ARTICLES

On January 14, 2025, Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) patrols responded to a robbery with violence at a commercial property in the 900 block of 16 Street SW, Medicine Hat. A male entered the premises, forcefully stole cash, and threatened staff with a weapon while wearing a disguise.

An investigation was immediately launched by MHPS patrols and subsequently taken over by the Major Crime Unit. As a result, 33-year-old Justin Gallant of Medicine Hat was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including robbery, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public, disguise with intent, possession of stolen property and failing to comply with release order conditions.  Additionally, Gallant was apprehended on several outstanding warrants from Calgary, Alberta. Following a Judicial Interim Release Hearing, Gallant was remanded into custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for January 20, 2025.

Media Contact

A/SSgt D Lole
Major Crime Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: (403) 581 1061

This week marks the launch of a new police training program in Medicine Hat, the result of a partnership between the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) and Medicine Hat College (MHC).

“The MHPS is proud to host the first cohort of our newly developed police training program,” said Chief Al Murphy of the MHPS. “This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering the highest standard of service to our community while equipping our officers with the advanced skills and knowledge needed to meet today’s complex challenges.”

The inaugural class includes five recruits—four from the MHPS and one from the Blood Tribe Police Service—who will undergo a comprehensive 24-week training program. The competency-based curriculum focuses on essential skills such as control tactics, firearms, emergency vehicle operations, investigative skills, legal studies, and report writing.  Additional modules focus on mental health, with a focus on de-escalation and crisis management, and community policing, with an emphasis on a collaborative and problem-solving approach that fosters trust, respect, diversity and partnerships.

This initiative highlights the strength of collaborative efforts in fostering a safer community while preparing recruits to excel in their roles as police officers.

“As a college committed to community impact and collaboration, this is an exciting milestone for us,” said Joalee Zanidean, Regional Training Strategist at Medicine Hat College. “This dynamic program is a testament to the shared dedication of MHC and MHPS to delivering exceptional training and education. It is a wonderful reflection of a community partnership enhancing and strengthening our work - we are honored to be part of these recruits’ journeys as they step into critical roles serving our communities.”

Media Contact:

Rita Sittler
Business Services Manager
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416
Email: rita.sittler@mhps.ca

During the early morning hours of January 7, 2025, a business located in the 700 block of 3^rd Street SE, Medicine Hat was broken into. The business sustained significant damage and property loss and members of the Medicine Hat Police Service Patrol Section were subsequently called to the scene.

Following an investigation, officers were able to identify a 42-year-old Medicine Hat man as a suspect in the break in. The suspect was subsequently arrested and charged with possession of break, enter and theft and has been scheduled to appear in court on March 18, 2025.

In addition, a 31-year-old Medicine Hat man was arrested and charged with possession of stolen property and his court appearance is scheduled for March 25, 2025.

Police were able to return some of the stolen property recovered to the rightful owner.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt Trevor Humphries
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

On January 1, 2025, at approximately 11:14 PM, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) responded to a report of a break and enter in progress at a commercial property located in the 1500 block of Brier Park Road NW.

Utilizing a drone, officers identified an individual in the immediate vicinity. A K9 team then tracked a human scent leaving the business, leading officers to a location where the suspect was found hiding. The individual was apprehended by the police service dog.

Further investigation revealed that the same suspect was responsible for breaking into a neighboring business.

A 38-year-old male from Redcliff, Alberta, is currently in custody, awaiting a bail hearing. He faces multiple charges, including:

• Two counts of break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence,
• Two counts of mischief,
• Possession of break-in instruments,
• Resisting arrest,
• Two counts of failing to comply with a Release Order

Media Contact:

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

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) is requesting public assistance in identifying a male suspect in relation to local shoplifting incidents.

On December 28, 2024, between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM the male suspect (pictured above) and an accomplice attended to local businesses and shoplifted several valuable pieces of merchandise.

Anyone with information that could aid in identify this suspect is asked to contact MHPS by calling 403-529-8481. Tips can also be submitted (anonymously if preferred) online via the MHPS website (mhps.ca) or mobile app, which is free to download and available for both Apple and Android devices.

Media Contact:

Staff Sergeant Trevor Humphries
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

On December 21, 2024, the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) responded to a residence on Anson Ave SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, to assist the owner of a short-term rental with the removal of an overdue renter.

Upon arrival, officers located three individuals inside the residence: Nathan Canfield, Chase Hehr, and Brooklyn Carriere. Canfield, who was wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for being unlawfully at large from federal corrections, was arrested at the scene.

During the investigation, officers discovered two loaded firearms, ammunition, cocaine, and evidence of drug trafficking within the residence. As a result, the following charges have been laid:

Nathan Canfield (39 years old):

• Possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order (9 counts)
• Unsafe storage of a firearm (2 counts)
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm (2 counts)
• Possession of a firearm knowing possession is unauthorized (2 counts)
• Possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking a controlled substance
• Possession of proceeds of crime

Chase Hehr (42 years old):

• Possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order (3 counts)
• Failure to comply with a release order (5 counts)
• Unsafe storage of a firearm (2 counts)
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm (4 counts)
• Possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking a controlled substance

Brooklyn Carriere (30 years old):

• Failure to comply with a probation order (2 counts)
• Unsafe storage of a firearm (2 counts)
• Possession of a firearm knowing possession is unauthorized (4 counts)
• Possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking a controlled substance

All three individuals were held for Judicial Interim Release hearings. Canfield was remanded into custody until January 7, 2025. Hehr was also remanded into custody until December 27, 2024, while Carriere was released and is scheduled to appear in Provincial Court on January 16, 2025.

On December 13, 2024, at approximately 8:00 PM, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service, Medicine Hat Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services responded to a motor vehicle collision involving two vehicles that had occurred at the intersection of 4th Avenue SE and 11^th Street SE.

The investigation into the collision revealed that the driver of a vehicle travelling northbound on 4^th Avenue and failed to stop for a stop sign and collided with a vehicle travelling westbound on 11^th Street SE. The impact of the collision caused the westbound vehicle to strike a residence and both drivers received minor injuries from the impact of the collision.

The driver responsible for the collision received Immediate Roadside Sanctions for impaired driving as well as other Traffic Safety Act infractions.

The Medicine Hat Police Service reminds everyone that there are many alternatives and no excuses for driving impaired.  Every death and injury caused by impaired driving is completely preventable, and we all have a responsibility when it comes to preventing impaired driving whether by alcohol or drugs.  If you suspect someone of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, call 9-1-1.

Media Contact:

Inspector Jason Graham
Operational Services Division
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

The holiday season is a time to celebrate with colleagues, family and friends.  The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) would like to remind those who will be driving to their holiday celebrations to plan to ensure a safe ride home.  Throughout the month of December, drivers can expect increased officer presence as check stops are conducted to promote safe roads within Medicine Hat.

Some check stops will be advertised, such as the ones that will be held on December 13th and December 21^st. Other check stop dates will not be announced and could occur anytime during the day over the next few weeks.

In December 2018 new impaired driving legislation came into effect in Alberta, including the introduction of Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS).  When entering a check stop drivers will be required to provide a sample of breath forthwith, the MAS breath testing process is quick to complete.  The roadside screening device provides immediate readings to the operator and drivers that pass the testing will continue on their way without undue inconvenience.  The goal is to provide minimal disruption to motorists while ensuring the safety of our roadways.

In 2023, the MHPS charged 330 drivers under the Immediate Roadside Sanction program (IRS).  As of December 9, 2024, 202 drivers have been charged under the Immediate Roadside Sanction program.

Every death and injury caused by impaired driving is completely preventable, we all have a responsibility when it comes to preventing impaired driving whether by alcohol or drugs.  If you suspect someone of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please contact 9-1-1.

Just remember plan ahead before heading out to your next holiday celebration, there are no excuses for driving impaired.  Drive safe and smart.

Media Contact:

Sgt. Stacey Fishley
Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8471

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) wants you to become a member of our team!  We have an exciting opportunity for you to join a dedicated group of police professionals, serving and protecting our community with pride.  As a member of the MHPS you will be part of a progressive, thriving organization, and in Medicine Hat you will find an exceptionally high quality of life with a comparatively low cost of living.

The MHPS is currently seeking applicants for the position of police constable.  Applicants selected from this process will be sworn in as police officers and will commence police recruit training at the MHPS starting in the fall of 2025.

The Police Training Program is a collaborative partnership with Medicine Hat College and follows standards set forth by the Alberta Justice & Solicitor General’s office.

If you are ready for an exciting and rewarding career in law enforcement, in one of the most beautiful cities in Canada, visit our website at www.mhps.ca for more information about the MHPS and this exciting opportunity.

Application deadline is May 1, 2025

If you have any additional questions, you may contact a member of the MHPS Recruitment Team at Recruiting@mhps.ca.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt. Cory Both
Recruitment Team
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-581-1056

The Medicine Hat Police Service has been made aware of a scam circulating on TikTok targeting youth.

In the scam, fraudsters will try to convince the victim to provide their bank account information or e-transfer information, so that they can send them $500.  They will then ask the victim to send money back to the scammer.  The first deposit / e-transfer will inevitably bounce, and the victim will then be out the money they sent to the fraudster, plus have $500 taken out of their account by the bank.

If you have fallen victim to a scam on TikTok, please report it to the MHPS by calling 403-529-8481. If you have provided banking information, contact your financial institution and report it immediately. You can also report the incident to TikTok. 

Additional tips to help you stay safe from scammers on TikTok, and other social media platforms:

• Keep your account private so fewer users can see it. Only allow your friends to send you messages so you don't get emails from strangers.
• Be skeptical of get-rich-quick schemes or job offers promising high pay for little work.
• Don't send money or gift cards to people you've only met online.
• Avoid clicking links in user bios or messages, as they may lead to malware or phishing sites.
• Use strong, unique passwords for your account and enable two-factor authentication.
• Be wary of accounts impersonating celebrities or brands, especially those asking for money or personal information.
• Don't participate in "money flipping" schemes where users claim they can quickly multiply your investment.
• Ignore messages about winning contests you never entered.
•  Be cautious of romantic interests who develop quickly and ask for financial help.
• Research any product or service extensively before making a purchase.
• If something seems too good to be true, it probably is!

Media Contact:

Cst. Brent Bohrn
Community Support Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-458-0209