ARTICLES

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) recognizes that the presence of drug trafficking, and the trafficking of stolen property, especially in our neighborhoods, is a public safety concern and unacceptable. Members of the community can assist police by reporting suspicious behavior for police follow up and investigation. All reports of suspected criminal activity are taken seriously and several warrants are executed each month resulting in arrests.

The following are common signs of suspicious or illegal drug activity. Observing one of the following does not always signal illegal activity, but if they occur frequently or together, a problem may exist.

Signs to watch for include:

• Residents that are rarely seen, distant or secretive
• Frequent visitors and unusual traffic at odd times of the day or night
• People repeatedly visiting the property, who only go to the door for short durations
• Residents who regularly meet vehicles near the property for short periods.
• Presence of drug paraphernalia (NOTE: Safelink – HIV Community Link in Southeastern Alberta has a needle debris hotline that you can call or text the location of the needle or debris and their outreach team will come to pick it up and safely dispose of it. This service is available Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm by calling or texting (403) 866- 4698)

If you suspect you may be living next to a drug house, the following are some things you can do to mitigate the problem:

• Zero Tolerance. Contact the MHPS for any violations of the law you encounter including; excessive noise, unsightly yard, dogs at large, parking violations, noisy parties, noisy vehicles, driving complaints, open liquor on the street, fights etc. These types of lesser offences often go hand-in-hand with criminal activity. The more attention a criminal receives from Police and Bylaw Enforcement, the more likely they are to move on.

The MHPS cannot enter a residence to search for drugs or people without a warrant authorizing them to do so. This only granted if a judge is convinced that there are reasonable and probable grounds to believe a criminal act is taking place. You can help police form their grounds by keeping detailed notes of dates, times, license plates and other information that help show illegal activity is taking place.

When a problem property is identified and there is enough supporting evidence to act, the MHPS will work closely with the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) Unit to hold owners accountable for activity taking place on their property and supports landlords by helping them remove problem tenants who disrupt neighbourhoods and destroy property. SCAN can apply to the courts for a Community Safety Order (CSO) that calls for owners to meet a number of conditions, or for the property to be closed for up to 90 days.

If you are suspicious about a property in your neighborhood, do not investigate it yourself or approach the occupants. Contact the MHPS call center at 403-529-8481 or SCAN at 1-866-960-SCAN (7226). Tips may also be submitted via 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:

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

On the morning of June 19, 2020 the Medicine Hat police responded to a weapons complaint.  During the course of the investigation members seized a conducted energy weapon (commonly referred to as a taser).  As a result of the investigation a 41 year old male has been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon.   

Motor Vehicle Collision

On The afternoon of June 18^th at about 4:30 pm the Medicine Hat Police responded to Saamis Drive NW for a report of a single vehicle motor vehicle collision involving a motorbike.  The investigation revealed that a 23 year old male had lost control of his motorbike after striking an object on the roadway.  The male driver sustained only minor injuries and the damages are estimated at about $4000. 

At approximately 6:00 AM on June 18, 2020 members of the Medicine Hat Police Service were called to the 1000 block of Balmoral Street SE in relation to a dispute. The complainant advised that a 20-year-old male subject had taken a motor vehicle without consent and when confronted about the situation had brandished a knife. Police attended to the area and located the subject in the area of 1100 block 5 Street SE.

When officers confronted the accused they noticed the handle of the knife protruding from the subject’s front pocket. When the subject was approached by police he pulled the knife from his pocket. After several verbal commands to drop the knife the subject complied and was arrested.

This matter is still under investigation and the male is facing charges of; Assault with a Weapon, Take Motor Vehicle without Consent and Utter Threats.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt Ryan Thorburn
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph; 403-529-8461

Since April 1^st,2020 the Medicine Hat Police Service has received 19 reports from local residents impacted by fraud and scam attempts. The calls that have been trending in Medicine Hat are:

• Canada Revenue Agency Scam

The caller will identify themselves as being from the Canada Revenue Agency and accuse the person of owing money and will also make threats to have the person arrested and charged.

The scammer will direct the person to purchase Google Play or iTunes gift cards to pay off their debt and instruct them to call back with the serial numbers. The cards will then be used by the scammer to sell on the black market.

• SIN Compromised

The caller will identify themselves as a police officers and advise the victim that their Social Insurance Number (SIN) has been compromised and is linked to numerous police files involving money laundering. Victims are told that the police are on their way if they do not verify information and transfer money. Victims are asked to provide their full name, date of birth and SIN number to complete the verification and often the call is placed on hold numerous times to confuse the victim. Victims are advised that in order to protect the money in the bank account, they need to withdraw it and deposit it into a bitcoin account and then an officer would attend to supply them with a new social insurance number.

To protect against these common frauds, it is important to remain vigilant and NEVER provide personal or financial information over the phone. Likewise, never comply with an unsolicited phone caller who demands payment in gift cards.

Remember:

• The CRA will never call and threaten to have you arrested for not paying your taxes.

• The CRA will never ask for payment in the form of gift cards or prepaid credit cards.

• If you are contacted and told you owe money, always confirm with the CRA directly. Look up the phone number online and do not use the call back number that the caller has provided. Do not trust your call display. It may say Police or ABC but in reality it is a scammer.

• If your workplace sells gift cards, be on the lookout for potential victims and inform them about this scam. Victims may seem stressed and agitated and purchasing a large amount of gift cards.

If you or someone you know is a victim of the CRA scam or any other fraud contact the Medicine Hat Police Service at 403-529-8481 to report.

Due to the extremely high volume of fraudulent call attempts, if you have received a fraudulent call but are not a victim (meaning you have not shared your personal information, bank information, and have not made any payment) then there is no need to report or contact police

For more information about these and other common frauds and scams visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Media Contact:
Sgt Darlene Garrecht
Community Safety Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8451

Three Medicine Hat residents have been charged with drug and property offences following an investigation completed by the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) Regional Property Crime Unit (RPCU).

On June 9, 2020, police concluded a short-term investigation with a search warrant executed at residence located in the 400 block of 5 Street SW. The RPCU previously executed a search warrant at this residence on January 31, 2020. That investigation resulted in a number of accused being charged with drug and stolen property offences.

Both investigations originated from complaints submitted by community members concerned with suspected drug related activity occurring at the residence, as well as from information gathered from police proactive patrol activity.

The following items were seized during this search of the property:

• 10 grams of methamphetamine and evidence of trafficking;
• A small amount of Fentanyl;
• A prohibited stun gun disguised as a flashlight;
• $1,000 proceeds of crime cash;
• Numerous items of stolen property including; tools, bicycles, and cheques;
• $100 in counterfeit currency;
• 24 packages of black market cigarettes

As a result of this investigation the following people were charged:

Roger Bachmeier, 41-years-old, charged with one count each of; possession for the purpose of trafficking meth, possession of Fentanyl, possession of a prohibited weapon, operation of a motor vehicle while prohibited, possession of stolen property, and possession of counterfeit money. As well as four counts of failing to comply with a release order. Bachmeier was released on bail and scheduled to appear in court on July 23, 2020.

Robert Brandon Smith, 34-years-old, charged with one count each of; possession for the purpose of trafficking meth and possession of Fentanyl. Smith was released on bail and scheduled to appear in court on July 23, 2020.

Jacqueline Dopp, 41-years-old charged with one count each of; possession for the purpose of trafficking meth and possession of the proceeds of crime. Dopp was released on bail and schedule to appear in court on July 22, 2020.

The RPCU and MHPS Patrol Section will continue to monitor this residence and address concerns as they arise.

Members of the community who suspect drug, gang or property crime issues in their neighborhood can submit tips anonymously through the MHPS mobile app, which is free to download and available for both Apple and Android devices or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Media Contact:

SSgt Cory Both
Community Safety Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-581-1056

On June 9, 2020 at approximately 3:45 AM the Medicine Hat Police Service received a report of a robbery that had occurred at a convenience store located in the 1500 block of Dunmore Road SE.

It was reported that an unknown suspect had entered the business and threatened to harm the store clerk, before grabbing several cartons of cigarettes and demanding that the clerk open the cash register. The suspect grabbed some money from the register before fleeing the area.

Once police arrived on scene a K9 track was initiated. While tracking the suspect away from the area, PSD Flint alerted his handler to a pack of cigarettes containing some identity documents of a possible suspect. Police reviewed the surveillance video, the identity documents, and received a tip from the public, linking a 25-year-old male to the robbery. Containment was set up around the subject’s residence and police were able to take him into custody without incident. Following his arrest a further k9 track revealed the stolen money a short distance away from the robbery location.

The male subject is known to police and is facing charges of; robbery, utter threats, and breach of probation. The male is held in custody awaiting a bail hearing.

Media contact:

S/Sgt Ryan Thorburn
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8461

Methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine were seized in an ALERT drug bust that took place just outside of Medicine Hat. Four suspects were arrested.

The arrests took place on June 3, 2020 in Veinerville, Alta., a hamlet located just east of Medicine Hat. Two ALERT police vehicles were rammed as one of the suspects attempted to evade police in a vehicle. No serious injuries were sustained.

A search of the vehicles yielded nearly $20,000 worth of drugs, including:

• 184 grams of methamphetamine;
• 28 grams of fentanyl;
• 28 grams of cocaine; and
• 20 grams of psilocybin mushrooms.

“Drug dealers will go to great lengths to protect their trade, including introducing violence into the community and those around them,” said Insp. Sean Boser, ALERT Regional teams.

An ALERT investigator attended hospital as a precautionary measure. They sustained minor injuries as result of their police vehicle being rammed.

Medicine Hat Police Service and Redcliff RCMP helped with the investigation, which dates back to mid May 2020.

Gerald Thurber, a 52-year-old man from Medicine Hat, is charged with:

• Flight from police;
• Assault on a peace officer with a weapon;
• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle;
• Possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking;
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose; and
• Possession of proceeds of crime.

Trent Collier, a 44-year-old man from Medicine Hat, is charged with:

• Possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking;
• Possession of proceeds of crime;
• Breach of undertaking;
• Breach of release order; and
• Breach of probation.

Kris Hansen, a 37-year-old man from Medicine Hat, is charged with:

• Possession of drugs;
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose; and
• Breach of recognizance.

Jessica Ott, a 24-year-old woman from Medicine Hat, is charged with:

• Possession of drugs.

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

Medicine Hat Organized Crime Team

Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)

Ph: 403-529-8425

On June 7, 2020 at approximately 2am, members of the MHPS attended to a report of a male damaging property and threatening self-harm in the 300 block of 3^rd St SE. Once inside the suite, patrol members attempted to negotiate with the male who had climbed onto a balcony and was threatening self-harm and was extremely aggressive with police officers. Members of the MHPS Crisis Negotiations Team (CNT), were called to the scene and spoke with the male for approximately 4.5 hours, until the male subject peacefully surrendered to police.

The 28 year old male, with complex needs was believed to be under the influence of methamphetamine during the event. The subject was taken into custody without injury or the use of any use of force options. The male subject was arrested and transported to the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital under the provisions of the Mental Health Act.

Several agencies within the city of Medicine Hat provide mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you or someone known to you are experiencing increasing mental health concerns please contact:

Alberta Health Services Addictions and Mental Health 403-529-3500 or the Provincial website at https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/amh/Page16759.aspx

Or

The Canadian Mental Health Association at 403-504-1811

Media Contact:

A/S/Sgt Kesler
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8461