On January 18, 2021 at approximately 9:30 AM members of the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) received a report of a male in distress, who was possibly a danger to himself and others, and that he may be armed with a weapon. Investigators attempted to locate the male within the city as his location was unknown at that time.

At approximately 12:00 PM members of the MHPS located the male in an isolated area, south of Smelter Avenue and Factor Street SE. The area was contained as officers attempted to make contact with the male. After several attempts to communicate with the male were unsuccessful, members of the MHPS Tactical Team and Crisis Negotiators were called to the scene.

At approximately 1:15 PM the male exited the structure and pointed a long barrel weapon at the police officers on scene. An armored rescue vehicle was utilized to provide protection for the officers who were then able to deploy a single-shot projectile launcher to subdue the male and safely take him into custody.

The use of the projectile launcher offers a less lethal option to be deployed in situations where extended ranges are needed, to create greater distance between the officer and the high-risk person(s) in crisis, and potentially avoid the need to escalate to the use of lethal force with firearms.

The male subject is known to police. He was also found to have a replica handgun and a large hunting knife in his possession during the arrest. The MHPS Major Crimes Section is investigating the incident and the subject is currently held in custody awaiting formal criminal charges.

The MHPS would like to thank the public for their cooperation during this incident. The MHPS mobile app, was used to notify the public of the high risk incident. The app is free to download and available for both Apple and Android devices or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Media Contact

S/Sgt Darcy Brandt
Major Crimes Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421