ARTICLES

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

The Medicine Hat Police Service Major Crime Unit has laid multiple charges following a traffic stop and drug seizure on May 22, 2026. While investigating an unrelated matter, officers observed a vehicle displaying a stolen licence plate.

The investigation resulted in the arrest of 36-year-old Vanessa Denhollander of Medicine Hat. A search of the vehicle led to the seizure of methamphetamine, cocaine, ecstasy and psilocybin, with an estimated street value of $103,276.

Denhollander is charged with:

• Three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking

• One count of possession of proceeds of crime

• One count of possession of stolen property under $5,000

• One count of possession of a controlled substance

Denhollander was held for a Judicial Interim Release Hearing and was subsequently released by a Justice of the Peace. She is scheduled to appear in Medicine Hat Provincial Court on May 28, 2026.

The Medicine Hat Police Service Major Crime Unit continues to investigate.

Media Contact:

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

On May 21, 2026, at approximately 2:38 p.m., emergency services responded to a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Box Spring Road and Saamis Drive NW in Medicine Hat.

The investigation determined that a northbound vehicle was travelling through the intersection when a southbound vehicle attempted to turn across its path, resulting in a collision. The northbound vehicle sustained significant damage and was a total loss. The southbound vehicle sustained repairable damage.

Occupants of the northbound vehicle were transported to hospital for assessment. While multiple occupants were involved in the collision, only one individual sustained injuries requiring medical attention. The injuries are believed to be minor.

The driver of the southbound vehicle was issued a violation ticket for making an unsafe turn.

Media Contact:
Sgt. Kurtis LaDouceur
Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8471

On May 21, 2026, at approximately 1:49 p.m., emergency services responded to a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of the Trans-Canada Highway and 16 Street SW in Medicine Hat.

The preliminary investigation indicates an eastbound vehicle failed to stop at a red light and entered the intersection, colliding with a westbound vehicle that was turning onto 16 Street SW. Both vehicles sustained significant damage and were determined to be total losses.

The sole occupant of the eastbound vehicle sustained serious injuries and was transported to hospital, where they remain for treatment. The occupant of the westbound vehicle did not report serious injuries.

No charges have been laid at this time, and the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has information that may assist investigators is asked to contact the Medicine Hat Police Service at 403-529-8481.

The Medicine Hat Police Service thanks the public for its assistance.

Media Contact:
Sgt. Kurtis LaDouceur
Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8471