ARTICLES

The MHPS Traffic Unit will be conducting an over-dimensional load escort this morning commencing at 9:30 AM. The escort will be traveling from the east city limits of Medicine Hat, westbound on Highway #1 to the west city limits of Redcliff. Due to the size of this load, highway counter flow will be required and extra traffic delays may result. The escort is expected to take approximately 2 hours 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.

ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit, with the help of Medicine Hat Police Service, has arrested a 26-year-old man for multiple sexual offences involving children and animals.

Cody Herrell was arrested on September 26, 2019, after a search warrant was executed at his Medicine Hat home. The 26-year-old man has been charged with sexual assault, bestiality, and accessing, possessing, and distributing child pornography.

ICE alleges the suspect had been accessing child pornography online, and his computers and electronic devices were seized. Further investigation revealed additional sexual offences committed against at least one unidentified child, who is believed to be known to him, and other alleged sexual offences involving several dogs.

Herrell does not work in a position of trust and/or authority. ICE is asking anyone with information relevant to the investigation to contact Medicine Hat Police Service at 403-529-8481.

“Our primary concern is identifying the child victim and, in turn, providing the necessary support and resources,” said Sgt. Kirt Murray, Internet Child Exploitation unit.

Herrell has been released from custody on a number of court-imposed conditions, including not to have any contact with children, and not to attend any public areas where children may be present.

Herrell’s next court appearance is scheduled for October 17, 2019.

The investigation into Herrell began in February 2019 when the RCMP’s National Child Exploitation Coordination Centre (NCECC) provided information about an unknown suspect uploading child pornography.

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)
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-581-1090

On October 1, 2019 at approximately 6:35 AM, a single vehicle rollover occurred on the Trans-Canada Highway near the Box Springs Road NW overpass. A 1996 Nissan Pathfinder had just entered the westbound merge lane after leaving the Box Springs Rd NW on ramp and lost control. The road surface was in good driving condition. Speed and vehicle equipment maintenance appear to be the main factors. A 30 year old lone male occupant was uninjured. Traffic Safety Act charges were laid.

Media Contact:

Sgt. Gerald Sadlemyer

Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph:403-529-8471

The MHPS Traffic Unit will be conducting an over-dimensional load escort this morning commencing at 9:30 AM. The escort will be traveling from the west town limits of Redcliff, eastbound on Highway #1 to the east city limits of Medicine Hat. The escort is expected to take approximately one hour to complete so please plan your commute accordingly.

A second over-dimensional load escort will be conducted this afternoon commencing at 1:30 PM. The escort will be traveling from the west town limits of Redcliff, eastbound on Highway #1 to the east city limits of Medicine Hat. The escort is expected to take approximately one hour to complete so please plan your commute accordingly.

The 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

On September 30, 2019 at approximately 1:10 AM, an unknown male entered a convenience store located on Carry Drive SE, produced a weapon and demanded cash from the staff member. The male then fled the area with an undisclosed amount of money and merchandise. No physical injuries were sustained during the robbery.

The offender is described as being about 5’ 3” tall, average build, and was wearing a mask over his face at the time of the offence. He was also wearing a black hoodie and black pants.

The Medicine Hat Police Service Major Crime Section is continuing the investigation. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800 -222-8477 (TIPS). 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

Due to the winter storm, the Medicine Hat City Police would like to urge all motorists to avoid all non-essential travel within the city.  Rapidly accumulating snow has made visibility poor and roadways very slippery.  We are also getting reports that all motor vehicle towing services for the highway have been temporarily restricted.  Additionally, motor vehicle towing services are still available within the city but expect delays. 

Rail Safety Week is observed in Canada from September 23^rd to 29^th, 2019 with a goal to highlight safe practices around railway property. Each year more than 100 Canadians are killed or seriously injured, as the result of railway crossing or trespassing incidents. Many of these incidents are preventable.

On September 24, 2019, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service Traffic Unit joined forces with CP Rail for “Operation Clear Track” which took place at various locations throughout Medicine Hat, with both education and enforcement components.

Resulting from the initiative, officer issued 22 tickets for offences including; distracted driving, impaired driving, fail to wear seatbelt and failing to obey traffic control device. In addition, three Vehicle Equipment Regulations violations were issued, along with one Railway Safety Act - Trespassing ticket.

The Medicine Hat Police Service reminds drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists to stay at a safe distance from trains and stay off railway property and tracks. Always obey railway signs and signals and before crossing, take a moment to stop, look and listen.

Media Contact:

A/Sgt Darren Holeha
Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph:403-529-8471

The MHPS Traffic Unit will be conducting an over-dimensional load escort this afternoon commencing at 1:30 PM. The escort will be traveling from the west town limits of Redcliff, eastbound on Highway #1 to the east city limits of Medicine Hat. 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

The MHPS Traffic Unit will be conducting an over-dimensional load escort this morning commencing at 1:30 PM. The escort will be traveling from the west town limits of Redcliff, eastbound on Highway #1 to the east city limits of Medicine Hat. 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

On September 23, 2019 at approximately 8:15 AM a motor vehicle collision was reported on Division Avenue NW at the intersection of 8^th Street NW, involving three vehicles travelling northbound on Division Avenue NW.

The collision occurred when a Ford truck slowed for traffic at a red light and was then hit from behind by a Kia Sorento and a Chevrolet Impala that followed. The female driver of the Sorento was transported to hospital for treatment of minor injuries, while none of the other drivers or occupants of the other vehicles reported physical injuries. Total damage to the involved vehicles is estimated at $8,000.

The MHPS Traffic Unit continues to investigate and charges are pending upon completion of the investigation.

Media Contact:

A/Sgt Darren Holeha
Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph:403-529-8471