The Medicine Hat Police Service has charged a man in connection to a kidnapping and sexual assault. (Photo: Pattison Media)

By Jayk Sterkenburg

39-Year-Old Suspect

Medicine Hat Police charge man with kidnapping and sexual assault

Mar 4, 2025 | 1:36 PM

A 39-year-old man has been charged with kidnapping and sexual assault after a woman was allegedly held against her will in the early morning hours of March 2 in Medicine Hat.

According to police, a woman was approached by an unknown man who offered her a ride home. The man was said to be driving a vehicle with an Alberta license plate.

After repeatedly declining his advances, police say the woman eventually accepted the ride. Once inside the vehicle, the man allegedly made unwanted sexual advances towards her.

Instead of following the woman’s directions, police say the man drove onto the Trans-Canada Highway.

According to police, the woman made several attempts to convince him to stop, eventually trying to physically force him to let her out.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

Police say the man ignored her pleas and continued driving on the highway before turning into a residential area at a high speed. The victim was later picked up by family, who contacted Medicine Hat Police Service.

Police say the suspect’s vehicle was located a short time later, leading to the arrest of the suspect.

Resulting from the investigation, police say Solomon Weldemichael of Brooks was charged with kidnapping and sexual assault.

Police say Weldemichael was held for a bail hearing and released with conditions. He is due to appear in court March 18.

For local news delivered daily to your email inbox, subscribe for free to the Lethbridge News Now newsletter here. You can also download the Lethbridge News Now mobile app in the Google Play and the Apple App Stores.