ARTICLES

At approximately 6:05 PM on January 28, 2024, officers were dispatched to a residence in the 800 Block of 10 St SE following a 911 call regarding a weapons complaint. A concerned citizen reported seeing an individual, entering a residence while appearing to be in possession of what looked like a pistol.

In response and out of an abundance of caution, the police contained the crisis point and utilized incident command best practices.  Emphasizing the safety of the public, the suspect, and police personnel, we utilized a loud hailer to establish communication with the occupants of the home.

As the situation unfolded, investigators gathered new and pertinent information. This included verifying the identity of the individual in question and ensuring a thorough but respectful engagement with all parties involved. The situation was resolved peacefully, with no harm coming to any individuals involved or to our officers.

Following a comprehensive assessment, it has been determined that there will be no charges arising from this incident. Police recovered an air pistol and liaised with a police service firearms expert and learned that the air pistol did not meet legal thresholds. It should be noted that the subject did not threaten or act in a dangerous manner with the pistol. We do recognize the public alarm that can occur in these instances.

This incident serves as a reminder about the responsibilities associated with firearms safety, including real, imitation, or air pistols.

Attached is a photo of the air pistol.

The Medicine Hat Police Service would like to advise of the following:

• Current Situation: Active high-risk incident underway.
• Area Advisory: Avoid the 800 Block of 10 St SE. Police operations are in progress.
• Traffic Notice: Expect disruptions. Follow directions from police officers on site.
• Social Media Request: Please refrain from posting photos of the incident online.
• Updates: A final update will be provided after the conclusion of police activities.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Eight police recruits will begin training in Medicine Hat this week as the result of a collaborative partnership between the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS), Blood Tribe Police Service (BTPS) and Lethbridge College. This is the fifth time since 2016 that the college’s Police Training program has been hosted by the MHPS.

“The MHPS is excited to once again host the police training program,” said MHPS Chief Al Murphy. “Upon graduation the successful officers will fill existing staff vacancies and compliment the officers who currently serve and protect our community.”

The class is comprised of four MHPS recruits and four recruits from the BTPS who will participate in a 24-week training program that will provide participants with crucial skills and knowledge such as de-escalation, interpersonal problem solving, professionalism, adaptability, community service, firearms, public safety, organizational awareness, teamwork, report writing and investigative techniques. Those who graduate from the competency- based program will earn academic credentials that meet the Alberta Provincial Policing Standards.

“Lethbridge College’s Police Training program is a unique offering that partners regional police services with our institution,” said Trudi Mason, dean, Centre for Justice, and Human Services. “We value our ongoing partnership with the MHPS and look forward to providing recruits with relevant training that meets the needs of the agency and the communities they will serve.”

Media Contact:

Rita Sittler
Administrative Services Manager
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416
Email: rita.sittler@mhps.ca

Tina Karst
Media Relations Specialist
Lethbridge College
Ph: 403-320-3203 ext. 5267
Email: tina.karst@lethbridgecollege.ca

The MHPS is on scene at a single vehicle MVC at the intersection of 7th Street SW and 1st Avenue SW.  Please avoid the area until further notice 

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) is requesting public assistance in response to a break and enter that occurred at a Southridge area home this morning.

On Wednesday January 10, 2024, at approximately 3:15 AM, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service Patrol Section responded to report of a break and enter in progress, occurring at a residence located on Sunwood Court SW. Upon arrival, officers learned that a suspect had entered the home through the attached garage and fled once observed by the homeowner. Thankfully there were no physical injuries reported because of this event.

The suspect is described as male, approximately 6’foot tall, slender build, wearing a black ski mask and a black jacket.

After the suspect fled the scene, the homeowner identified numerous items had been taken from the garage, with an estimated value of $10,000.

The investigation is ongoing and the MHPS is requesting anyone with information that could assist to call 403-529-8481. Homeowners with video surveillance of the area around the time of the offence are asked to check their footage and report if they have video of the suspect.

Tips can also be submited anonymously if preferred via the MHPS website (mhps.ca) or mobile app. The app is free to download and is available for both Android and Apple devices.

Media Contact:

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

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.