Police charge male after assaulting officer and evading arrest

Lethbridge Police have charged a 34-year-old male following an investigation that culminated in the deployment of the Tactical Team and a three-hour search through south Lethbridge before he was arrested.

On September 25, officers attended a home along Mohawk Road after receiving a report that a male – known to police and wanted on outstanding warrants – had stolen a safe containing a significant amount of cash. The occupants reported the subject was believed to be inside the home and in possession of a firearm. Members of the Tactical Team were subsequently deployed. As the investigation progressed, police determined the male had previously left the residence and rented a room at a hotel along the 1000 block of Mayor Magrath Drive South. 

The male was later located in the lobby of the Travelodge where he resisted arrest and assaulted a police officer before fleeing on foot. Over the next several hours, he evaded police in a densely populated residential area by hiding in multiple yards and on rooftops. He was eventually located hiding in a tree at the Henderson Lake Golf Course and arrested without further incident. He was found in possession of a large quantity of cash.

In addition to the new charges, the male had previously been identified and charged in a string of retail thefts over the past two weeks and was wanted on outstanding warrants. The investigation into the stolen safe is ongoing.

Alexander Brent Hamilton, 34, is charged with assaulting a peace officer, two counts of resisting a peace officer, trespass at night, two counts of mischief, four counts of failing to comply with a release order and three counts of theft under $5,000. 

Following a Judicial Interim Release hearing, Hamilton was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in court today.