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.
Nov. 24
3 a.m. Stolen vehicle. Minnesota Street W. Officer was approached by owner of vehicle stating his vehicle was stolen from the parking lot with keys inside and running. He stated he was warming his truck up in the west parking lot of Sal’s Bar. It was started about five minuted before it was reported to the officer. Complainant came out to leave and the vehicle was gone. Had officers check St. Ben’s and had SJU security check their lots for the vehicle. Dispatch entered the vehicle as stolen. Prior to officer clearing the scene, the complainant returned and said he found the vehicle near the barbershop but the keys were missing. He did not want any further action taken because he just wanted to get the vehicle back and was afraid if the officer started talking to people he would not get any cooperation and the keys would be gone for good. The vehicle was removed from the system as stolen and no further action was taken.
4:54 a.m. Verbal. First Avenue NE. Complainant called to stop female from leaving the residence with their children. They had gotten into an argument and he told her to leave. She was attempting to pack up her and the kids to leave and he told her she could not take the kids. She explained to the officers that she had five kids; two before she married the complainant and three with him. She was told if she wanted to leave with the kids and had a place to go she could. The complainant did not want her to leave with his kids and it was explained she could if she wanted to and she would not be stopped. After a brief time the female stated she would leave the kids with the complainant because she did not want to take them out in the cold. She left and the complainant was advised to get counseling and to call the police office if he needed anything.
6:34 p.m. Animal complaint. College Avenue S. Complainant stated her boyfriend was outside with the dogs and the beagle from across the street came over and attacked her dogs. Officer observed wounds to the dog’s nose and spoke to the owner of the beagle. He stated he pulled into the yard and the dog jumped out of the car and ran across the street when he saw the other dogs. He stated the dog is not licensed and last had rabies vaccine over a year ago. He was advised of the dog-at-large ordinance.
Nov. 25
7:09 p.m. Tobacco compliance check. Conducted tobacco compliance checks at the businesses in St. Joseph which are licensed to sell tobacco. There were no violations.
8:34 p.m. Medical. College Avenue S. Report of female having an allergic reaction with difficulty breathing and broken out in hives. Officer arrived on scene and security was already present. Assisted until rescue and Gold Cross took over.
Nov. 26
6:10 p.m. Suspicious activity. Graceview Loop. Report of a black pickup backed up from Baker Street. Appeared they were loading up an ATV or snowmobile. Officer checked the area and did not locate.
Dec. 1
4:59 p.m. Found property. Third Avenue S. A pink purse with a Minnesota driver’s license along with other items was found. Purse was placed in police property.
Dec. 2
1:27 a.m. Suspicious vehicle. CR 75 W. Vehicle with one occupant parked with lights out at basketball court in Millstream Park. Officer asked where he was coming from and the reason he was parked alone after park hours. He stated he was driving from Melrose back to St. Cloud and was getting tired so he pulled over. Stated he was awake now and would not have a problem making it back.
3:38 p.m. Property-damage accident. 320 Street/CR 133. Vehicle one slid into the back of vehicle two which was stopped behind another car at a stop sign. Minor damage to both vehicles.
Dec. 3
1:14 p.m. Warrant. Baker Street E. While doing a welfare check officer found a male at the residence who had a warrant. He was arrested and transported to Stearns County jail.
2:28 p.m. Trespass. Baker Street E. A male had been served a trespass notice from the manager of the apartment complex at 9:45 a.m. Dec. 3. He was found hiding under the basement stairs at approximately 2:10 p.m. on the same date. He was arrested for trespassing.
Dec. 4
6:29 p.m. Structure fire. 10th Avenue NE. Upon arriving on scene, officer observed smoke coming form the attic. Complainant stated it was insulation burning. Complainant’s extinguisher ran out. He believed he could extinguish the fire with the squad extinguisher. Squad extinguisher could not reach the fire. Assisted complainant out of the attic and out of the building. The St. Joseph fire department arrived on scene and extinguished the fire. Complainant denied medical treatment for smoke inhalation. Complainant advised he was grinding sheet metal in the attic and believed a spark caught the insulation on fire.
Dec. 6
12:56 p.m. Animal neglect. College Avenue S. Investigated two cats left in an apartment causing an extreme stench. Officer spoke to the owner about the cats who stated she has developed an allergy in the apartment to something and has been staying elsewhere until she figures it out. She stated she stops daily and feeds the cats. She was advised to have the apartment cleaned and the smell fixed by Dec. 11.
2:23 p.m. Noise complaint. Graceview Loop. Complainant stated someone dropped off a vehicle at neighbor’s residence approximately two hours ago. They left the vehicle running in the driveway and no one appears to be home. Caller is concerned because it’s very noisy and it’s an unattended running vehicle. Officer spoke to the owner who stated he would be there within 30 minutes to get the car in the garage and turned off. Driveway is too icy to back it in and the engine won’t start if it is turned off.
Dec. 7
8:49 p.m. Suspicious vehicle. CR 75 E. Male and female in the back seat of parked vehicle in Millstream Park. Officer spoke with them. Both OK. Vehicle left scene after speaking with them.
Dec. 8
10:15 p.m. Medical. College Avenue S. Officers responded to a report of a female who was bitten by a black dog. Dog fled the area. Officers observed female victim sitting on the living room floor with a towel wrapped around her left forearm. Also observed a male with a towel wrapped around his left forearm. He had several puncture wounds on his left arm and one on his right arm. He stated he was bitten trying to get the dog off the female victim. Officers bandaged the bites and Gold Cross arrived and transported both victims to St. Cloud Hospital. Officers searched the area but were unable to locate the dog.
Dec. 9
3:46 p.m. Property damage accident. Old Highway 52/Birch Street W. Received a call of a black SUV that drove through a fence at Centennial Park and left the scene. Received a call from a witness stating the same vehicle pulled in and parked at Snap Fitness. Found the vehicle and determined it was the suspect vehicle. Identified the driver who admitted driving through the fence and got scared and left. Update with dollar amount will follow.