Posted by : Rita Sittler  On October 9th, 2026 2:59 pm

      

The Medicine Hat Police Service has charged two individuals following an investigation into suspected stolen copper trafficking and the execution of a search warrant at a residence on Redwood Place SE, Medicine Hat.  Members of the Criminal Investigation Section received information that individuals were allegedly stealing copper wire and selling it to recycling facilities for profit. The investigation included the review of recycling records, surveillance footage and neighbourhood inquiries.  On October 8, 2026, MHPS members supported by the Tactical Team executed a search warrant at the residence.  Two individuals with outstanding warrants were arrested without incident.

During the search, police seized:

• Approximately 650 pounds of copper wire;
• A wire stripping machine and tools used to process copper;
• Cocaine and methamphetamine;
• A conducted energy weapon (Taser);
• A prohibited knife;
• A replica handgun; and
• Additional property believed to be connected to theft investigations.

The estimated scrap value of the seized copper at the residence is approximately $5,200.

Copper may be sold for its scrap value, but the true cost to victims is much higher. Businesses can face significant repair costs, equipment replacement and operational disruptions when copper is stolen from infrastructure and industrial sites. These costs are passed onto consumers.  These investigations are about protecting our community from property crime that can have far-reaching impacts.

As a result of the investigation:

Brian Aske, 43, of Medicine Hat, is charged with:

• Possession of a prohibited weapon;
• Possession of stolen property over $5,000;
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking stolen property;
• Possession of a controlled substance;
• Breach of a release order; and
• Four counts of breaching firearms prohibition orders.

 

Chelsea Grisbrook, 34, of Medicine Hat, is charged with:

• Possession of a prohibited weapon;
• Possession of stolen property over $5,000;
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking stolen property;
• Possession of a controlled substance; and
• Two counts of breaching a release order.

Both accused were held for Judicial Interim Release hearings. Aske was remanded into custody and Grisbrook was released on a release order for court in Medicine Hat on November 5, 2026.

The investigation remains ongoing as police work to identify potential victims associated with the recovered copper and other suspected stolen property.

Media Contact

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