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.
July 21
5:02 a.m. Unlocked door. 19th Ave NE. On foot patrol, an officer found the front door of a business unlocked. The officer called the company stating their door was unlocked and to have a keyholder contact the department.
6:44 p.m. Fire. 7th Avenue NW. Police responded to a report of burning with lots of smoke. Upon arrival, police found homeowners burning leaves. They advised the owners they could not burn anything besides wood, per city ordinance. The fire was put out immediately.
July 22
8:33 p.m. Arrest. Iverson Street W. St. Joseph police assisted the county deputy with a warranted arrest. Authorities arrived at the suspect’s residence and arrested the individual. The suspect was transported to the county jail for further sentencing.
8:44 p.m. Driver violation. Division Street W. While enroute back to St. Joseph, an officer observed a driver texting while at a stoplight. The driver was pulled over once the light turned green and issued a citation for using a wireless communication device while behind the wheel.
July 23
5:08 a.m. Suspicious person. Minnesota Street/College Avenue. While on patrol, police observed an individual smoking outside his vehicle behind a public building. After being questioned about his activity, he stated he was simply a stockholder of the business who was enjoying the church bells. No further action was taken.
8:21 p.m. Driver violation. CR 75/2nd Avenue NW. While on patrol, an officer observed a vehicle run a red light. The intersection was clear, but the driver was pulled over due to violating traffic laws. The driver stated he was distracted by the police car and did not notice the light was red. He was issued a violation and released.
July 24
7:05 a.m. Gas drive-off. College Avenue N. Police were notified after an employee called them stating a male driver drove off without paying for his gas. The vehicle and owner were located via surveillance video. A letter will be sent to him in order to inform him of this violation.
2:45 p.m. Damaged property. College Avenue S. Female called authorities after noticing damage to the right rear bumper of her vehicle. Damages amounted to approximately $300. No suspects have been found at this time.
July 26
12:01 a.m. Suspicious vehicle. 4th Avenue N.E. Employees at a local gas station requested police escort, as there was an unknown vehicle parked in the lot. Upon arrival, police discovered the vehicle was unoccupied. No further action was taken.
12:33 a.m. Suspicious vehicle. 4th Avenue N.E. While finishing a report, police ran a check on a female complainant who was discovered to have a warrant from Stearns County. She was informed of this warrant, which she was unaware of. She was very cooperative and taken into custody for further action.
July 28
1:02 a.m. Animal complaint. 5th Avenue N.W. Police were dispatched after several reports of a dog barking. Upon arrival, police spoke with the male owner of the dog who stated he worked overnight shifts and kept his dog in a kennel outside while he was gone. Police advised the man to keep his dog from disrupting the neighborhood or further action would be taken.
2:48 a.m. Alarm. Cedar Street E. Police responded to a report of a car alarm sounding. Upon arrival, no alarm was heard, and the scene was cleared.
July 29
2:08 a.m. Suspicious person. 10th Avenue S.E. After receiving a complaint of a suspicious male standing in the courtyard of an apartment complex, police arrived at the building unable to locate the man. Complainants stated the male was tall, muscular and wearing all black. He was reportedly looking through apartment windows on the ground floor. No further action was able to be taken.
5:39 a.m. Unlocked building. Minnesota Street E. Officers on foot patrol discovered an unlocked door at a local eatery. No keyholders were found, but the building was locked and secured.
July 30
4:45 p.m. Suspicious vehicle. CR 133/CR 75. Police responded to a driving complaint. The driver was a female in an SUV-type vehicle. The vehicle and driver were unable to be located.
July 31
12:08 p.m. Fire. Elm Street E. Police responded to a report of a strong gas smell. Upon arrival, no smell was detected, and the area was cleared.
August 1
9:36 a.m. Gas drive-off. College Avenue N. Employees at a local gas station reported a driver who had not paid his bill. After contacting the driver based on a recorded license-plate number, he willingly paid what was owed. No further action was taken.