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.
April 14
11:45 a.m. Traffic stop. Baker Street E. Officer observed person driving with headphones in his ears. He was stopped and driver admitted to this. He still had them hanging from his jacket and plugged into his phone. Citation issued.
11:49 a.m. Traffic stop. Ash Street W./First Avenue NW. Officer observed a male who appeared to be texting or looking through his phone. Driver also did not use turn signal. When stopped, officer could smell marijuana and found drug paraphernalia. Driver was cited for paraphernalia and warned for turn signal and texting.
12:35 p.m. Theft. Eagle Ridge Court. Complainant stated sometime Saturday night someone took his wallet and a 12-pack of Mountain Dew out of his unlocked van in in the driveway. There was only credit cards in the wallet which he had cancelled. None of the cards were used. Value $10.
April 17
3:52 p.m. Verbal. Baker Street E. Received a call of a verbal. Upon officers arrival, it was found the argument was over a phone. Female #1 claimed female #2 stole her phone. Female #2 agreed to let officers look in her apartment and her car. Nothing found.
9:54 p.m. Harassment. Minnesota Street E. Complainant called officer and stated an old friend continues to text her after she has asked him to stop. When she tells him to stop, he continues more frequently. He has been sending her two to three messages a day since April 14. Officer asked if she would like to meet or have him speak with suspect about the situation. She stated at this time no, and was advised to contact police if texts persist and if he threatens harm. She was advised of civil-action possibilities.
11:33 p.m. Suspicious vehicle. First Avenue NE. Officer observed two individuals in the back seat of vehicle parked at the Wobegon Trail head. Spoke with parties who stated they were just talking. Spoke with female party separately who stated the other party was her boyfriend and that everything was OK.
April 19
6:20 p.m. ATV accident. 270th Street. Stearns County deputies arrived on scene and were informed that a 1-year-old child was run over by a 90cc Polaris Predator four-wheeler operated by his brother. Victim was transported to St. Cloud Hospital by Gold Cross Ambulance and was later released with minor injuries. St. Joseph Fire and Rescue also assisted at the scene of the crash.
10:15 p.m. Property-damage accident. CR 133. Officer observed a vehicle parked on the shoulder of the roadway with its four-way flashers on. Stopped and spoke with driver who stated he struck a deer as he was traveling on CR 133. Minor damage to vehicle. No injuries. Dispatched deer.
April 20
2:08 a.m. DWI. Second Avenue NW/Minnesota Street W. Officer observed and locked squad radar on vehicle traveling 70 mph in a 45-mph zone. Conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. While speaking with driver, there were indicators the driver was possibly under the influence of alcohol. Field sobriety test and a breathalyzer reading of .124 indicated probably cause for DWI arrest. Suspect was arrested and booked in Stearns County Jail on fourth-degree DWI. Released to sober valid driver after completion of booking process.
9:39 p.m. Custody. Minnesota Street E. Complainant stated his daughter was afraid to go home because she was in fear of being hit. Officer spoke with daughter who stated she was not in fear of being hit. She was more afraid of the guys her mom may bring home because she does not know who they are. Officer spoke with mother and advised her of the complaint. She stated she has been separated from her husband for two years and has just started some online dating. She was in the metro area on a date and her vehicle broke down. Her daughter and her ex-husband were concerned the male she was out with would be bringing her home. Daughter went in residence with her mother. Father was advised by officer there were proper procedures to follow for getting custody of his daughter.
