a high rate of speed northbound on Maple Ave bridge and through the Crescent Heights area. The vehicle was driving dangerously (driving into on-coming traffic, travelling through stop signs and red lights), as police tried to contain it. The vehicle collided at the end of 20 St NE at Parkview Dr NE and the occupants fled separately on foot. Police contained the area and canine track was initiated. Police searched the Police Point and Ranchlands area, however, the occupants were not located.

A 15-year-old male has been charged in connection with a robbery of a liquor store that occurred the on September 21, 2020 following an investigation by the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) Major Crime Section.

On September 21^st , 2020 at approximately 7:50 PM, the offender entered a liquor store located on South Railway Street SE, produced a pellet gun and demanded cash from the staff member. The male then fled the area with an undisclosed amount of money. No physical injuries were sustained during the robbery.

The 15-year-old male of Medicine Hat, AB is facing charges of robbery with an offensive weapon and wearing a disguise with intent to commit an indictable offence. He has appeared before a Justice of the Peace and has been released from custody with conditions. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 19, 2020.

Media Contact:

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

On September 21^st , 2020 at approximately 7:50 PM, an unknown male entered a liquor store located on South Railway Street SE, produced a weapon and demanded cash from the staff member. The male then fled the area with an undisclosed amount of money and merchandise. No physical injuries were sustained during the robbery.

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) Major Crime Section is investigating and will provide updated information to the community as the investigation evolves.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800 -222-8477 (TIPS). Tips may also be submitted (anonymously if preferred) through the MHPS Mobile App, which 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. Chad Holt
Major Crime Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) is proud to be joining forces with law enforcement agencies across North America today for “Operation Clear Track” — the single largest rail-safety law-enforcement initiative in North America.

Coordinated by Amtrak, Operation Lifesaver Inc. and Operation Lifesaver Canada, Operation Clear Track aims to reduce the number of railway crossing and trespassing incidents in Canada and the U.S. — incidents which seriously injure or kill more than 2,100 people each year. The event is held annually during Rail Safety Week (September 21-27, 2020).

“The MHPS reminds drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists to stay at a safe distance from trains and stay off railway property and tracks,” says Sgt Gerald Sadlemyer, MHPS Traffic Unit. “ Always obey railway signs and signals and before crossing, take a moment to stop, look and listen.”

“A split-second decision to try to beat a train at a crossing, or to use tracks as a shortcut or a recreational path, can have tragic consequences,” said Sarah Mayes, National Director of Operation Lifesaver Canada. “Operation Clear Track’s goal is to encourage people to think twice before engaging in unsafe behaviours, and to learn how to keep themselves safe around tracks and trains.”

Because of the ongoing pandemic, law enforcement agencies will be participating in a virtual Operation Clear Track event this year. Hundreds of police and sheriff departments across North America have signed up for the initiative, and will be promoting rail safety through social media messages, by sharing Operation Lifesaver’s 2020 #STOPTrackTragedies videos, and by posting other rail-safety content to their department websites. Participating police departments will also be emphasizing the importance of obeying rail crossing and trespassing laws throughout Rail Safety Week.

For more information about Operation Clear Track, Rail Safety Week and other rail-safety initiatives and tips, please visit: operationlifesaver.ca

About Operation Lifesaver

Operation Lifesaver is a national public rail-safety program sponsored by Transport Canada, the Railway Association of Canada and its members, including CN, CP, VIA Rail, exo, West Coast Express, Metrolinx and Genesee & Wyoming, among others. Through partnerships with safety councils, police, the trucking industry and community groups, Operation Lifesaver works to save lives by educating Canadians about the hazards of rail crossings and trespassing on railway property.

Media Contact:

Sgt. Gerald Sadlemyer
Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8471

Update

The Trans Canada Highway is now clear and traffic is moving normally in both directions.  MHPS would like to thank the public for their cooperation during this event!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please be advised there is a collision that is blocking westbound traffic between 16 St SW and 6 St SW.  Multiple vehicles are involved as well as some cattle.

On September 20^th at approximately 10:50 pm the Medicine Hat Police along with other emergency personnel attended to the scene of a single vehicle motor vehicle collision in the 2100 block of Brier Park Place NW.   The preliminary investigation found that a smaller car was travelling at a high rate of speed, failed to negotiate a turn, and rolled on its roof.  Both the driver and the passenger of the vehicle sustained serious injuries and were transported to the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital.  The investigation is still ongoing. 

A 25-year-old male has been charged in connection to shots fired into a Medicine Hat residence in May of 2020.

On May 14, 2020, at approximately 4:45 am, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) responded to the 200 block of 4^th Street SW to investigate a weapons complaint. The investigation revealed that a male had approached the residence on foot and fired several shots from a gun into the house before immediately fleeing the area on foot. The suspect at the time of the shooting was seen wearing what appeared to be all black clothing. A police K-9 unit was deployed, but was not able to locate the offender in the area. No one in the residence was physically injured as a result of the shooting.

Further investigation by the MHPS Major Crime Section into this matter has led to the arrest of a 25-year-old, former Medicine Hat man who is facing the following charges:

• Attempted Murder
• Discharge a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
• Reckless Discharge of a Restricted Firearm
• Unlicensed Possession of a Restricted Firearm
• Careless Use of a Restricted Firearm
• Possession of a Firearm - Obtained by a Criminal Offence
• Possession of a Prohibited Device
• Possession/Use of a False Identity Documents

The accused is currently held in custody awaiting an appearance before a Justice of the Peace in order to determine his eligibility for release.

As previously reported the investigation determined that the residence was specifically targeted, and as such there is no general public safety risk.

Media Contact:
S/Sgt. Chad Holt
Major Crime Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421