ARTICLES

The Trans Canada HWY at 16th Street SW has reopened after a serious Motor Vehicle Collision.   A two vehicle collision occurred at the intersection of 16th Street SW and the Trans Canada highway at about 4:38 p.m.   There were minor injuries in the collision.  The investigation has led to charges against one of the drivers, a 30 year old male from Medicine Hat for Criminal Code dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.  Total damage estimated at $12000.00.  The police service would like to thank motorists for their patience and understanding during this investigation.    

Media Contact:

Patrol Staff Sergeant

403-529-8461 

Emergency crews are currently on the scene of an injury MVC at Trans Canada Hwy and 16th Street SW.   West bound traffic on the Trans Canada is closed at College Drive.   Traffic east bound is slowed to one lane.   Please avoid the area.

The Medicine Hat Police Service Major Crime Section has charged a local male in connection with recent offences relating to an arson and assault with a weapon investigation.

On May 29, 2020 at approximately 5:00 AM a suspect lit a motor vehicle on fire while it was parked at a residence located in the 600 block of Hemingway Cr NE. The fire completely destroyed the vehicle which had an estimated value of $26,000 and also caused approximately $3,000 damage to the residence.

On June 19, 2020 at approximately 9:30 PM, a male was walking near Division Ave S and 7 St SE when he was approached by another male who produced a weapon and threatened to assault him and burn his house down.

On June 23, 2020, Jeremiah Amero, 29-years-old of Medicine Hat, was arrested in connection with these offences and charged with:

• Arson
• Assault with a weapon
• Threats to cause death/bodily harm
• Threats to cause damage to property
• Mischief under $5,000
• Fail to comply with a firearms prohibition
• Fail to comply with court ordered conditions (numerous counts)

Amero has been taken before a Justice of the Peace and has been remanded into custody with a court appearance scheduled for June 30, 2020.

In both of these incidents the victims were specifically targeted by the offender and as such there is no general risk to the public.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt. Chad Holt
Major Crime Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421

The Medicine Hat Police Service Major Crime Section has charged two women in connection with a series of frauds affecting a local business between the months of January to December 2019. During this time period over $36,000 of fuel was obtained by use of two stolen fuel cards belonging to the business. The investigation required extensive searches of transaction records and surveillance footage in order to obtain enough evidence for the arrests and charges.

Resulting from this investigation the following individuals have been charged:

Nicole Heller, 37-years-old, of Medicine Hat, AB has been charged with fraud over $5,000 and trafficking in stolen property over $5,000. Heller has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court on September 2, 2020.

Tina Thompson, 37-years-old, of Medicine Hat, AB has been charged with fraud under $5,000. Thompson has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court on September 23, 2020.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt. Chad Holt
Major Crime Section
Medicine Hat Police service
Ph: 403-529-8421

One year ago, the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) launched a mobile device application intended to provide the community with improved access to police resources and information. Since that date 6,400 users have downloaded the app, 500 tips have been submitted and an average of 60 online reports per month have been filed.

The application consolidates all of the MHPS communication channels into a single source, easy to navigate platform, that allows residents to stay connected to the MHPS and informed about media release information, alerts and community safety concerns. There is information about the City of Medicine Hat bylaws, what to do when a motor vehicle collision occurs, forms and applications and a list of frequently asked questions.

Individuals are able to report ten types of crimes online, submit tips relating to crime, drugs and bylaw offences and assist the MHPS with locating missing persons, wanted persons and identifying criminals caught on camera. Once downloaded by the user, the app will allow the MHPS to send push notifications directly to individual devices during emergency events.

The MHPS app is free to download and available for both Apple and Android devices by searching ‘Medicine Hat Police Service’ on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Media Contact:

Rita Sittler
Administrative Services Manager
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

On June 23, 2020 at 9:45 AM members of the Medicine Hat Police Service, EMS and Fire Service attended to the 4000 block of 13 Avenue SE for a reported collision between a motor vehicle and a cyclist.

The investigation revealed that a 2014 Chevrolet Impala was travelling north bound on 13 Avenue SE at a low rate of speed. The vehicle slowed down even further as it approached a marked cross walk occupied by a pedestrian crossing from east to west.

As the driver’s attention was on the pedestrian as they exited the cross walk, a 12-year-old boy rode his bicycle into the cross walk from the east side of the road intending to go west as well. The young cyclist came into the path of the north bound vehicle resulting in a low speed collision.

The 12 year old boy was transported to hospital by EMS for treatment of minor injuries.

The investigation has concluded and there will be no charges.

Media Contact:

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

On June 17, 2020 at approximately 10:45 PM members of the Medicine Hat Police Service responded to a report of a dispute in the area of Sundown Road SW. The complainant advised that a male had been assaulted with a baseball bat, was badly injured, and required medical attention. Police and EMS attended the scene and located the 33-year-old male victim. The victim was transported to hospital for treatment of his injuries. Police investigation revealed that a 20-year-old male had fled the area prior to police arrival.

Further investigation by MHPS resulted in grounds for an arrest warrant for a 20 year old Medicine Hat man identified as Chandler Messenger. Messenger is described as 5’9 (175cm), 180lbs (82kg) with hazel eyes and brown hair. Messenger is wanted for Assault with a Weapon, Assault causing Bodily Harm and Mischief Under $5,000.

Police are asking for anyone who has information on Chandler Messenger’s location to call (403)529-8481.

Media Contact:

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

On June 23, 2020 at approximately 0155hrs MHPS received a report of a train versus vehicle collision on the railway tracks in the open field near the 1200 block of 12 Street North West. Prior to police arrival, CP Rail advised that there were no occupants in the Dodge Durango at the time of the crash, this was as confirmed by MHPS upon their arrival following an area search. The Durango sustained extensive damage beyond repair and the reason the vehicle was in this location is still under investigation. This file has been turned over to the Canadian Pacific Police Service as it falls in their jurisdiction. MHPS and CP Police would like to caution all persons from going near the railway for obvious safety reasons.

As a reminder to pedestrians and motorists, it is an offence to operate a motor vehicle on park land contrary to Medicine Hat municipal bylaw. Additionally, it is against the law to enter railway property as specified under the Railway Safety Act and the Petty Trespass Act.
Patrol Staff Sergeant

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) recognizes that the presence of drug trafficking, and the trafficking of stolen property, especially in our neighborhoods, is a public safety concern and unacceptable. Members of the community can assist police by reporting suspicious behavior for police follow up and investigation. All reports of suspected criminal activity are taken seriously and several warrants are executed each month resulting in arrests.

The following are common signs of suspicious or illegal drug activity. Observing one of the following does not always signal illegal activity, but if they occur frequently or together, a problem may exist.

Signs to watch for include:

• Residents that are rarely seen, distant or secretive
• Frequent visitors and unusual traffic at odd times of the day or night
• People repeatedly visiting the property, who only go to the door for short durations
• Residents who regularly meet vehicles near the property for short periods.
• Presence of drug paraphernalia (NOTE: Safelink – HIV Community Link in Southeastern Alberta has a needle debris hotline that you can call or text the location of the needle or debris and their outreach team will come to pick it up and safely dispose of it. This service is available Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm by calling or texting (403) 866- 4698)

If you suspect you may be living next to a drug house, the following are some things you can do to mitigate the problem:

• Zero Tolerance. Contact the MHPS for any violations of the law you encounter including; excessive noise, unsightly yard, dogs at large, parking violations, noisy parties, noisy vehicles, driving complaints, open liquor on the street, fights etc. These types of lesser offences often go hand-in-hand with criminal activity. The more attention a criminal receives from Police and Bylaw Enforcement, the more likely they are to move on.

The MHPS cannot enter a residence to search for drugs or people without a warrant authorizing them to do so. This only granted if a judge is convinced that there are reasonable and probable grounds to believe a criminal act is taking place. You can help police form their grounds by keeping detailed notes of dates, times, license plates and other information that help show illegal activity is taking place.

When a problem property is identified and there is enough supporting evidence to act, the MHPS will work closely with the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) Unit to hold owners accountable for activity taking place on their property and supports landlords by helping them remove problem tenants who disrupt neighbourhoods and destroy property. SCAN can apply to the courts for a Community Safety Order (CSO) that calls for owners to meet a number of conditions, or for the property to be closed for up to 90 days.

If you are suspicious about a property in your neighborhood, do not investigate it yourself or approach the occupants. Contact the MHPS call center at 403-529-8481 or SCAN at 1-866-960-SCAN (7226). Tips may also be submitted via the MHPS Mobile App, which 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:

Inspector Brent Secondiak
Operational Services Division
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8412