If you have a tip concerning a crime, call the Sartell Police Department at 320-251-8186 or Tri-County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-255-1301, or access its tip site at tricountycrimestoppers.org. Crime Stoppers offers rewards up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for a crime.
Dec. 5
12:19 p.m. Crash. Highway 15/CR 120. Officers responded to a single-vehicle accident. The driver told police they were arguing with their passenger, and the next thing they knew they struck the side of the bridge. Both driver and passenger suffered injuries, with the passenger having to be extricated from the vehicle. They were taken to the hospital for their injuries and the vehicles towed. The bridge did not appear to be damaged in the crash.
Dec. 6
6:02 p.m. Juvenile problem. Sunset Avenue. Officers were called to the area regarding a group of juveniles being verbal with them outside of their residence. Officers found the group walking to a nearby park. The group told police they were trying to collect money owed to them from another juvenile inside the home. Officers met with the family and explained the situation. Both parties were told this was a civil matter and nothing further was needed from law enforcement.
Dec. 7
1:11 p.m. Fraud. 10th Avenue N. Officers were dispatched for a fraud complaint. The victim stated they received a phone call from someone claiming to be their daughter. The woman said they were in jail after getting into a crash and needed to post bail. Another man then came on the phone and instructed the victim to go to the bank and withdraw $9,000 in cash. They were then told to go to a nearby Coinme machine and deposit the amount. The victim told police after putting roughly $7,000 into the machine, they started to question the person on the phone. The victim then called their daughter and verified they were being scammed. Officers went over some safety tips with the victim.
Dec. 8
2:54 p.m. Theft. Amber Avenue S. Officers responded to a theft complaint. The victim was reporting they had an Amazon package worth about $50 stolen from their doorstep. The victim stated the package was delivered on Nov. 29 and they didn’t realize it had been delivered until three days later. The victim stated it was unknown when the package was taken. This is a good reminder that package thefts increase during the holidays. If you are expecting a package and will not be home when it’s scheduled to be delivered, track your item, have it delivered to your job or have someone you trust pick up your package from your doorstep.
Dec. 9
5:29 p.m. Motorist assist. Riverside Avenue S. Officers were dispatched to a motorist assist. The driver had locked their keys inside the vehicle. Officers arrived and were able to open the vehicle without any damage.
Dec. 10
12:10 a.m. Hazard. Riverside Avenue. Officers responded to Riverside Avenue for a vehicle that was in the roadway causing a hazard. It appeared the vehicle had slid down a steep and snowy driveway and ended in the middle of the roadway. Officers knocked on the door and spoke with the owner who moved the vehicle back into the driveway.
Dec. 11
11:53 a.m. Counterfeiting. Second Street S. Officers met with a resident regarding a suspected counterfeit $20 bill. The victim stated they were shopping during the weekend and noticed today they had received a fake $20 bill. The victim stated they took it back to the store who agreed it was a fake, but they would not take it back. Officers advised the victim to work with the business and their bank to get reimbursed. The counterfeit bill was taken and placed into evidence.
Dec. 12
4:03 p.m. Traffic stop. Second Street S./Watab Court. Officers were on patrol when they saw a school bus was activating its lights and extending the stop arm. Officers noticed a white van drive through the stop arm, at which time they turned around and made a traffic stop. The driver admitted to the officer they did not see the school bus. The officer educated the driver about school-bus safety. The driver was given a warning as the bus had just stopped and no kids were loading or unloading.
Dec. 13
12:02 p.m. Identity theft. Fifth Avenue E. Officers spoke to a resident regarding a possible identify theft case. The victim stated they believed someone was using their name fraudulently. The victim showed police a screenshot message from “LG” returns discussing a claim had been made regarding a defective TV and a refund was being issued. The message shows the refund being sent to another person with a Sartell address. The victim stated they were not out of any money and hadn’t seen any fraudulent activity on their accounts at this time. Officers advised the victim to reach out to the companies that are allegedly being scammed.
Dec. 14
1:21 p.m. Traffic stop. CR 1/CR 120. Officers were on patrol when they observed a vehicle drive past. The officer conducted a license-plate check and learned the registered owner had a revoked driver’s license status. The officer conducted a traffic stop and spoke with the driver, who confirmed they were the owner. The driver admitted to knowing their license was revoked. The officer issued the driver a citation for driving after revocation and a verbal warning for no proof of insurance.
Dec. 15
6:07 p.m. Shoplifting. 21 CR 120. Officers responded to a shoplifting complaint. Officers learned the suspect had been under-ringing and not scanning some items at the self-checkout. The suspect was attempting to steal nearly $80 worth of merchandise. The suspect was given a citation for misdemeanor theft.
Dec. 16
9:36 p.m. Intoxicated person. Second Street S. Officers were dispatched to a report of an intoxicated disorderly person. Officers arrived and found the suspect in the parking lot. Officers learned there was an issue inside the business and things became physical with the suspect and staff. At one point the suspect even made threatening remarks toward the staff. The suspect was given a trespass order from the business and issued a citation for disorderly conduct.
Dec. 17
10:49 p.m. Suspicious vehicle. Riverside Avenue. Officers located a vehicle in Watab Park after hours. Officers approached the vehicle and spoke with the driver who stated they had just stopped to cool off after work before heading home. Officers told the driver the park was closed, and they left.
Dec. 18
2:21 p.m. Theft. Seventh Street N. Officers met with a resident who wanted to report lost or stolen medication. The victim reported he had some medications that were shipped from the VA to his house, but never arrived. The victim contacted the VA who stated it was delivered last week. There are no suspects currently. This time of year, packages can go missing from doorsteps or mailboxes. It’s important to track your items, be home when they arrive or make other arrangements for pickup or delivery.
Dec. 19
9:03 a.m. Fraud. Oak Pond Drive. Officers met with a fraud victim at the police department lobby. The victim stated they were on their computer when it was taken over by a notification. The victim was told to call a number and an unknown party took over the computer and requested $50 from their account. When the number was typed in, the suspected party added three more zeros to the end. The victim was then told to go to the bank and take out $20,000. The victim quickly put a freeze on all accounts and was not out of money at this time. The victim advised they would call if any money was found missing.
Dec. 20
10:14 p.m. Dog complaint. Sixth Street NE. Officers responded to a dog complaint. The caller reported their neighbor’s dog had been barking for more than two hours. Officers arrived on scene and did not hear any dogs barking in the area. Officers spoke to the caller and told them their findings. They were advised to call back if it happens again.
Dec. 21
2:39 p.m. Trespassing. 21 CR 120. Officers were dispatched to a nearby business for a trespassing complaint. An employee told officers a woman was inside the store who has previously been trespassed. Officers arrived on scene and informed the woman she was trespassing. The officer issued a citation for trespassing, and she was given a new trespass notice from the business.
Dec. 22
9:07 p.m. Driving complaint. Pinecone Road. Officers were dispatched for a driving complaint along Pinecone Road. The caller reported a vehicle was swerving back and forth between the lanes. The caller told officers they turned off Pinecone and parked into a garage. Officers were able to find the suspected vehicle parked in the garage and spoke with the registered owner. The owner was advised of the complaint and warned to pay more attention on the road.
Dec. 23
6:54 p.m. Motorist assist. 20 Avenue N. Officers were called to a motorist assist. The driver had locked themselves out of their vehicle. Officers were able to unlock the vehicle without any damage. The driver thanked the officer and went on their way.
Dec. 24
2:05 p.m. Crash. CR 120. Officers responded to a vehicle crash with injuries. A witness stated they were driving alongside a bus when the bus sped up and drove through a median. The bus then veered to the right and drove into a yard. The driver of the bus was taken to the hospital for evaluation and treatment for possible injuries. The homeowner was notified of the damage done to their lawn.
Dec. 25
4:27 p.m. Traffic stop. CR 1/Ninth Avenue N. Officers were on patrol when they noticed a traffic violation from the vehicle in front of them. The officer stopped the vehicle and spoke to the driver. The driver was informed they did not properly signal when making a turn. The driver was left with a warning.
