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. This information is submitted by the St. Joseph Police Department.
Feb. 19
5:45 a.m. Facebook scam. 425 Seventh Ave. SE. A man called the police department regarding a Facebook scam he fell victim to. He stated a female “friended” him on Facebook and asked to Facetime. One thing led to another and she was topless and he was bottomless and she wanted $3,500 wired to a charity for starving kids. He talked her down to $100 and she gave him instructions and an address to wire money to, or his nude pictures would go out to his family. The officer helping the man advised not to send the money and to block her from his account. He saved some video from their interaction.
Feb. 20
4:22 p.m. Suicide prevention. 37 College Ave. S. College of St. Benedict security said they had a suicidal female in the health center requesting to go to St. Cloud hospital for an evaluation. An officer had dispatch send a Gold Cross Ambulance as a precaution.
Feb. 21
6:29 p.m. Shoplifting. 561 10th Ave. S. An officer was dispatched to assist the Waite Park Police Department with a shoplifting at Casey’s. Casey’s said there was a large crowd and the suspect was verbal with staff. The officer arrived on scene and assisted until the Waite Park Police Department arrived to handle the call.
Feb. 22
8:32 p.m. Driving while intoxicated. Minnesota Street E./20th Avenue SE. While on routine patrol, an officer observed a suspect turn onto Minnesota Street from First Avenue SE without making a complete stop. As the officer was traveling eastbound behind the vehicle, it was pulling away from them. The officer activated their same-direction radar and observed a reading of 45 mph in a 30-mph zone. The driver was stopped. The driver admitted speeding but did not know how fast she was going. Odor of alcohol was detected and she admitted to one drink. A citation for speed was issued. A friend came to pick up the driver and her vehicle.
Feb. 23
2:09 p.m. Public disruption. 1360 Elm Street E. While on duty, an officer responded to a call of a disorderly male at CentraCare. The officer arrived and found the male was just leaving in a vehicle. The vehicle was stopped and the officer spoke to the suspect. The male suspect said he was upset the doctors wouldn’t prescribe him medications he claims he needs and became angry. The officer advised the man he needs to keep himself calm.
