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.
Dec. 10
6:26 p.m. Unwanted. Sixth Avenue SE. Officers dispatched for man yelling and pounding on outside of residence door. Upon arrival officer met with a female who stated the man left when she said they were calling the police. She stated she did not feel threatened and did not believe the individual would come back. She just wanted a report filed on the incident. She was advised to call if the suspect attempts to make any further contact.
6:29 p.m. Structure fire. First Avenue NW. Responded to a possible house fire. Upon arrival, officer met with complainant who stated she was short of breath. Gold Cross was on scene and verified the woman as OK, just excited about the situation. Officer allowed her into his squad to keep warm while fire/rescue inspected the house. Fire department determined the smell and smoke she saw was from her refrigerator.
6:46 p.m. Disorderly. Iris Lane E. Officer responded for juvenile problem. Upon arrival officer met with grandmother who stated her grandson was throwing things downstairs and yelling while he was packing his belongings. Grandson stated he was upset his grandmother did a background check on his girlfriend. Both parties agreed to find a day and time that would work for both parties and to have police stand by while he packed his belongings to move. Grandson’s mother arrived to pick him up and they left without incident.
Dec. 11
3:01 p.m. Stolen vehicle. Elm Street E. Complainant stated he has the snow removal account for Coborn’s. He stated he left his trailer parked in the Coborn’s lot on Dec. 10. He returned at approximately 12:45 p.m. Dec. 11 and saw his trailer had been stolen. He checked with Coborn’s and they do not have cameras in the lot. No suspects. Trailer entered as stolen.
Dec. 12
2:57 p.m. Assist person. 11th Avenue S. Caller’s 5-year-old daughter goes to Kennedy and was supposed to go to Kidstop. She didn’t show up. Mother thought she may have taken the bus to her old daycare. Officer checked the daycare, but she never showed. Officer arrived at Kennedy and staff stated they had just located the child on the playground and had already called her mother.
4:54 p.m. Harassment. 10th Avenue SE. Officer spoke with complainant who showed him two letters she had received. She had also received roses on Dec. 10. Letter she received was sexually explicit. She requested officer to contact letter writer and advise him to cease all contact with her.
Dec. 14
2:09 p.m. Harassment. Morningside Loop. Complainant stated when some friends came over to help her move, the neighbor from across the street came over and harassed them about gutting the house and bringing down the property value. She stated the house is in foreclosure. Officer spoke with the neighbor who admitted the harassment. He was advised to have no future contact or he could be charged with disorderly conduct.
Dec. 15
12:12 p.m. Suspicious activity. Ash Street W. Female reported a vehicle with no markings pulled up to a blue post office box and removed all the mail. Officer checked and found the post box to be secure and no signs of tampering. Will confirm with postmaster on Monday.
Dec. 16
2:34 p.m. Threat. College Avenue S. Complainant stated he received a call from his girlfriend who said her son was freaking out, slamming things around and punching holes in walls. He requested an officer be sent to the residence. Son claimed boyfriend was sending him threatening texts. They were advised to cool down and not get physical at any point and to call with any issues.
5:54 p.m. Building fire. Minnesota Street E. Arrived on scene at restaurant and did not observe smoke or flames. One ceiling sprinkler was activated and spraying water throughout the entire kitchen. An employee hit the activated sprinkler head allowing water to spray straight down. The St. Joseph fire department arrived shortly after while the manager was able to shut the water valve off. Firefighters assisted cleaning the water from the floor.