In September 2024, a local Medicine Hat business owner reported to the Medicine Hat Police Service that he had received a phone call that prompted him to leave his home to go check on a business property. Once the victim was outside his home and in his vehicle, a male using a mask approached him and pointed a firearm at the driver's window. Reacting swiftly, the victim managed to escape and promptly dialed 911.

Following an extensive investigation, which involved multiple judicial authorizations, Daniel Vander Meulen, age 47, from Redcliff, AB, has been charged with attempted robbery, assault with a weapon, use of an imitation firearm, and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace. The investigation established that the victim was known to Vander Meulen and this was a targeted rather than a random incident with an intent was to rob the business owner.

Vander Meulen is scheduled to appear in court on April 16, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Medicine Hat.

Media Contact:
Acting S/Sgt Darren Lole
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-581-1061