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.
Jan. 24
8:26 a.m. Vandalism to vehicle. College Avenue. Four cars in a parking lot were vandalized, receiving damage to their windows. One vehicle is owned by a 23-year-old male from Golden Valley, another is owned by a 22-year-old female from Owatonna, another by a 46-year-old male from Warroad, while the fourth is owned by a 54-year-old female from Willmar.
2:47 p.m. Suspicious person. Fir Street E. A person noted two pre-teens walking through backyards carrying what appeared to be a shotgun wrapped in a towel. Police were unable to locate the juveniles, but went to the address the caller thought they came from and located the parent of one. The parent said the boys were carrying a BB gun. The adult was warned to keep the gun inside unless in the country.
6:04 p.m. Dog. College Avenue S. A dog was reported as a stray. Police arrived and found a yellow lab which looked starved. The dog was taken to Central Minnesota Animal Care.
Jan. 25
2:06 a.m. Missing person. College Avenue S. A resident stated they last spoke with a friend around 11:17 p.m., and the friend sounded very intoxicated and had stated they had broken their ankle. At about 4:35 a.m., the friend was located. No medical attention was needed.
12:04 a.m. Traffic stop. College Avenue N. Police observed a vehicle traveling at 43 mph in a 30-mph zone. After stopping the driver, a 21-year-old female, she admitted to speeding and was issued a citation.
Jan. 26
1:15 p.m. Found property. CR 75 W. A local business owner found a green bicycle. City maintenance picked up the bicycle and placed it in a storage shed.
11:53 p.m. Driving complaint. College Avenue N. An Avon resident called police to report an intoxicated male driver at a local gas station. The vehicle was gone by the time police arrived. Avon police stopped the vehicle on the interstate.
Jan. 27
7:52 a.m. Vehicle accident. CR 75/CR 2. A driver was heading south on CR 2, with their right blinker on to turn onto Birch Street W. after crossing CR 75. Another driver was heading north on CR 2, planning to turn west on CR 75. The second driver thought the first driver was turning west on CR 75, so they turned and were hit by the first driver. No injuries.
1:48 p.m. Noise complaint. College Avenue S./Hill Street W. A complaint was made about a pickup truck with a very loud muffler the previous evening.
5:26 p.m. Motorist assist. Baker Street E. Police were called by a 21-year-old mother to a vehicle with her 14-month-old child locked inside. A tow was then called to unlock the vehicle.
9:40 p.m. Traffic stop. Date Street W./College Avenue N. An officer ran the plate of a vehicle. The registered owner was listed as “completely unable to control a vehicle without endangering others,” and their license had been cancelled. The driver, a 28-year-old male, was arrested, and the license plates of the vehicle were seized. The driver was transported to jail and issued a citation.
Jan. 29
5:31 a.m. Suspicious activity. Elena Lane. A 33-year-old resident noticed all the mailboxes near and including his own were open. Police checked the area and found mail for two of the boxes strewn around, and placed it back in the appropriate boxes. Officers planned to contact residents to make sure no other mail was missing.
Jan. 31
1:25 a.m. Traffic stop. CR 75/CR 3. An officer observed a vehicle which had all but the front window frosted over. When the officer ran the plate, he found the registered owner’s license was revoked. After stopping the car, the driver was identified as a 23-year-old male. A citation was issued. The driver, as well as the passengers, were given rides to their destinations at their request. The vehicle was left on the side of the road as it was not a hazard.
7:31 p.m. Suspicious vehicle. CR 75 W. A vehicle was parked in the Millstream Park campground, even though the campground was closed. The two people inside the vehicle said they were only there to hangout. They were asked to leave, and did so.