The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) is aware of community concerns regarding the issuance of a ticket surrounding a recent intersection violation. While a public response to these types of concerns would typically not be provided, as there is a court process to argue provincial violation notices, in this circumstance it is felt that general information regarding the incident can be released to the public, while also respecting the privacy rights of persons involved and ensuring their right to due process.
On September 24, 2020 the MHPS received a third party public complaint regarding a vehicle that was obstructing traffic in the north bound lane at the bottom of the Dunmore Road hill. A patrol member responded to the location, observed the vehicle in question, and activated emergency equipment behind the vehicle to ensure the safety of the persons at the scene. The officer then exited the patrol vehicle to speak to the driver of the vehicle, as well as second person who had arrived at the scene. While the police officer was speaking to the second male, the driver without notice began pushing the vehicle in question into the busy intersection on a red light, placing himself and other drivers on the roadway in jeopardy.
The police officer then waited for the legal progression of the intersection control devices and drove to an adjacent parking lot to speak to the male regarding the incident. The police officer indicated they could have safely assisted the male in moving the vehicle, but were not given the opportunity to do so. Had the driver advised police of his plan to push his vehicle, asked police to assist him in doing so safely or waited for a tow truck to safely move his vehicle across the road, a ticket could have been avoided.
The male was subsequently charged with failing to enter an intersection safely, and not with a red light violation as is being reported.
The police officer drafted a report on the occurrence and the interactions with the male subject were recorded on a Body Worn Camera (BWC) which has since been reviewed by the MHPS.
Media Contact:
Rita Sittler
Administrative Services Manager
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416