ARTICLES

On September 4, 2019, at approximately 8:45 AM members of the Medicine Hat Police Service responded to the Food Bank following a report of an erratic adult male who may possibly be in possession of a weapon.

Upon arrival, police located the male who appeared highly agitated and verbally aggressive. The male was quickly removed from the grounds and taken into custody. The male was not found to be in possession of any weapons.

The male is believed to be suffering from mental health distress and possible use of street narcotics. The male will be held in police custody pending a welfare check by a physician. No criminal charges are pending from this incident.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt Kelsey Fraser
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8461

On September 2, 2019, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service responded to two separate incidents of arson in the 600 block of 10 Street SE near Kingsway Avenue SE. On the first occasion, a small fire was observed and quickly extinguished by members of the Medicine Hat Fire Service.

Several hours later, police and fire responded to a second complaint of arson in the same vicinity. With assistance from the public, a 33-year-old male who was observed at the scene of both incidents was identified. After, further investigation there were reasonable and probable grounds to charge the male with; arson to property and possession of incendiary device. The male is in custody awaiting a bail hearing, and cannot be identified at this time.

There were no reported injuries resulting from either fire, which occurred in a green space area.

The Medicine Hat Police Service would like to thank the public for their assistance in this matter.

Media Contact

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

A structure fire was reported to Medicine Hat Regional 9-1-1 at 9:59 am, September 1, 2019 which has resulted in a multi-agency response.

Emergency Crews attended to the fire in the 400 Block of 21 St NE., Medicine Hat, and found that the fire was fully involved. At present, a Medicine Hat Fire Service Fire Investigator is on scene and will be conducting an investigation to determine the origin and cause of the fire.

Resources that responded to the scene included: City of Medicine Hat Utilities, Medicine Hat Fire Service, and Medicine Hat Police Service patrol members.

Support to the affected persons included the Medicine Hat Police Service – Victim Services Unit who specialize in trauma support in instances such as these. 

There are no reported injuries to the affected persons or fire fighters that responded.

Any media inquires are directed to the attention of the Medicine Hat Fire Service.

Sgt. Kesler

Patrol Team 2

A structure fire was reported to Medicine Hat Regional 9-1-1 at 9:59 am, September 1, 2019 which has resulted in a multi-agency response..

Emergency Crews are currently on scene at a structure fire in the 400 Block of 21 St NE., Medicine Hat.  Please avoid the area to allow emergency and city crews to do their work.  Please comply with police and peace officers that are on scene providing traffic control. 

Further details will follow as the incident unfolds. 

At present there are no reports of fatalities

Sgt. Kesler 

Patrol Team 2

On August 30, 2019, at approximately 7:50 AM, a 2016 BMW sedan was travelling West on Highway 1 when it lost control at the intersection of 6 St SW and collided with a traffic light standard. The driver and lone occupant, a 53 year old male, was not injured in the collision. Emergency services and road repair workers were on scene until 09:30 AM re-routing traffic until the collision scene was cleared of all debris, and traffic lights could be repaired. Total estimated damage is $80,000.

The driver of the vehicle has been charged for failing to stop before entering an intersection on a yellow light, contrary to Section 53(1) Use of the Highway and Rules of the Road Regulations. This offence carries a penalty of $155.00.

Media Contact

Sgt. Kesler

Patrol Team 2

403.529.8461

Emergency Crews are on scene at a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Highway 1 and 6 St SW.  Emergency crews expect to be on scene for an extended period of time while the scene is being cleaned up and vehicles moved. 

Please allow extra time during your commute this morning and follow the directions of police and fire fighters that are on scene providing traffic control. 

Sgt. Kesler #286

Patrol team 2

Heading out for a night on the town with friends new and old is a classic part of student culture. As the Fall semester is set to begin, the Medicine Hat Police Service would like to welcome back all of the students and offers some personal safety tips for students (and anyone else) planning a night out:

• Plan for a safe ride home. Designate a sober driver or ensure that you arrange for a safe ride through a licensed cab or taxi service in a vehicle that is clearly marked. Never accept a ride home from someone you do not know, operating an unlicensed taxi. If you decide to walk home, make sure you are always with someone, and stick to well-lit and public areas.
• Stay together with your friends. Don’t go off by yourself or with someone you don’t know. Keep track of your friends too.
• Drink sensibly. Know your limits and stay within in it. Never leave your drink unattended or accept a drink from a stranger.
• Never leave your personal property unattended in a public place.
• Report concerns to the MHPS by calling 911 in an emergency or 403-529-8481 for non-emergencies

Stay safe and have fun!

Media Contact:

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

In the early hours of August 25, 2019, damage was caused to the personal property of 12 families, living in the Ross Glen area of Medicine Hat, with white spray paint being randomly applied to the vehicles, residences, fences, and City property, including the sidewalks.

Members of the Medicine Hat Police Service Patrol Section employed crime data analytics to assist in the search for the suspects and this assisted in the identification of the offenders.

As a result a 17 year old male youth and 18 year old male adult have been charged with 12 counts of Mischief under $5,000. Both males have been placed on bail conditions and will be appearing before the Provincial Court in due course.

The victims of this crime will be contacted by MHPS Victim Services to complete relevant restitution requests. Crime analytics are an invaluable resource for investigators, compiling crime data to determine trends, known offenders and predictive analysis.

Media Contact:

Insp Brent Secondiak
Operational Services Division
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

Over the past month, there has been an increase in reported thefts from vehicles in the North East and North West areas of Medicine Hat.

To address this concerning trend, a strategic initiative was implemented by the Medicine Hat Police Service Patrol Section to investigate. Together with an increased diligence by the public reporting suspicious activity has resulted in the identification of the offenders.

Resulting from this initiative, five youth, ranging in age from 14 to 17 years old, were identified as being predominantly responsible for these events. The young offenders cannot be identified under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

The MHPS, with the assistance of the Medicine Hat Provincial Crown’s office, the Provincial Court, Child and Family Services, the Police and Crisis Team as well as the relevant caregivers, will be utilizing a multi-faceted approach to address the criminal behavior of those responsible. This will include displacement, curfews, no contact orders, addressing mental health concerns as applicable and education of the impact of their behaviors.

The MHPS wishes to thank the community for their diligence in reporting suspicious activity and encourages use of the MHPS Mobile app as a simple way to report concerns (anonymously if preferred). The app 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:

Insp Brent Secondiak

Operational Services Division

Medicine Hat Police Service

Ph: 403-529-8416

On Thursday, August 29^th at 9:30am the MHPS Traffic Unit will be conducting an over-dimensional load escort. The escort will be travelling from the west town limits of Redcliff, eastbound through the town of Dunmore.

Due to the size of the loads, the escort will be required to counter-flow the Trans-Canada Hwy. This will cause traffic disruption along Highway #1 in both the east and westbound lanes, along with parts of Bomfort Cres SW, Redcliff Dr SW and Gershaw Dr SW. The escort is expected to take approximately one hour to complete so please plan your commute accordingly.

MHPS appreciates the motoring public's cooperation during these escorts and reminds motorists to obey all police officer, pilot vehicle and flag person's directions.