Three Charged in Armed Home Invasion on Ross Street in Medicine Hat

Three people are facing serious charges after forcing their way into a Medicine Hat home early Monday morning and confronting the occupants with weapons.

Incident Overview

The Medicine Hat Police Service received a 911 call from a residence on Ross Street SE in the North Flats neighborhood at approximately 12:59 a.m. on June 23. During the call, dispatchers could hear sounds of a disturbance. Officers arrived quickly to find an exterior door open and ordered everyone inside to exit.

Six individuals complied and were taken into custody without incident. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. Investigators quickly determined that three of the six had forced their way into the home, armed with weapons, while the other three were the residents. Police confirmed that all parties involved were known to each other, and there is no ongoing risk to the public.

Suspects and Charges

Trevor Muise, 46, of Redcliff, faces the most extensive list of charges. These include break and enter to commit robbery, disguise with intent, three counts of uttering threats, three counts of unlawful confinement, assault with a weapon, and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public.

Keera Whiteford-Wall, 40, of Medicine Hat, and Corey Straub, 55, of Medicine Hat, are each charged with break and enter to commit robbery, disguise with intent, three counts of uttering threats, and three counts of unlawful confinement.

All three suspects were held for Judicial Interim Release hearings, remanded into custody, and were scheduled to appear in Medicine Hat Provincial Court on June 24.

Legal Context

The charges levied against the accused carry significant weight under Canadian law. "Break and enter to commit robbery" requires proof that the individuals entered without authorization with the intent to rob using force or threats. The "disguise with intent" charge suggests that the suspects attempted to conceal their identities, which courts often interpret as premeditation.

While "home invasion" is not a standalone charge in Canada, it is prosecuted through a combination of severe offenses. Crimes committed within a dwelling are treated seriously, as they violate the fundamental expectation of safety in one's home. Statistics Canada frequently notes that the majority of violent incidents in private dwellings involve individuals known to each other, as was the case here.

Burglary and Home Invasion Prevention

To help safeguard your home against unlawful entry and potential home invasions, consider the following prevention strategies:

• Fortify Entry Points: Ensure all doors and windows are equipped with high-quality locks and deadbolts. Consider reinforcing door frames.
• Verify Visitors: Never open your door to strangers. Use peepholes, doorbell cameras, or windows to confirm a visitor's identity before granting access.
• Install a Monitored Security System: A visible and active security system, complete with cameras and alarms, acts as a powerful deterrent and ensures rapid response in emergencies.
• Maintain Discretion: Avoid broadcasting your daily routines or valuable possessions on social media, especially to acquaintances who might misuse the information.
• Engage with Your Community: Build relationships with your neighbors and participate in a neighborhood watch program to keep an eye out for suspicious activities.