If you have a tip concerning a crime, 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 tricountycrimestoppers.org. Crime Stoppers offers rewards up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for a crime.
May 6
4:15 a.m. Fire. 13th Avenue NE. Officer dispatched to a garbage can on fire. Arrived on scene and met the homeowner who said a passerby had stopped to tell him his garbage can was on fire. Homeowner was able to put the fire out safely. He said he thought the fire may have started from putting hot material in the can earlier. Nothing further.
May 9
11:51 a.m. Domestic. 20th Avenue SE. Officer was dispatched to a domestic at an apartment. When on scene, the officer spoke to a man who advised he and his girlfriend had a verbal dispute, and he called police. The man said his girlfriend was moving out and started packing her clothes in a basket. He said he grabbed the basket and then kicked a hamper. He said she then kicked him in the shin. They made a mutual agreement he would leave for approximately one hour, so she and her family could pack her property and leave.
May 10
1:26 p.m. Unwanted person. Fifth Avenue NW. Officer was dispatched. After meeting with the complainant, it was determined it was a neighbor dispute. Complainant reported a male came to her house and knocked on her door; she recognized him as the backyard neighbor. She did not answer. Complainant advised she has been having issues with their cats using her sandbox that kids play in as a litter box, and she is sick of it. Options were discussed. Officer went to the neighbors and met with both of them. They were upset that neighbor is calling them in and can’t control their cats. Officer advised of the city ordinance on animals at large. While there, they brought up a property line dispute and wanted the neighbor’s stuff moved. That issue was resolved. Both parties were advised to keep to themselves and to call back if the cat issue can’t be resolved.
May 15
10:48 p.m. Assault. First Avenue NW. Officer was dispatched to an assault of a homeowner who had confronted three males who were on his property. Officer arrived and met with the complainant who stated he had a male that appeared to be urinating on his property. A verbal altercation started with friends, when one of them started to approach the complainant. The complainant shoved him and that is when the fight started. Took pictures and statement from complainant. Was not able to locate the suspects.
May 16
9:39 a.m. Vandalism. First Avenue NW. Officer was dispatched for a report that vehicles had been egged. Upon arrival, officer observed two vehicles had been egged. Complainant believed the egging was related to the incident that had occurred the night before when her boyfriend was assaulted (see previous incident above). No suspects at this time.
