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 www.tricountycrimestoppers.org. Crime Stoppers offers rewards up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for crimes.
Aug. 7
6:04 a.m. 911. Elm Street E. Police were dispatched after receiving a 911 call. The caller stated their credit card was not working, and consequently they were at odds with a cab driver who had transported them. Upon arrival, authorities could find neither the cab driver nor the complainant. The area was patrolled for some time. Nothing was observed.
Aug. 8
5:24 a.m. Domestic. College Avenue N. Police assisted a Stearns County Deputy who had been approached by a male complainant who wanted to report a verbal dispute. The man stated his neighbors were arguing loudly. Upon arrival, the two individuals who were arguing appeared to have calmed down. They stated they were going to bed. No injuries were detected.
9:30 a.m. Funeral. College Avenue N. Police escorted a funeral procession from the funeral home to a local church.
Aug. 9
10:38 a.m. Alarm. 4th Avenue N.E. Police were dispatched after a report of an alarm at a local bank. Upon arrival, authorities observed a nightly crew cleaning inside. One of the cleaners stated she hit the emergency button in the elevator by accident. The alarm was shut off.
Aug. 10
1:54 a.m. Driving complaint. I-94. Police attempted to locate a driver who was reported to have been driving recklessly on the freeway. The driver was unable to be located.
7:18 p.m. Suspicious activity. Cedar Street E. Police were dispatched after receiving a tip of suspicious activity in an apartment complex parking lot. Complainants stated they believed the suspicious persons were engaging in a drug deal. Upon arrival, police noted an argument happening between the suspicious persons and the complainants. The suspicious persons then began videotaping the complainants because they believed they were being discriminated against. Police told complainants videotaping them in a public place without permission was not illegal. Authorities determined there was no drug deal and the parties were broken up. No further action was taken.
Aug. 11
8:33 a.m. Vandalism. Elm Street E. An employee of a local business called police after finding black writing on an ice machine outside. Authorities arrived and took a picture of the vandalism. A report was made; no suspects have been identified at this time.
1:26 p.m. Gas leak. Baker Street E. Police responded to a gas leak outside of an apartment complex. All roads were blocked off until a cleanup crew arrived.
Aug. 12
11:33 p.m. Noise complaint. 10th Avenue S.E. Police responded to a noise complaint regarding loud music and voices. Upon arrival, police heard voices but the music had been turned down. They spoke with the female occupant and her roommate, who were both issued citations for noise violations.
Aug. 13
5:49 p.m. Suspicious vehicle. Minnesota Street W/4th Avenue N.W. Police stopped a vehicle that had proceeded through a stop sign without halting. When pulled over, the female driver stated she did not see the sign. She was issued a citation for a traffic violation.
11:25 p.m. Fire. 2nd Avenue S.E. Police found a smoldering fire in the backyard of a local residence. Authorities made contact with the homeowners, stating the fire needed to be monitored at all times. The fire was extinguished.
Aug. 14
11:11 a.m. Animal complaint. CR 75 W. A complainant called police after reporting dogs roaming around without leashes. Upon arrival, police found the dogs and their owner. The owner was advised to put his dogs on leashes due to city ordinance. The dog owner willingly complied.
Aug. 15
11:20 a.m. Gasoline drive-off. Birch Street W. Employees of a local gas station called police after observing a vehicle leave without paying for gas. The police are currently attempting to locate the vehicle and owner.