If any readers have tips concerning crimes, they should call the St. Joseph Police Department at 363-8250 or Tri-County Crime Stoppers at 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.
Feb. 18
9:57 a.m. Suspicious vehicle. Elena Lane. Complaint of a darker-colored van parked in his driveway. When the van noticed the occupant was awake, they pulled out of the driveway went to a neighbors mailbox and left. Owner requested extra patrol. Officer advised owner to call 911 if the scenario happens again.
Feb. 21
9:53 a.m. Unreturned merchandise. 17th Avenue SE. Male stated he shipped five Laptop computers to a buyer in Virginia. The buyer contacted Paypal and opened a dispute to return all five laptops for a full refund, but only shipped back three of the laptops. Male stated he has been unable to contact the buyer by email or phone regarding the remaining two laptops and needed a police report for refund. Laptops valued at $620 each.
Feb. 22
9:42 p.m. Accident. 12th Avenue SE and Minnesota Street E. Officer responded to a two-vehicle property-damage accident. One person was traveling east on Minnesota Street E. and the other driver was traveling north on 12th Avenue SE and failed to stop for stop sign causing the other driver to strike his vehicle on the driver’s side rear quarter. Driver was issued a citation for stop-sign violation. No injuries. One vehicle drove away and the other one was towed.
Feb. 23
4:41 a.m. Complaint of people kicking fence. Birch Street W. Officer walked around the property and found no tracks in the snow at all anywhere near the fence. While enroute to the call, officer squad car had a collision with a deer which disabled the squad.
2:53 p.m. Assistance at College Avenue N. Male found a deer on the side of County Road 51 that was already hit. He called the DNR and they advised him to go to the St. Joseph Police Department and get a permit. After confirming the DNR dispatch, officer issued permit.
2:17 p.m. Irregular driving. McDonald’s. Officer observed vehicle matching the description in the drive-thru at McDonalds. Officer followed vehicle as it left and did not witness any driving misconduct. Stopped the vehicle and made contact with the driver who stated he had been at a bowling tournament all day and was now heading over to his parents’ house.
Feb. 24
12:09 p.m. Alarm. Elm Street E. Officer responded to alarm call. Found building to be secure upon arrival. Keyholders were not responding and no vehicles in the lot.
2:43 p.m. Snowmobile complaint. 7th Avenue SE and Baker Street E. Female reported a snowmobile had driven through her backyard. Officer followed tracks to the driver’s residence. Driver admitted to driving in the area. Officer advised him to stay next to the road and to watch speeds.
Feb. 25
9:02 a.m. Medical assistance. First Avenue NW. Officer arrived on the scene and the door was already open. Resident was using a nebulizer already and had oxygen. Officer stood by until St. Joseph Fire Department and Gold Cross arrived.
12:38 p.m. Suspicious vehicle. Jade Road W. Officer received a call from Kennedy School of someone who was sleeping in a car in the parking lot. They requested check of the area. Officer found the vehicle with nobody inside. Possibly was a parent who had entered the school. Kennedy was advised and told to call back with issues.