ARTICLES

A Redcliff resident has been charged with counterfeiting and property offences following an investigation completed by the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) Priority Street Crime Unit (PSCU). The investigation was initiated after a series of counterfeit bills were passed at various local businesses. Tips submitted by community members assisted investigators in identifying a suspect.

On February 28, 2020, the MHPS PSCU, together with the Redcliff RCMP, executed a search warrant at a residence located in the 500 block of Broadway Avenue East, Redcliff, AB. Several counterfeit American bills and other evidence of counterfeiting was located in the residence. In addition, investigators located several items of stolen property including credit cards and pieces of stolen personal identification.

Resulting from this investigation, a 24-year-old male, Austin Lane of Redcliff, AB is charged with; possession of counterfeit currency, making counterfeit money, possession of material for counterfeiting, possession of credit card data, possession of identification documents, and multiple counts of possession of stolen property.

Lane was held for a bail hearing and released on a $200 cash release order. He is due back in court on March 5, 2020.

Media Contact:
S/Sgt Cory Both
Priority Street Crimes Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-581-1056

On March 1, 2020 MHPS received a report from a partnering Law Enforcement Agency of a female being taken against her will and forced into a black Chevy Cruz car with Saskatchewan licence plates. The incident was witnessed in Saskatchewan resulting in the emergent call for service by Saskatchewan RCMP. The Chevy Cruz car was reportedly travelling in the direction of Medicine Hat and MHPS was subsequently notified. Members of MHPS patrols located the Chevy Cruz entering the City and officers attempted to stop the vehicle however the vehicle fled from the police. Given the nature of the call and the serious and imminent risk to the female held against her will, patrol members pursued the vehicle in attempt to stop it. After extensive efforts by MHPS patrols, support units within the MHPS and assistance from other Police Agencies, a 34 year old Regina male suspect was taken into custody for various criminal offences including flight from police, dangerous driving, disqualified driving, domestic violence and breach of probation. MHPS is pleased to report the female in the vehicle is fine and there was no injury to the suspect or police. The Service would like to thank members of the public for their assistance on this serious call for service.

The vehicle involved in the high risk incident ( Black 4-door Chevrolet Cruze) has been located and two persons are currently in MHPS custody. More information surrounding this incident will be released once members have finalized the investigation. The Police Service would like to thank the public for their assistance in this matter and appreciate the numbers calls and tips that were received.

The MHPS is requesting public assistance to locate a vehicle involved in a high risk offence.

The vehicle is a Black 4 –door 2019 Chevrolet Cruze with Saskatchewan license plate 633 LTG. If the vehicle is observed do not approach and call 9-1-1 immediately.  The vehicle was last seen in the Crescent Heights / Ranchlands area of Medicine Hat.

Further updates will be provided when more information is available

3rd Street is now open for traffic. We appreciate your patience.

On February 25, 2020, the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) Priority Street Crime Unit (PSCU) executed a search warrant at a residence located in the 500 block of 5 Street SE.

Resulting from this investigation, 33-year-old, Jason Higdon of Medicine Hat, was arrested and charged with multiple counts of; possession of stolen property, possession of identity documents, possession of credit card data, as well as possession of a controlled substance, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public, possession of a prohibited weapon, breaches related to weapons prohibitions and previous release orders.

Higdon was held for a Judicial Interim Release Hearing and was remanded into custody.

The recovered identity documents and stolen property is being returned to the relevant owners.

The PSCU and MHPS Patrol Section will continue to monitor this residence to 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 the afternoon of February 25th the Medicine Hat Police responded to a call for service on Ross Haven Ave SE. Upon attending to the area, members encountered an individual who was experiencing a mental health crisis. Given the circumstances involved, including the history of the individual and their access to weapons, extreme caution and care was exercised. As a result the individual was apprehended safely, with no injury to themselves, the public or any member of the police service. No further comments or details will be provided at this time.

Traffic investigators have now cleared the scene on the Trans Canada Highway. Both lanes in the westbound and eastbound lanes are now open.

Members of the Medicine Hat Police Service are investigating a single vehicle motor vehicle collision that occurred on the Trans Canada Highway, prior to the Box Springs Road NW exit, which has resulted in the death of at 40-year-old male, who was the driver and lone occupant of the vehicle.

Police are on scene conducting an investigation into the cause of this collision and as such westbound traffic on the Trans Canada Highway will be reduced to one lane for most of the day. An update will be provided once the roadway is cleared.

The MHPS extends condolences to the friends and family of the deceased male. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Media Contact:

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

The Medicine Hat Police is currently at the scene of a motor vehicle collision on the westbound lane of the Trans Canada Highway, just west of the 3 Street NW intersection. Eastbound traffic is not affected, however the westbound lane is now down to one lane. We are asking motorists to avoid this area until further notice.