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.
March 9
6:21 p.m. Suspicious activity. Birch Street W. Caller reported three people trying to get in a house. Owner locked himself out and had to go through the window to get in.
March 10
10:46 a.m. Assist. College Avenue S. Caller reported water coming into his lower-level apartment through the walls. He asked officer to call his landlord since the landlord was not returning his calls. Officer left a message with the landlord. Caller reported infiltration is into the northwest bedroom and the carpet is wet several feet into the bedroom. He has placed his entertainment up on blocks to protect it, but cannot move his bed because of the support system. Caller wanted officer to call the city inspector. Officer advised he would not call the city inspector on a Sunday, since the smell in the room told him this was an ongoing issue, but advised the caller to call on Monday morning.
March 11
2:25 a.m. Suspicious activity. Elm Street E. Business caller reported suspicious activity in the parking lot. Male got out and entered store, then female got out and entered store, then the vehicle left and came back again and was sitting in the parking lot. Passengers reported they had gone inside store to buy a dog chew toy and then cigarettes. Driver was sober. Officer confirmed insurance and they were allowed to leave. Caller called back informing of two more individuals that had gotten a ride from the driver and were looking for a ride home. Officer gave the two a ride to apartment after speaking with the juvenile’s mother who was aware of his location.
March 12
5:28 p.m. Assist. College Avenue N. Caller reported a fraud. She currently lives in St. Joseph, but has a St. Cloud mailing address. Officer took her report and forwarded it to the St. Cloud Police Department.
March 13
:59 a.m. Traffic stop. C.R. 75 E. and 4th Avenue N.E. Officer observed Minnesota license facing south in the northbound lane of traffic on College Avenue N. at C.R. 75. Officer stopped the vehicle and identified the driver by name and date of birth. Driver stated he left his driver’s license at home, along with his insurance papers. Officer ran his name through the state computer which showed his license was revoked. Officer issued a citation for driving without proof of insurance and driving the wrong way down a oneway.
8:38 p.m. Suicidal male. College Avenue S. Suspect had emailed spouse and stated he was depressed and feeling suicidal. Officer attempted to make contact with the male, but there was no answer at the apartment. Vehicle was parked in the lot. Officer gained entry into the apartment by taking the hinge pins off the door and found the male inside. Male stated he was depressed and felt suicidal. Officer transported him to the St. Cloud Hospital for evaluation.
March 14
9:49 p.m. Open gate. C.R. 133. Caller complained of an open gate to her backyard. Officer found the north gate open, checked the area, everything appeared to be all right. Officer contacted keyholder who requested officer secure the gate. Closed the gate and secured it with the padlock.
March 16
1:22 a.m. Fight. College Avenue N. Officer observed two males pushing and shoving each other and then one male throwing the other male in a snowbank. Each time the male would attempt to get up he would get thrown down again. Colorful language was being used during this encounter. Identified both males by their drivers’ licenses. They stated they were just friends messing around.
1:32 p.m. Alarm. College Avenue S. Alarm was going off. Officer checked and all appeared OK. Checked inside the building with keyholder, all appeared OK there also. They have been dealing with boxelder bug issues. It’s unknown if that is setting of the sensor.
6:20 p.m. Alcohol minor consumption. C.R. 2 and 3rd Avenue N.W. Officer stopped male after he was falling and stumbling in the road. Male state he was drinking and had two bottles of booze in his backpack – Spiced Rum. Officer took a breathalyzer test with a result of .172. Issued a citation for underage consumption and a warning for possession.
9:12 p.m. Suspicious activity. 12th Avenue S.E. Caller said she saw flames at a new construction house across the street with a heater inside. Checked and two NIPKO heaters were running to keep on-going construction warm. No issues.
March 17
1:01 a.m. Medical. Minnesota Street W. Caller stated woman was unresponsive in the women’s bathroom. Upon arrival, officer found female responsive and identified her by her Minnesota ID card. She was with her roommate. Security escorted both home.
