ARTICLES

On November 10, 2025, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service responded to multiple alarms at a business located in the 000 block of 8th Street NW. Upon arrival officers observed a person fleeing the scene. The suspect, later identified as Sherie Knowles-Hicks, was arrested and charged with Break & Enter and Commit Theft.  Knowles-Hicks was held for a judicial hearing and subsequently released with a court appearance scheduled for December 2, 2025.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information that could aid the investigation is asked to contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481 or submit a tip online at mhps.ca.

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

The Medicine Hat Police Service has charged two individuals following a break and enter and robbery that occurred on November 23, 2025, in the northeast area of Medicine Hat.

Police responded after a homeowner reported that several individuals entered the residence, assaulted the occupant, and attempted to steal property. During the incident, one of the suspects produced a firearm. The victim sustained a non-life-threatening injury.

Major Crime Unit, with support from the Patrol Section and the Forensic Identification Unit, led the investigation. Two suspects were identified and arrested without incident at a separate residence.

Officers executed a search warrant, seizing weapons, clothing, and other items believed to be connected to the offence. A firearm and a vehicle associated to the suspects were also recovered.

Resulting from this investigation:

• Rebecca Jill Mergaert, (30 years old), of Medicine Hat, AB has been charges with break and enter and commit robbery, possession of a prohibited weapon and unauthorized possession of a firearm.
• Campbell Calkins-Smeaton, (33 years old), of Medicine Hat, AB has been charged with break and enter and commit robbery, possession of a prohibited weapon, unauthorized possession of a firearm and five counts of breaching a release order.

Mergaert was released on a release order with conditions and is scheduled to appear in court on December 2, 2025. Calkins-Smeaton was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in court on November 25, 2025.

The investigation has determined that the victim and the accused were known to each other.  This was an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to public safety.

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

On November 20, 2025, at approximately 8 PM, a member of the Medicine Hat Police Service conducted a traffic stop near 7th Street SW at 1st Avenue SW. The driver, Juanita Morrissey, (49 years old), was arrested for breaching several court-imposed conditions. charges. During a search of the vehicle, officers located a loaded handgun, packaged controlled drugs, and a large sum of cash.

As a result Morrissey faces multiple charges including, seven counts of breaching her release order, possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl, possession of proceeds of crime, unauthorized possession of a weapon and prohibited firearm, possession of a firearm in a vehicle, and possession of a loaded prohibited firearm.

Morrissey was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on November 25, 2025.

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

The Medicine Hat Police Service is advising motorists to use caution as winter driving conditions have developed throughout the city and surrounding area. Snowfall and rapidly dropping temperatures have created snow-covered and icy roads, particularly on the hills, bridges, overpasses, and untreated surfaces.

Drivers are encouraged to:

• Reduce speed and allow extra time for travel.
• Increase following distance to allow additional stopping space.
• Use headlights to improve visibility.
• Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns, which can lead to loss of control.
• Be prepared for snow-clearing equipment working on roadways.

Pedestrians are also reminded to use caution, as sidewalks and crosswalks may be slippery.

Roads crews are actively working to improve conditions; however, travel may remain hazardous until temperatures rise and maintenance is completed.

Please drive safely and adjust your travel plans as needed

On November 17, 2025, at approximately 3:20 PM, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service Patrol Section responded to a report of theft from a business in the 2000 block of Strachan Road SE. During the incident, the business’s Loss Prevention Officer (LPO) intervened and was subjected to minor physical assault; however, no injuries were reported.

Police quickly located the suspect vehicle nearby, apprehending two male individuals. The driver, a 43-year-old Medicine Hat resident, has been charged with shoplifting under $5,000 and is scheduled to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice on December 17, 2025. The second individual, Cody Rak, 36, of Medicine Hat, faces charges of robbery and breach of undertaking. Mr. Rak was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in Provincial Court on November 25, 2025.

On November 7, 2025, at approximately 1:45AM, the Medicine Hat Police Service responded to an alarm from a business located in the 700 block of 2 Street SE. Officers, including a K-9 unit, attended the premises and conducted an interior search, locating a man concealed within the building.

The investigation determined that the suspect had entered the premises during regular business hours and remained inside after closing. As he began moving throughout the premises, he activated the alarm, prompting the police response.

A 28-year-old male resident of Medicine Hat has been charged with:

-              Breaking out after committing an indictable offence

-              Resisting arrest

The individual was released on an Undertaking and is scheduled to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice on January 7, 2026.

Media Contact:

Patrol S/Sgt
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8461

Two suspected drug dealers have been arrested after ALERT seized three firearms and various amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Two Medicine Hat homes were searched.

ALERT Medicine Hat’s organized crime team made the drug seizure on November 7, 2025 after two homes were searched in Medicine Hat. Medicine Hat Police Service helped with the search warrant executions at homes in Riverside and North Flats.

The drugs seized have an estimated street value of $67,000 and included:

•             Three firearms;

•             157 grams of fentanyl;

•             522 fentanyl patches;

•             187 grams of methamphetamine;

•             36 grams of cocaine;

•             $10,675 cash.

Two of the firearms, which were found loaded, are prohibited sawed-off shotguns. A third firearm was previously reported stolen.

All three of the firearms will be submitted to the Provincial Firearms Lab was forensic testing and ballistics analysis to determine if they were used in any other crimes.

“This investigation aimed to cut off a drug supply line that was preying upon vulnerable and unhoused individuals. ALERT will aggressively target these drug supply lines and repeat offenders in order to keep our downtown safe,” said Staff Sergeant Ryan Thorburn, ALERT.

Two suspected drug dealers were arrested – Wendy Scott, 41 years old, and Kerrie Simms, 43 years old.

 Scott, who is currently on multiple release and probation orders for drug offences, was charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, as well as breach violations. Scott remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on November 13, 2025.

 Simms was charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, possession of stolen property, along with multiple firearms offences. Simms remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on November 13, 2025.

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can report to the Medicine Hat Police Service by calling 403-529-8481 or submit a tip online (anonymously if preferred) via the MHPS website (mhps.ca) or mobile app.

 - Update - 

The horse has been safely apprehended. 

The Medicine Hat Police Service is advising motorists of a traffic hazard on Highway 1 in the area of 1 St SW.. A horse has been observed to be on the loose on the highway corridor and running into the westbound lane of Highway 1.

Drivers are urged to use caution in the area and remain alert for the animal. The police service is coordinating efforts with Cypress County livestock apprehension to safety contain and remove the horse from the area, and identify the owner. 

The Medicine Hat Police Service is reminding the public to be cautious when approached with online investment or cryptocurrency opportunities.

Scammers are increasingly using social media ads, text messages, and fraudulent websites to promote high-return investment offers involving Bitcoin and other digital currencies. These schemes often appear legitimate, using professional-looking materials and fake testimonials, but they are designed to steal your money and personal information.

The best way to protect yourself is to avoid making financial decisions based on online advertisements or unsolicited investment advice. If you are considering an investment, speak directly with a licensed financial advisor or your local banking institution before transferring any funds.

Once money is sent through cryptocurrency platforms or wire transfers, it is often very difficult or impossible to trace or recover.

If you believe you have been targeted or have fallen victim to an online investment scam, please report it to the Medicine Hat Police Service at 403-529-8481 or through the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.

Stay informed. Stay skeptical. Protect your money.

Media Contact:
S/Sgt. Darren Lole
Criminal Investigation Section
Ph: 403-529-8421

On November 1, 2025, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service Patrol Section responded to a report of a fire in an open grassy area near 11 Avenue and 9 Street SW. Upon arrival, officers learned that a male suspect had fled the scene.  Thanks to assistance from members of the public, the suspect was quickly located and apprehended.

Medicine Hat Fire services responded promptly and extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported.

The suspect, Neil Christofferson, aged 39 years, of Medicine Hat, has been charged with one count of arson. Christofferson was held for a judicial interim release hearing and since been released, with a scheduled appearance in provincial court on November 25, 2025.

The Medicine Hat Police Services thanks the public for their cooperation and assistance in this matter.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt. Trevor Humphries
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8461