ARTICLES

The Medicine Hat Police Service can confirm the child involved in the incident at Echo Dale Regional Park on June 15, 2026, has since died. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation; however, foul play is not suspected.

Our thoughts are with the child’s family, classmates, school staff, first responders, and all those affected by this tragic incident. Out of respect for the privacy of the child and the family, no further details will be released.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt. Darren Lole
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421

On June 15, 2026, at approximately 2:17 p.m. members of the Medicine Hat Police Service responded to a report of a missing child at Echo Dale Regional Park.

At approximately 3:30 p.m., the child was later located and transported to hospital by Emergency Medical Services. The family of the 11-year-old child have been notified, and the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.

Our thoughts are with the child’s family, classmates, school staff, and all those affected by this serious incident. Out of respect for the privacy of the child and the family, no further details will be released at this time.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt. Darren Lole
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421

On June 13, 2026, twenty-two local Grade 6 students received scholarships from the Chief Earl Leadership Legacy Fund. Established in 2008, the fund recognizes Chief Earl’s contributions to the community and honours his legacy.

Each year, elementary schools within the local school districts identify students who demonstrate the qualities of future leaders based on the four core values of the Medicine Hat Police Service, with an added emphasis on leadership and citizenship. Since the fund was established, 297 students have been recognized.

The fund is administered through the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta, with sponsorship from the Medicine Hat Safe Community Association and the Medicine Hat Police Association. Parents and guardians of scholarship recipients are encouraged to place the awards into an existing or newly opened Registered Education Savings Plan.

Congratulations to this year’s recipients:

Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education Recipients (6)

• Mother Teresa School: Anaya Renny
• St. Michael’s School: Esme Costar
• St. Francis Xavier School: Leni Lybbert
• St. Louis School: Bronson Willimont
• St. Mary’s School: Bria Getz
• Notre Dame Academy: Chase Anderson

Charter/Private School Recipients (2)

• École Les Cyprès: Dimitrias Alce
• CAPE School: Riley-Rae Clarke

Medicine Hat School District No. 76 Recipients (14)

• Crestwood School: Brea De Jesus
• Ross Glen School: Leah Christensen
• Connaught School: Graham Fowler
• Dr. Roy Wilson Learning Centre: Eli Malmberg
• Webster Niblock School: Dominic Schoolkate
• Vincent Massey School: Finley Anderson
• River Heights School: Abby Keeping
• Herald School: Nevaeh Desjardine
• George Davison School: Skyla Dawson
• Elm Street School: David O’Connor
• Dr. Ken Sauer School: Peyton Barton
• Southview School: Ally Osuna
• Medicine Hat Christian School: Sadie Dyck
• Hub: Avery Cowan

Congratulations to all of this year’s scholarship recipients. Thank you for the leadership, citizenship, and positive example you demonstrate in your schools and throughout our community.

Media Contact:

Sgt. Adam Gregory
Community Support Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8451

On June 8, 2026, at approximately 6:01 p.m., members of the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS), along with emergency services, responded to a single-vehicle collision involving a motorcycle on the eastbound lanes of the Trans-Canada Highway near Redcliff.

Initial investigation indicates the rider was travelling eastbound when they lost control of the motorcycle and entered the ditch separating the eastbound and westbound lanes. The motorcycle travelled in the ditch for approximately 350 feet before coming to a stop.

The rider was transported to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Speed is believed to have been a contributing factor in the collision, and the incident remains under investigation.

Media Contact:

A/S/Sgt. Darlene Garrecht
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8461

On June 8, 2026, at approximately 6:16 a.m., the Medicine Hat Police Service responded to a burglary alarm at a detached garage in the 400 block of 4 Street SE.

A keyholder for the property advised police they had reviewed surveillance footage and observed an individual attempting to gain entry to the building. Upon arrival, officers located significant damage to the rear door of the garage.

Police established containment of the area and conducted a search of the property. During the search, officers located a male suspect hiding beside the garage. When advised he was under arrest, the male fled on foot.

A short foot pursuit ensued, and a 35-year-old male suspect was taken into custody without further incident.

As a result, 35-year-old Tristan Skappak of Medicine Hat has been charged with:

• Break and enter to commit mischief
• Resist arrest

The accused was transported to the Medicine Hat Police Service and held for a judicial interim release hearing. He was later released and is scheduled to appear in Medicine Hat Provincial Court on June 18, 2026.

Media Contact:

A/S/Sgt. Darlene Garrecht
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8461

On June 7, 2026, at approximately 11:42 p.m., members of the Medicine Hat Police Service responded to a report of a theft in progress at a restaurant in the 2500 block of Box Springs Boulevard NW. Two individuals allegedly left without paying for their meal.

Police arrived shortly afterward and located one adult female inside the establishment attempting to address the outstanding bill. The second male individual was located a short time later inside the restaurant and was taken into custody without incident.

During the arrest, officers recovered a backpack belonging to the male individual. A search incidental to arrest resulted in the seizure of a loaded .22 calibre rifle that had been modified, along with ammunition. The firearm was concealed within a carrying case inside the backpack.

Subsequent investigation revealed both individuals were bound by existing court-imposed conditions and were in breach of those conditions at the time of the incident. One individual was also found to be in possession of identification belonging to another person.

Resulting from this investigation, Jade Holt, age 26, of Medicine Hat, was charged with the following:

• Failure to comply with a release order (4 counts)
• Food fraud
• Possession of identity documents

Connor Brace, age 22, of Medicine Hat, was charged with the following:

• Breach of probation order (3 counts)
• Possession of a prohibited / restricted firearm contrary to a court order
• Carrying a concealed weapon
• Careless storage of a firearm
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm
• Food fraud
• Possession of a restricted firearm without a licence
• Possession of a loaded prohibited / restricted firearm

Both individuals were held for judicial interim release hearings and remanded into custody pending their next court appearance in Medicine Hat Provincial Court on June 9, 2026.

Media Contact:
A/S/Sgt. Darlene Garrecht
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8461

On June 7, 2026, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service Patrol Section attended a residence in the 300 block of Stratton Way SE after receiving a report of harassing phone calls. During the response, officers began an investigation into allegations of uttering death threats.

As a result of the investigation, a 36-year-old Medicine Hat man was arrested. Further investigation led to the seizure of an SKS semi-automatic firearm believed to be connected to the offence. Nikolaus Hurlbert, 36, has been charged with:

• Harassing phone calls
• Uttering threats (three counts)
• Careless use of a firearm
• Possession of a weapon dangerous to the public

Hurlbert was held for a judicial interim release hearing and remanded into custody pending his next court appearance on June 9, 2026, in Medicine Hat Provincial Court.

Media Contact:

A/S/Sgt. Darlene Garrecht
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
403-529-8461

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) is investigating a report of a sexual assault that occurred on June 6, 2026, at approximately 2:42 AM at a residence in Medicine Hat.

Preliminary information indicates that an adult female victim had used a vehicle for hire service and upon arrival at her residence, the ride-share driver entered the victim’s home, where a sexual assault occurred.

As a result of the investigation, 30-year-old Tejinder Singh, of Medicine Hat has been charged with Break and Enter and Commit Sexual Assault.  Singh was held for a judicial interim release hearing and subsequently released to appear in Medicine Hat Provincial Court on June 25, 2026.

The MHPS reminds the public that support is available for victims of sexual violence. Anyone seeking assistance is encouraged to contact the Sanare Centre at 403-548-2717 or the Alberta One Line for Sexual Violence at 1-866-403-8000 for confidential support.

Media Contact:

A/S/Sgt. Darlene Garrecht
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8461

On May 26, 2026, at approximately 1:49 p.m., Medicine Hat Police Service officers located a vehicle reported stolen from Redcliff at a residence in the 900 block of Ross Street SE. A 50-year-old man was arrested without incident in connection with the investigation.

Police confirmed the vehicle had sustained damage to the ignition. During the investigation, officers also seized several items, including property addressed to other individuals, three boxes of 12-gauge shotgun shells, and tools consistent with break-and-enter activity.

Trent Collier of Medicine Hat, who was also wanted on multiple outstanding warrants, has been charged with:

• Possession of Stolen Property Over $5,000
• Failing to Comply with a Release Order (two counts)
• Possession of Break-In Instruments
• Breach of Firearm/Ammunition Prohibition Order

Collier was held for a bail hearing and remanded into custody. He appeared in Provincial Court on May 28, 2026.

The investigation is ongoing.

Media Contact:

Patrol S/Sgt.
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8481

On Saturday, June 13, 2026, the Medicine Hat Police Service will be opening our doors to the community from 11 AM to 3:00 PM.  This event will provide an opportunity to learn more about the MHPS and its operations through information and displays, demonstrations and building tours.

In coordination with the Open House, the Medicine Hat Safe Community Association will be hosting a BBQ and 22 local Grade 6 students will be presented with awards from the Chief Gord Earl Leadership Legacy Fund.  The Fund was established in 2008 to celebrate Chief Earl’s contributions to the community and to honor his memory.  The fund is administered through the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta and each year recognizes Grade 6 students that have demonstrated the core values of the MHPS of integrity, respect, courage, and accountability, with an additional focus on leadership and citizenship.

Elementary schools identify students from within the local school districts who have demonstrated the qualities of future community leaders.  Since its inception in 2008, the Chief Earl Leadership Legacy Fund has rewarded 275 students with scholarships.

There is no charge to attend this event and no need to pre-register.

Media Contact:

Sgt. Adam Gregory
Community Safety Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8451