If you have a tip concerning a crime, call the St. Joseph Police Department at 363-8250 or Tri-County Crime Stoppers at 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 a crime.
Jan. 1
12:09 p.m. Stop-sign violation. Fourth Avenue NW and Minnesota Street W. While on routine patrol and approaching the intersection of Second Avenue NW and Minnesota Street W with a four-way stop sign, an officer spotted a vehicle drive through the stop sign. The officer activated his lights and stopped the vehicle. The driver stated she knew the road and knew the officer had pulled her over for failing to stop at the stop sign. She also stated she was distracted by her child in the back seat even though there was another adult in the back seat next to the child. A citation for failure to stop at a stop sign was given.
Jan. 2
1:01 p.m. Driving complaint. CR 75 and CR 134. An officer responded to a driving complaint of a truck swerving all over the road. The officer was able to locate the vehicle and observed his driving conduct and was able to make the stop. The driver stated he had just had eye injections. The officer identified the driver and verified his proof of insurance and asked the driver to pull onto the off ramp to wait until his eyes cleared up. He agreed.
2:51 p.m. Hit-and-run. 21 Minnesota St. W. Officers responded to a hit-and-run that had occurred several days prior. The complainant stated his vehicle was hit while in the parking lot behind Middy. A report was made for insurance purposes.
Jan. 4
12:20 p.m. Traffic accident. 125 10th Ave. SW. A vehicle struck a fire hydrant. The officer spoke with the driver who stated he came around the corner too fast, slid on the snow-packed road and hit the hydrant.
10:30 p.m. Speed. CR 75 and CR 134. While in the turn lane on CR 75 to go north on Ridgewood Road, an officer spotted a vehicle traveling past him at a high rate of speed. The radar was activated and locked the speed of the suspected vehicle at 73 mph in a 60-mph zone. The officer stopped the vehicle which was slow to pull over. The officer immediately noticed a jar of marijuana on the front passenger floor. The drive was identified by his Minnesota license and stated it was his sister’s car. He also claimed the marijuana was not his. A vehicle search was conducted and no additional items were located. A citation for speed and marijuana in a motor vehicle was issued.
