If you have a tip concerning a crime, call the St. Joseph Police Department at 320-363-8250 or Tri-County Crime Stoppers at 320-255-1301 or access its tip site at tricountycrimestoppers.org. Crime Stoppers offers rewards up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for a crime.
Feb. 25
2:42 p.m. Harassment. Northland Drive. St. Joseph Police received a call from a woman regarding a harassment complaint. She said in October 2021, a man was hired at her work. Employees found out about the man’s background that should have disqualified him from working there. This man found out about it and had the woman’s car vandalized at work. Due to continuing issues with this man following employees, the complainant quit her job. Today she received calls from her work, but no voice was heard. She called her employer back who denied calling her. The employer is not supposed to have contact with her due to an investigation by equal opportunity employer agency. The complainant is worried it is the man from her former job. She wanted the incident documented. Police advised her of the HRO process and to call if the man shows up.
Feb. 26
11:02 a.m. Public concern. Elm Street E. An officer was dispatched to a matter of information at Coborn’s. The complainant said there was a 25-foot motorhome going on a 20-foot trailer and did not think it was safe. The officer made contact with another officer who advised the trailer was rated to haul the camper. They also had required flags and lighting needed.
Feb. 27
12:39 a.m. Unwanted person. Ash Street W. Officers were dispatched to an intoxicated person. They found the man sitting on the back step of a residence. He was barely able to speak and did not know his address or where he was. He was not able to provide a PBT sample. Due to his level of intoxication, he was transported to the St. Cloud Hospital by a Mayo ambulance. The man called back later to ask where his identification was. The officer had given the paramedics the man’s ID and bag the previous night. This information was relayed to him, and he was provided a number to contact the Mayo ambulance.
1:08 a.m. DUI. College Avenue S and Minnesota Street. An officer was at the stop sign of the intersection. They were stopped and waiting for other traffic when a vehicle drove on the right side of the vehicle and turned. There are no turn lanes, it is a four-way intersection. The officer activated emergency lights and conducted a traffic stop. When they approached the vehicle there was a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage. The officer asked the driver if she had anything to drink and she said one. They then asked if they could check her eyes and she said yes. They had her step out and conduct a standard field sobriety test. After the test, the officer helped the driver move her vehicle to a parking lot. From there the officer brought her to the station for one more test. She was then escorted back to her home.
8:16 a.m. Verbal. 20th Avenue SE. An officer was dispatched to a verbal at the residence. Male complainant reported his sister was claiming he hit her. The officer arrived on the scene and met with the complainant’s sister. She reported her brother had left on foot. She reported they got into a verbal altercation, and he pushed her and left. She did not want anything done. She advised she had the keys, and he had no way back into the building. The officer attempted to call the complainant to verify his story. He did not answer.
Feb. 28
8:30 a.m. Speeding. CR 133 and Westwood Parkway. While on patrol travelling north on CR 133, an officer observed an orange car traveling south on CR 133 near Mullen Road. The vehicle appeared to be traveling at a high rate of speed. As it approached, the officer activated their radar (which was checked prior to shift and after stop and working properly). The radar held a steady tone, and displayed a target speed of 80 mph. The officer locked that speed in and activated their lights. The vehicle pulled over, and the officer approached the driver and advised they had stopped him for the speed, to which he replied that he was running late for work. The officer identified the driver by his Minnesota driver’s license, issued a citation and got him on his way.
March 3
11:47 p.m. Public nuisance. College Avenue S. While on patrol an officer observed a parked vehicle in the township hall with the truck’s lights off. The officer made contact with the 19-year-old driver. A female passenger was identified as age 16. The officer observed no suspicious activity. Driver explained they were just hanging out. The officer told them they are not allowed in the township hall parking lot after 10 p.m. The officer cleared and left from the scene. The same officer had also stopped this driver for a traffic violation two hours prior.
March 5
9:21 a.m. Threats. 10th Avenue SE. An officer was dispatched to a threats complaint at the residence. Complainant reported arguing with her ex-boyfriend and his dad and she was scared of him because he was being loud and waving his hands around. The officer arrived on the scene and met with all parties. It appeared to be a civil issue about cars and a car loan. They were advised to work it out in a civil matter or seek an attorney. Both advised they could work it out between the two of them as long as other parties were not involved. The officer advised them to do that then. The ex’s dad stepped out and they worked it out. The officer advised the ex to collect personal property and not show up unannounced as he does not live there anymore.
March 8
9:34 p.m. Vehicle in ditch. CR 133 and 320th Street. An officer observed a vehicle in the ditch at CR 133, south of 320th Street. They officer stopped and spoke with the driver. He was not injured, and the car did not appear damaged. He called for a ride and the car was to be towed. The officer had him sit in their car and stay warm to wait for his ride. The officer drove back to the area later and noticed a passerby was trying to pull the vehicle out. The officer told them there was no way a normal vehicle would be able to get the car out. They allowed the officer to call for a tow and said they could now afford it. Towing company was called by dispatch.
March 12
1:34 p.m. Vehicle crash. CR 75 and CR 2. An officer was dispatched to a crash at CR 75. An officer arrived and found two vehicles involved. One driver was being tended to by two first responders on the scene. An officer checked on the other driver and passenger. They complained of head pain but refused treatment. The officer spoke to the driver of vehicle 1. She stated they were east bound stopping for a red light, when vehicle 2 was approaching behind them in same direction. Vehicle 2 must not have seen the red light and rear-ended vehicle 1 at what appeared to be full speed. No skid marks noticed on roadway until after impact. Driver of vehicle 2 was transported via Mayo ambulance to the St. Cloud Hospital emergency room.
