ARTICLES

The Medicine Hat Police is currently dealing with a high profile incident and would ask that the public avoid the area of the 900 block of Ross Street SE.  Additional information will be forthcoming.  Thank you.

The Medicine Hat Police Service is continuing the investigation into a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred in the 1200 block of McKenzie Cres NW, which resulted in the death of an 83-year-old Medicine Hat woman. The cause of the collision is still under review and charges are pending.

The investigation into this collision will be detailed and time consuming and local traffic only is recommended in the area.

All traffic fatalities are tragic for those involved, from first responders to witnesses and most of all to the driver and victim’s family. The MHPS extends condolences to the friends and family of the deceased woman. 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

20-10796 Injury Motor Vehicle Collision

Members of MHPS Patrol and Traffic Section along with EMS are currently on scene at an injury motor vehicle collision on the 1200 block of McKenzie Cres NW. Emergency crews on sight are requesting motorists to avoid the area. Thank you for your cooperation.

Patrol Staff Sergeant

The COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting the lives and habits of all Canadians. To help understand its impacts on people across the country, Statistics Canada is collecting information related to the perceptions of crime, safety, and violence during the pandemic. To voluntarily participate in the survey click on the following link:

https://surveys-enquetes.statcan.gc.ca/form-formulaire/q/en/eqgs3f366219551540e4968745cdb5adc5c0/p0

The survey will close on May 25th, 2020 with results expected in mid-June.

For more information on this data collection, please visit https://www.statcan.gc.ca/eng/survey/household/5323-covid-series

The Medicine Hat Police Service in partnership with the Medicine Hat Police Commission is proud to present the 2019 Medicine Hat Police Service Annual Report.

The report includes a review of operational highlights as well as features key activities and accomplishments in relation to the four strategic priorities of; Community Safety, Community Engagement, Human Resources and Officer Safety. The report also celebrates awards received by the Service as well as commendations and compliments received by staff throughout the year.

To view the entire report, visit the MHPS website click here

For more information contact:

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

Four Medicine Hat men have been charged with a variety of child sexual exploitation offences following a series of arrests by ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit.

ICE’s investigation stems from the suspects’ alleged involvement in online child exploitation. The arrests took place between May 12 and 14, 2020, with the help of Medicine Hat Police Service.

“Sadly, our ICE unit has been inundated with cases involving online child exploitation during the COVID-19 pandemic. While people are spending more time online, I can’t emphasize enough the need to implement safe internet practices and know-how in order to protect our children,” said Supt. Dwayne Lakusta, ALERT CEO.

There is no definitive link between the suspects other than the nature of offences allegedly committed. Each of the men was charged with at least one child pornography offence:

• Thomas Bindr, a 27-year-old man;
• Blaine Vadnais, a 78-year-old man;
• Jeremy Unruh, a 43-year-old man; and
• Owen Michael Monteith, a 34-year-old man.

None of the accused were deemed to work in professions of trust and/or authority.

A total of 43 computers and devices were seized. ICE will continue its investigation by conducting a full forensic analysis.

ICE is an integrated team that includes members of Calgary Police, Lethbridge Police, and Medicine Hat Police, and RCMP members. ICE investigates offences involving child pornography, any computer-related child sexual abuse, child luring over the Internet, voyeurism involving victims under the age of 18, and child sex trade/tourism.

Anyone with information about this investigation, or any child exploitation offence is encouraged to contact local police or cybertip.ca.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.

Media inquiries may be directed to:

Sgt. Kirt Murray
Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
Ph: 403-581-1090

Michael Tucker
Communications Director
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
Desk: 780-509-3015
Cell: 780-983-4159

On May 18, 2020, the Medicine Hat Police responded to report of a distraught female on Finely Bridge.  After negotiating with the female, she was safely taken into custody and apprehended under the Mental Health Act.  The female was then transported to the Medicine Hat Hospital for treatment.  MHPS would like to thank the public for their patience while dealing with this matter.  No further comment will be made.

The Medicine Hat Police are currently at the scene of a high risk situation on Finley Bridge. We are asking people (pedestrian & vehicular) to avoid the area while we are dealing with the event.

On May 18, 2020 at about 5:30 am the Medicine Hat Police responded to a report of a motor vehicle collision in Strathcona Park. The investigation revealed a black sedan was travelling at a high rate of speed and collided with a tree. A female passenger was transported to the Medicine Hat Hospital for assessment, and her injuries are considered minor. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene, and is still unaccounted for. The total damaged is estimated at about $10,000 and the police are still continuing with the investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact MHPS at 403-529- 8481.

On May 14, 2020, at approximately 4:45am, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) responded to the 200 block of 4^th Street SW to investigate a weapons complaint. The investigation has determined that an unidentified person approached the residence on foot and fired several shots into the house before immediately fleeing the area on foot. The suspect at the time of the shooting was seen wearing what appeared to be all black clothing. A Police K-9 unit was deployed, but was not able to locate an offender in the area. No one in the residence was physically injured as a result of this offence.

While it is early in the investigation, it is believed that the residence was specifically targeted, and as such at this time there is no general public safety risk.

The MHPS Major Crime Section will continue the investigation and is asking that anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800 -222-8477 (TIPS). Specifically, the MHPS would like to follow up with a male witness that observed the offender running away. The male who previously spoke with an officer on scene is asked to contact the MHPS Major Crime Section at 403-529-8421.

Tips may also be submitted (anonymously if preferred) through 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:
S/Sgt Chad Holt
Major Crime Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421