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. 17
12:51 a.m. Traffic stop. CR 75/20th Avenue SE. Officer spotted a vehicle with a driver known to have a suspended license for failure to pay fines. Officer stopped the vehicle and identified the driver by his Minnesota driver’s license. The driver also did not have proof of insurance in the vehicle or on his person. A citation was issued. He called his mother to come pick him up.
3:32 p.m. Hit and run. 16th Avenue SE. Complainant’s vehicle was parked in parking lot when it was struck by an unknown vehicle that left the area without leaving a note. Estimate for the damage totaled $1,105. Report made for insurance purposes.
Dec. 18
2:54 p.m. Custody. Baker Street E. Complainant called to report her son was to be returned to his school by his father be 11 a.m. per their agreement. She called his school several times and her son was not there. As the officer was at the complainant’s residence, her son came in the door. His father dropped him off and left. The mother wanted the situation documented. Nothing further.
Dec. 19
9:34 a.m. Traffic stop. 10th Avenue S. Officer stopped car for no turn signal. Approached driver and advised reason for stop. Immediately noticed strong odor of marijuana. Driver denied marijuana but eventually admitted it. Located small amount and paraphernalia inside the vehicle. Citation was issued.
Dec. 20
1:51 a.m. Suspicious activity. Cypress Drive. Complainant reported noises in the hallways of her apartment building. Officer checked both levels of the building. Found nobody walking in the hallways but heard noises while checking hallways. Checked the perimeter of apartment complex and interior of building. Nothing suspicious noticed.
9:44 a.m. Gas leak. Birch Street W. Propane tank brought into BP by customer had a cracked valve and was leaking. St. Joseph Fire Department came and secured and disposed of the tank accordingly. Stood by for traffic control.
12:14 p.m. Fraud. Minnesota Street E. Complainant came to the police station to report fraudulent activity on her debit card. Online charges totaling $1,708.73 were charged to her card on Dec. 16 and 17.
Dec. 21
9:25 a.m. Attempted entry. Seventh Avenue SE. Complainant’s niece was unable to unlock the main door to the house. Lock was found to be broken and they thought someone might have tried to gain entry. Officer examined the door and the lock and saw no sign of force on the door, the lock or the lock strike plate. Complainant stated there were no suspects or any other suspect activity. In examining the deadbolt lock, it appeared to be hardware failure. No further action requested or needed.
Dec. 22
10:29 p.m. Recovered stolen vehicle. Northland Drive. Officer ran license plate while driving through apartment complex. Vehicle came back as stolen. Officer was advised to drive the vehicle back to the police garage if possible and place inside for further processing. The keys were in the vehicle, but would not start even with being jumped. Car was secured for the evening for day shift to process the car and contact the owner.
10:43 p.m. Property damage accident. CR 75/College Avenue S. Driver was traveling westbound on CR 75 and was making a right turn to go northbound on College Avenue N. She stated she slid into the median and struck a sign. She reported no damage or injuries. Sign is county property.
Jan. 9
The Central Minnesota Violent Offender’s Task Force conducted a search warrant at Schneider Drive, in the city of St. Joseph. The search warrant was the result of an on-going investigation by the task force along with the St. Joseph Police Department into controlled substance use and sales occurring at the address. Prior to the search warrant a male party was observed leaving the address and was stopped by St. Joseph police and task force members a few blocks away. It was discovered the 33-year-old male had outstanding warrants for his arrest and was placed into custody. During a search of his vehicle and belongings, approximately 8 grams of methamphetamine, along with items associated with meth sales were located. He was transported to the Stearns County Jail and booked on his warrants. Additional charges are expected. During the execution of the search warrant, numerous people were located inside, including the homeowner, a 28 year-old female. The search turned up additional controlled substances and numerous items associated with the use of controlled substances including drug paraphernalia. Other people at the residence at the time of the search were 33-year-old and 29-year-old males, and a 19-year-old female. The two males and 19-year-old female were also all found to have outstanding warrants from various jurisdictions and were arrested on those warrants. They were later transported to the Stearns County Jail and booked for the warrants. Additional charges may be possible against them for controlled substance crimes upon further investigation. The Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force was assisted by the St. Joseph Police Department and the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office. The task force is made up of officers from the cities of Little Falls, Sartell and St. Cloud and deputies from Stearns, Benton, Morrison, Todd and Sherburne counties.
