ARTICLES

ALERT seized a loaded handgun during the arrest of a suspected drug dealer. In addition to the firearm, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine were seized.

The drug seizure took place on May 1, 2020, in Bassano, Alta. ALERT’s Medicine Hat organized crime team conducted a planned vehicle stop on a group suspected of supplying drugs to the Medicine Hat area.

Medicine Hat Police, Bassano RCMP, and Calgary Police assisted with the short-term investigation.

“Taking a firearm out of the hands of a suspected drug dealer only serves to enhance public safety,” said Insp. Sean Boser, ALERT Regional teams.

Three Calgary suspects were arrested. A search of the vehicle yielded an estimated $35,000 worth of drugs, including:

• 235 grams of methamphetamine;
• 78 grams of fentanyl;
• 9 grams of cocaine; and
• $800 cash.

One of the suspects, Robert Jones, was in possession of a loaded handgun. The 53-year-old man faces numerous firearms-related offences, in addition to drug and breach charges.

Two of his associates were arrested and charged with drug offences: Deborah McIntosh, a 52-year-old woman from Calgary, and Gerald Wright, a 42-year-old man from Calgary.

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 Contact:

Staff Sgt. Kelsey Fraser
Medicine Hat Organized Crime Team
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
Ph: 403-529-8425

The Medicine Hat Police Service is seeking the assistance of the public to locate 49-year-old, Kory George, who was reported missing on May 6, 2020. Kory might be seen driving his 2014 red Ford Explorer with Alberta licence plate BHS7702 and he may have been travelling to either the Strathmore, AB or Moyie, B.C. area. Kory is described as approximately 5'9" tall (182cm) and 220lbs (100kg) with brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information that could assist in locating Kory George can contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481.

On May 5, 2020, at approximately 9:15 pm, Medicine Hat 911 Communications received a report from a male in St. Louis, Missouri that a manifesto had been posted to the internet platform Reddit, which contained threats to the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. As a result, the hospital was placed on lockdown.

Medicine Hat Police Service investigators began tracing the origin of the online threat. It was determined that a 12-year-old male, who has ties to Medicine Hat, but no longer living here, had been online gaming with persons unknown from different parts of North America. One of the other players became angry and stated that they were going to “swat” the young player.

Swatting is the action or practice of making a prank call to emergency services in an attempt to bring about the dispatch of a large number of armed police officers to a particular address. It is sometimes connected to online video gamers, used as a punishment or retaliation for losing, by someone who wants to frighten, upset, or cause problems for that person.

Police completed an Emergency Disclosure Request to trace the IP address associated with the threat and determined the origin of the message to be from the Seattle, Washington area, eliminating the male youth as the suspect and making him another victim of this offence.

Once it was determined there was no credible threat to the hospital, the lockdown was lifted. With the assistance of the of the online platform administrators the account and threats were removed from the website.

Police are urging parents to speak to their children about the dangers of online multiplayer gaming including the importance of:

• Asking for permission before using new apps/games
• Not responding to or clicking on messages or links from someone they don’t know
• Telling parents if they come across something or someone online who makes them feel uncomfortable
• Not accepting requests from another gamer to chat on another site

Media Contact:

S/Sgt Trevor Humphries
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8461

Between May 1 and May 4, 2020 members of the MHPS and Bylaw Enforcement Section have attended to twenty-seven (27) noise complaints within the City of Medicine Hat. The majority of these noise complaints were in relation to outdoor activities with loud music.

The MHPS would like to remind the community of the community noise bylaw #4353. The objective or purpose of the noise bylaw is to encourage good neighbor behavior while establishing the communities’ expectation regarding noise within the City of Medicine Hat.

Some very important definitions guide efforts to determine reasonable noise. Daytime is the hours between 7 am and 10 pm during the week and 9 am to 10 pm during the weekends or holidays. Nighttime is the hours between 10 pm to 7 am during the week and 10 pm to 9 am on weekends or holidays.

The tolerance for noise is lower during the nighttime hours as the acceptable level of noise does drop from 65 decibels for daytime noise to 50 decibels. An objective approach can be used by noise level measurements if required.

As a general rule, the City of Medicine Hat takes a subjective approach to noise as noise at any time that disturbs the peace of another, can be an offence. Many factors will come into consideration such as but not limited to:

• • Type of noise, duration, purpose
  • Time and day of week
  • Nature and use of surrounding area
  • Sound level if measured
  • Any other relevant factor

If have questions or concerns contact the MHPS non-emergency line at 403-529-8481.

Media Contact:

Heather Trail

Supervisor of Municipal Enforcement

Medicine Hat Police Service

Ph: 403-529-8436

Over the past weekend, May 1^st to 3rd, 2020, several tickets were issued for speeding. In certain cases drivers were observed operating their vehicles at excessive speeds, nearly double or over double, the posted speed limit. These speeds included the following:

• 97 kph in a 50 kph zone
• 96 kph in a 50 kph zone and
• 65 kph in a 30 kph zone.

Motorists are reminded that all roads within the City of Medicine Hat have a 50kmh speed limit, unless otherwise posted, and 30kmh playground zones are in effect from 7:30am to 9:00pm daily. Also, motorists must slow to 60kmh or the posted speed limit, whichever is lower, when passing emergency vehicles or tow trucks that are stopped on the side of the highway. Roadside issued fines for speeding range from $78 to $474 and include demerits ranging from 2 to 6 points. Offences for speeding 50kmh over the posted limit will result in the offender being compelled to court to face substantial fines and a driver’s licence suspension. Fines for speeding past emergency vehicles or in construction zones are doubled.

Speed is one of the main contributors to serious injury and fatality collisions with nearly 1 in 4 collisions in Alberta involving motorist who are driving too fast. The MHPS reminds to public to stay safe and obey the posted speed limits.

Media contact:

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

Following a four-month investigation ALERT has seized 1.7 kilograms of methamphetamine in Medicine Hat. The seizure is believed to be the city’s largest.

ALERT’s Medicine Hat organized crime team concluded its investigation on April 28, 2020, with the help of Medicine Hat Police Service, Calgary Police Service, and the RCMP. Two suspects have been arrested.

“We know this region has been impacted by meth and its associated crimes such as thefts, break-ins, and violence-related occurrences. Police agencies are working together to disrupt these large drug trafficking networks and keep the community safe,” said Supt. Dwayne Lakusta, ALERT Chief Executive Officer.

The estimated street value of the Medicine Hat bust is pegged $127,000. In addition to 1.7 kilograms of meth, 20 grams of cocaine was also seized.

Since April 2017 ALERT teams across the province have seized approximately 67 kilograms of meth. Of that total, approximately seven kilograms of meth was seized in the Medicine Hat area.

The most recent Medicine Hat meth seizure came as the result of an investigation that began in January 2020. ALERT received information about a Calgary-based suspect, who was supplying large amounts of methamphetamine and cocaine into the city.

Amanda Montgomery, a 48-year-old woman from Calgary, and Keith McVittie, a 50-year-old man from Calgary, were charged with multiple drug-related offences.

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.

Media Contact:

Staff Sgt. Kelsey Fraser
Medicine Hat Organized Crime Team
Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
Ph: 403-529-8425

Weapons Complaint Update

MHPS File 20-8623

UPDATE to High Risk Incident:

On April 25^th, at approximately 0830hrs members of MHPS Patrol section responded to a weapons complaint in the 2300 block of Hatcher Drive NE. Police investigation revealed that there was no threat or risk to the public. Police have cleared the scene and residents in the area have been notified of the update to the call. MHPS would like to thank the public for their cooperation and patience during this call.

Patrol Staff Sergeant

On April 23, 2020, at approximately 2:30 PM a 14-year-old female was walking in the 800 block of 5^th Street SE when she was approached by a lone male driving an older model, black GMC / Chevrolet four door pickup truck. The male pulled up beside the young female, rolled down the passenger window and asked her if she wanted a drink. The male was persistent, continued to speak to the female, and circled the block several times until the female called police on her cell phone.

The male is described as a Hispanic male in his late 30’s to early 40’s with brown, short hair and a goatee. The male was further described to have a stocky build, with broad shoulders, and wet hair or hair with gel in it and deeper pores on his face.

Anyone with information that could help in the investigation is asked to contact the Medicine Hat Police Service at 403-529-8481 or submit a tip via the MHPS App or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Media Contact:

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

On April 21, 2020, at approximately 10:30 p.m. police attempted to conduct a vehicle stop on a white Chevrolet van, in the Northeast area of the city, after it was observed driving erratically. Upon activating the police emergency equipment the driver of the vehicle conducted evasive maneuvers and fled the area in the vehicle at a high rate of speed. The vehicle was not pursued due to traffic volumes and the risk to the general public.

On April 22, 2020, just after midnight members of the MHPS observed the van in the SW area of the city. Another vehicle stop was initiated and immediately after activating the police emergency equipment the driver exited the vehicle and fled the area on foot. A K9 track was initiated and PSD Flint located a 54-year-old male a short distance away. The male was found to be driving while suspended, under Provincial legislation and was charged for the offence and released from custody.

On April 22, 2020, at approximately 3:00 a.m. Police observed a Ford Econoline van, travelling on 1 Street SW with the same 54-year-old male in the driver seat, again operating the vehicle while suspended. A vehicle stop was initiated and the vehicle failed to stop for police. The vehicle was located a short time later and stopped in the 600 block of 16 Street SW. The male once again fled the area on foot but was located and arrested. In addition to the driving suspension charges, the male is now facing charges for: Dangerous Driving, Flight from Police, Resist Arrest, and Refuse Breath Demand. This matter is still under investigation.

Individuals caught driving a motor vehicle while their licence is suspended in Alberta, will receive a $2,000 fine and in default of payment, 14 to 60 day jail terms for this offence. In addition, the drivers licence may be suspended for and additional six months. The vehicle being driven, whether owned by the driver or not, will be seized and impounded for 30 days. All towing charges and impound fees will be charged to the registered owner of the vehicle.

Media Contact

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

On April 22, 2020, at approximately 9:30 PM members of the Medicine Hat Police Service responded to a motor vehicle collision on the Trans Canada Highway in the westbound lanes of the Kin Coulee dip. Upon investigation it was determined that a male was operating a moped without proper lighting when he was struck by a tractor trailer unit.

The driver of the tractor trailer unit made every effort to avoid hitting the moped, but due to the lack of visible lighting, had limited reaction time, and was unable to completely avoid the collision. The moped operator was taken to hospital with non life threatening injuries. This matter is still under investigation.

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