If any readers have tips concerning crimes, they should 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.
June 28
7:54 p.m. Animal complaint. 6th Avenue NW. A 27-year-old St. Joseph male complained his dog was bitten by a neighbor’s dog and suffered a puncture wound to its hip and stomach area. The 34-year-old female owner of the dog who had caused the wound said her dog followed her children outside to play, offered to pay the vet fees and followed the owner of the injured dog to the vet clinic to do so. Prior to her leaving, officer told her to quarantine dog for 10 days and keep on leash. She was also informed she would receive a letter by mail and a possible citation.
June 29
10:59 a.m. Warrant. CR 75/CR 133. Stopped vehicle because of driving complaint that was called in. Identified driver. License check came back showing warrant. Confirmed with dispatch. Transported driver to Stearns County Jail for booking.
3:39 p.m. Shoplifting. Elm Street E. Coborn’s loss prevention dropped off reports, video and photos of a shoplifter from June 3. That night, manager caught an unknown male who walked out without paying for $142 worth of items. Manager did get the items back but did not identify suspect or call police at that time. Nothing further at this time.
8:48 p.m. Open container. Northland Drive/Hickory Drive. Four 21-year-olds, two males, two females were observed by officers walking along Northland Drive with beers in their hands and carrying a cooler. Officer stopped individuals and asked if containers were open; all had open containers. Issued citations to all for open container in public.
July 1
2:30 p.m. Found property. 2nd Avenue NW. City maintenance turned in a cell phone found in the roadway. Called numbers on the phone and determined owner. Owner was called at work and came in to claim phone.
9:46 p.m. Suspicious vehicle. Ridgewood Road. Officer observed a vehicle park and turn lights off at the entrance to a business. Officer asked 27-year-old Foley driver what he was doing there and for his driver’s license. Driver stated he was parking for a bit before dropping his friend (27-year-old South Haven passenger) off for work and that he didn’t have his license with him. Checked driver with name and birthdate given and found his license had been revoked. Driver said passenger didn’t want to drive because of a broken finger. Officer then asked passenger for driver’s license who gave officer his work permit, which after verifying with dispatch, was no longer valid. During officer’s conversation with passenger, officer smelled odor of marijuana and both driver and passenger appeared nervous with bloodshot eyes. Officer asked if there were drugs in vehicle and asked to search vehicle. Driver and passenger consented. No drugs found. Passenger then left scene for work; driver waited for ride. Vehicle was left on scene. Citation was issued to driver.
July 2
7:57 a.m. Dog complaint. Minnesota Street E. Caller found a black male poodle running at large in the 700 block. Officer followed dog for several blocks until it made its way home. Officer spoke with owner and advised him of situation. There have been no incidents in the past 12 months so verbal warning on dog at large. License was not current. Letter sent.
9:48 a.m. Verbal argument. CR 3/CR 75. A 28-year-old male and 26-year-old female, both from St. Cloud, were arguing as officer checked campground. Both were trying to get a bag from each other. In speaking with other campers, they heard arguing but saw nothing physical. Officer advised both to pack up and move on. Both left on bicycles.
3:37 p.m. Traffic stop. CR 133. Officer stopped a small white vehicle because 21-year-old Little Falls female driver was not wearing a seatbelt. Upon running driver’s license, officer found driver had an outstanding warrant in Morrison County. After confirming with dispatch, driver was transported to Stearns County Jail without incident.