ARTICLES

The Medicine Hat Police Service is requesting the public’s urgent assistance in locating Austin Patzwald, 26 years old. Austin was last seen in the area of Dominion Street SE, Medicine Hat, at approximately 1:30 p.m. on January 29, 2026.

Description:

• Gender: Male
• Height: 5'3"
• Weight: 126 lbs
• Hair: Short brown
• Eyes: Blue

Residents in the area of The Flats are asked to check their properties, outbuildings, and any available surveillance footage for potential sightings.

While the circumstances surrounding Austin’s disappearance are non-suspicious, his family is concerned for his wellbeing. The Medicine Hat Police Service is seeking any information that can help ensure he is found safe.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Austin Patzwald is urged to contact the Medicine Hat Police Service at 403?529?8481. Tips may also be submitted through the MHPS website (mhps.ca) or the MHPS mobile app, which is free to download for both Apple and Android devices.

he Medicine Hat Police Service is requesting the public’s urgent assistance in locating Austin Patzwald, 26 years old. Austin was last seen in the area of Dominion Street SE, Medicine Hat, at approximately 1:30 p.m. on January 29, 2026.

Description:

• Gender: Male
• Height: 5'3"
• Weight: 126 lbs
• Hair: Short brown
• Eyes: Blue

Residents in the area of The Flats are asked to check their properties, outbuildings, and any available surveillance footage for potential sightings.

While the circumstances surrounding Austin’s disappearance are non-suspicious, his family is concerned for his wellbeing. The Medicine Hat Police Service is seeking any information that can help ensure he is found safe.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Austin Patzwald is urged to contact the Medicine Hat Police Service at 403?529?8481. Tips may also be submitted through the MHPS website (mhps.ca) or the MHPS mobile app, which is free to download for both Apple and Android devices.

On January 31, 2026, at approximately 11:50 PM, police responded to a single-vehicle involving a residence on Clelland Crescent SE.

A vehicle left the roadway and struck the corner of the home. The male driver remained at the scene and was identified by police officers.  Police initiated an impaired driving investigation, which resulted in Impaired Driving Roadside Sanctions.

No injuries were reported. Damage to the vehicle and residence are estimated at approximately $150,000, pending a full structural assessment.

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

The subject of a previous media release today, has been safely located. 

The Medicine Hat Police Service appreciates the assistance provided by members of the public who reviewed their surveillance cameras and those that have provided tips. 

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) has laid charges against a 38-year-old Medicine Hat man following an investigation into a sexual offence involving a youth.

It is alleged that between September and December 2025, the accused engaged in sexual contact with a youth who was employed by him at a business located in the 1800 block of Strachan Road SE, Medicine Hat.

As a result of the investigation, Arpit DAVE has been charged with Sexual Assault and Sexual Contact with a Child.

The accused has been released on an undertaking with conditions and is scheduled to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice on February 11, 2026.

The MHPS recognizes the serious and sensitive nature of offences involving children and remains committed to conducting thorough investigations while respecting the privacy and well-being of victims. Anyone with additional information related to this investigation or the accused is encouraged to contact the Medicine Hat Police Service at (403) 529 8481 and request to speak to a member of the Family Crime Unit.

Media Contact:
Staff Sergeant Darren Lole
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: (403) 529 8421

The Medicine Hat Police Service has charged a local man in connection with two residential break and enter investigations in the city.

On January 17, 2026, police responded to a reported break and enter at a residence in the 100 block of Ewart Crescent SE. The homeowner was away at the time, and it was later determined the offence occurred during the early morning hours of January 16, 2026. A significant quantity of property - including currency, collectible coins, precious metals, and sports memorabilia - was stolen, with an estimated value of approximately $150,000.

On January 19, 2026, police were called to a seconded residential break and enter at a home in the 0–100 block of East Glen Place SE. The homeowner was out of the country, and an acquaintance checking on the residence discovered the break-in. Entry was made through a basement window, and the interior of the home was significantly disturbed. Several items were confirmed stolen, including a robotic vacuum, jars of coins, and collectible action figures.

Through the course of the investigation, police identified a suspect. On January 20, 2026, members of the Criminal Investigation Section obtained judicial authorization to search a residence in the 0–100 block of Carswell Road SE. During the search, investigators recovered property believed to be connected to the break and enter incidents.

As a result of the investigation, Simon LILLEY, 50 of Medicine Hat, has been charged with the following offences:

• Break and enter and commit theft
• Possession of stolen property over $5,000
• Possession of stolen property under $5,000
• Possession of a stolen credit card
• Possession of a controlled substance
• Possession of identity documents

LILLEY was remanded in custody following a bail hearing on January 21, 2026. His next court appearance is January 28, 2026.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be considered as further evidence is examined.

Media Contact:

SSgt Darren Lole
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: (403) 529-8421

Copper Wire Theft Investigation Leads to Charges

On Friday, January 16, 2026, a member of the Medicine Hat Police Service Patrol Section located a stolen vehicle on 9th Street NE. The occupants of the vehicle were arrested, and during a search of the vehicle, officers located approximately 85 pounds of copper wire. The copper wire was later confirmed to be the property of the City of Medicine Hat Electrical Department and had been removed from grounding wires on power poles throughout the city.

As a result of the investigation, two individuals are facing charges:

• Brian Aske is charged with two counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of a controlled substance, and three counts of breach of a weapons prohibition.
• Chelsea Grisbrook is with two counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000 and possession of a prohibited weapon.

Media Contact:

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

The missing person who was the subject of a previous media release has been located and is safe. 

The Medicine Hat Police Service wishes to acknowledge the assistance of the RCMP Redcliff and Maple Creek. 

The Medicine Hat Police Service is investigating a targeted robbery and firearms-related incident that occurred during the early morning hours of January 2, 2026, at a private residence in the southeast area of the city.

Police responded following reports of an altercation involving several individuals known to one another. Multiple occupants of the residence were assaulted, resulting in non-life-threatening injuries. Weapons were used during the incident, and threats were made toward those present.

As the suspects fled the residence, an officer encountered them in a common area of the building. During this interaction, a suspect discharged a firearm. No officers or members of the public were injured, and the firearm was subsequently seized by police.

The MHPS Major Crime Unit assumed carriage of the investigation.

As a result of ongoing investigative efforts, arrest warrants have been issued for Brendon WEBB age 33 and Brooklyn CARRIERE age 31 in connection with multiple serious Criminal Code offences, including robbery, assault, and firearms-related charges.

This incident is believed to be targeted, involving individuals who are known to one another.

The MHPS thanks the public for their cooperation and asks anyone with information that could assist with locating Webb or Carriere to contact police at 403-529-8481 and request to speak to a member of the Criminal Investigation Section. Tips may also be submitted, anonymously if preferred, via the MHPS website (mhps.ca) or mobile app. The MHPS app is free to download and available for both Apple and Android devices.

Further updates will be provided as appropriate.

Media Contact:

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

On December 26, 2025, at approximately 7:50 PM, member of the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) Patrol Section responded to a report of a personal robbery beneath the Allowance Avenue overpass.

A 36-year-old man reported that he was approached by an individual who stole his backpack containing personal items.

The suspect has been identified as Matthew James Perini, age 35, of Medicine Hat. Mr. Perini is facing charges of armed robbery and assault with a weapon, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.

The MHPS requests that businesses located in the 900 Block of South Railway Street review their closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage. Motorists who were traveling on South Railway at the time of the incident are also encouraged to examine their dash-cam recordings for material that may be relevant to the ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481.

Media Contact:

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