ARTICLES

With the arrival of cold weather across the province, the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) is partnering with law enforcement agencies across Alberta to launch Operation Cold Start, a crime prevention initiative aimed at addressing the high number of warm-up auto thefts that occur during the winter months.

Warm-up thefts are crimes of opportunity, where car thieves target vehicles that are left running and unattended.

Stolen vehicles are often used by criminals to commit other crimes in the city, victimizing other residents. We are asking for the public’s help to keep our city safe and reduce the number of preventable thefts.

“A cold car is better than a stolen car, so as the temperatures drop, if you need to warm up your car and you don’t have a remote starter, make sure you bundle up and stay with your vehicle until you’re ready to drive away,” says MHPS Traffic Sgt. Stacey Fishley

Drivers who are planning to warm up their vehicle are reminded to:

• Never leave a running vehicle unattended if the keys are inside the vehicle, or if the vehicle has been started with a keyless ignition or push-button start.
• Use a remote starter whenever possible and keep your vehicle locked.
• If you are warming up your vehicle with the keys in the ignition or with a push-button start, stay with your vehicle.
• Use a steering wheel lock to deter thieves.
• Never leave spare keys or garage door openers in or around your vehicle.
• Never leave children or pets in a running vehicle.
• Do not leave valuables, including identity documents and bank cards, in your vehicle.
• Report suspicious activity to police immediately by calling (insert appropriate number)
• If you witness a crime in progress, call 9-1-1.

Media Contact:

Sgt. Stacey Fishley
Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8471

On the evening of January 1, 2024, at around 8:00 pm the Medicine Hat Police Service responded to a report of an armed robbery at a convenience store located in the 500 block of Rutherford Street NW.

The investigation revealed that a lone male entered the store, brandished a weapon, and made off with an undisclosed amount of cash.

The MHPS Criminal Investigation Section assumed the investigation and on January 2, 2024, arrested and charged Dwayne Ernest Oliver, 55-years-old, of Medicine Hat. Oliver was charged with the following;

• Armed Robbery
• Possession of a Weapon Dangerous
• Disguise with Intent
• Assault with a Weapon

Oliver was held for a Judicial Interm Release Hearing and remanded into custody to appear in Medicine Hat Provincial Court on January 10, 2024.

MHPS can report that no one was injured as a result of this incident and victim services has been offered to the individual involved.

The investigation is ongoing and the MHPS requests that if any member of the public has any further details or information please call 1-403-529-8481.

Media Contact:

Staff Sergeant Jason Graham
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421

On December 14, 2023 members of the Medicine Hat Police Service Patrol Section responded to an early morning alarm at a business located in the 1200 block of Kingsway Avenue SE. Upon arrival, members learned the suspects had forcefully gained entry to the building and fled the area with several valuables. A Police K9 and uncrewed aerial vehicle (drone) were deployed and these efforts successfully led officers to a location where two suspects were attempting to destroy evidence from the break and enter. Both suspects were arrested at this time without incident.

Resulting from this investigation, Anthony Brown (37-years-old) and Morgan Williams (30-years-old) were arrested and charged with Break and Enter as well as Theft Over $5,000. Both individuals were remanded in custody until their next court appearance on December 18.

Media Contact:

Insp Joe West
Operational Services Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

A Medicine Hat man has been charged with sexual assault following an investigation into alleged incidents reported at a local assisted living facility.

In September of 2023, the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) received two separate reports of sexual assaults that had occurred to residents of the Masterpiece Southland Meadows retirement / assisted living facility.

The MHPS Criminal Investigation Section investigated the reports and had the full cooperation of the administration of this facility. During the investigation, two additional incidents of sexual assault were identified, both involving the same accused. At the time of the incidents the accused was employed at the facility.

Resulting from this investigation, Asim Omerovic, 64-years-old, of Medicine Hat, AB has been charged with the following;

• Sexual Assault x 4
• Unlawfully in a dwelling unit.

Omerovic has since been released from custody and will appear in Medicine Hat Provincial Court on January 10, 2024.

The investigation is ongoing and the MHPS requests that if any member of the public has any further details or additional complaints to report, please call 1-403-529-8481.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt. Jason Graham
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421

The Medicine Hat Police Service Traffic Unit and Redcliff Bylaw Services will be conducting an over dimensional load escort December 13, 2023, starting at approximately 8:30 am. The escort will be starting at the weigh scales east of Medicine Hat traveling on highway #1 west to the west Redcliff limits. Both west and eastbound lanes of Highway #1 and the SW industrial area of Medicine Hat will be affected by counterflowing of the over dimensional load which will result in traffic slowdowns. Please avoid these areas and take alternate routes if possible, please always follow all police/bylaw and pilot vehicle directions.

On January 13, 2024, the Medicine Hat Police Service will be celebrating 125 years of service to the community. To mark this special occasion the Service will be holding a Regimental Parade on January 11th, 2024, at the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede Cypress Centre (located at 2055 21^st Avenue SE).

This event is open to the public to attend and is free of charge. Following the parade, a levee will be held. We hope you can join us!

Media Contact:
Rita Sittler
Business Services Manager
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

Following a series of search warrants in southeast Alberta, ALERT has seized nearly $65,000 worth of drugs and two 3D-printed handguns. Multiple homes in Brooks, Alta. were searched.

On October 4, 2023 ALERT’s Medicine Hat organized crime team searched six homes in Brooks, along with the assistance of Brooks RCMP and the Medicine Hat Police Service. The homes were searched as part of a lengthy drug trafficking and firearms investigation that remains ongoing.

The drugs seized have an estimated street value of $65,000 and included:

• 762 grams of methamphetamine;

• 742 grams of cocaine;

• 159 grams of crack cocaine;

• Illicit prescription pills; and

• $2,000 cash.

Two handguns were also seized that were affixed with 3D-printed receivers, which are illegal in Canada. Further ballistics and firearms testing on the handguns is being completed by the Provincial Firearms Solutions Lab.

3D printed firearms, also known as privately made firearms (PMFs) or ghost guns, are coveted by organized crime because they can be illegally acquired without a firearms license, do not have serials numbers, and are difficult to trace.

According to the Provincial Firearms Solutions Lab, they have received and examined 52 3D-printed firearms in 2023. The Lab handles the majority of firearms examinations in the province and was created in partnership between the Alberta Government, ALERT, and the Edmonton Police Service.

ALERT also seized two vehicles as offence related property and will explore options with the province’s civil forfeiture office.

The investigation dates back to April 2023 when ALERT and Brooks RCMP identified an increase in drug trafficking activity in the region. The investigation utilized to a number of specialized techniques and resources to disrupt the drug market.

Several suspects have been identified, but no one was been formally charged as of yet. The investigation remains ongoing as investigators are preparing reports and disclosure for Crown Counsel.

Media inquiries may be directed to:

Mike Tucker
Communications Director
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
Ph: 780-509-3015

The Medicine Hat Police Service and Redcliff Bylaw Services will be conducting an over dimensional load escort on Monday, December 11, 2023, starting at 1:00 PM. The load will be travelling from Bromley Mechanical (925 23 St SW) in the SW Industrial area to Highway #1 westbound. Traffic will be affected on Highway #1 and in the SW industrial Area due to counterflowing of the over dimensional load. Please avoid these areas if possible and arrange to take alternate routes, please be patient and follow all police/bylaw/pilot vehicle directions.

On December 7 at approximately 7:00 PM members of the Medicine Hat Police Service responded to a report of a suspicious person possibly armed with a pistol in the 100 block of South Railway Street.

When officers arrived on scene, they located a man matching the description provided. The man was non-compliant with directions provided by police, however, was taken safely into custody on North Railway Street. Following the arrest officers located an air pistol and the man was charged with one count of possessing a weapon dangerous to public peace.

The holiday season is a time to celebrate with colleagues, family and friends, and the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) would like to remind those who will be driving to those celebrations to plan ahead to ensure a safe ride home. Throughout the month, drivers can expect increased officer presence as check stops are conducted to promote safe roads.

Some of the check stops will be advertised, including one held this weekend on December 9, 2023, and one on December 15, 2023, while others will not. Check stops will be conducted at various times through the day.

Drivers are also reminded that in December of 2018 new impaired driving legislation came into effect, including the introduction of Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS). When entering a check stop drivers will be required to provide a sample of breath. The MAS breath testing process is quick to complete. The device provides an immediate reading and drivers that pass will continue on their way without undue inconvenience. The goal is to provide minimal disruption to motorists while enhancing the safety of our roadways.

1. 2022, the MHPS charged 376 drivers under the Immediate Roadside Sanction Program (IRS). As of December 7, 2023, 330 drivers have been charged under the Immediate Roadside Sanction Program.

Every death and injury caused by impaired driving is preventable. We all have a responsibility when it comes to preventing drinking and driving. If you suspect someone of driving under the influence, please call 9-1-1.

There are many options and no excuses for driving impaired. Drive safe Medicine Hat!

Media Contact:

A/Sgt. David Smith
Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8471