If you have a tip concerning a crime, 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 a crime.
Oct. 6
1:17 a.m. Traffic stop/drug paraphernalia. College Avenue N./Minnesota Street E. While on routine patrol, an officer spotted a vehicle with the passenger-side headlight out. Upon approach, the officer detected an overwhelming odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. The female suspect also had bloodshot and watery eyes. She told the officer there was no marijuana in the vehicle as she had just got done smoking at her boyfriend’s house. When the officer stated he was going to search the vehicle, the suspect stated she was not going to lie and gave the officer a baggie of marijuana (4.5 g.) and a purple grinder. The vehicle was then searched and nothing else was found. A citation was issued for marijuana in a motor vehicle and possession of drug paraphernalia. A verbal warning was issued for the headlight being out. The marijuana and paraphernalia were placed into evidence upon the officer’s return to the St. Joseph Police Department.
Oct. 7
1:38 a.m. Speed. First Avenue NW/Birch Street W. While on routine patrol, an officer observed a vehicle going westbound on CR 75 well past the posted speed limit of 45 mph. The officer used his radar and locked the vehicle’s speed at 72 mph. When the officer approached the vehicle and asked why he was traveling at such a high rate of speed, the male suspect said he was trying to get to Sal’s Bar to close out his tab and get his credit card back. The officer followed the driver to Sal’s Bar but they were closed. When speaking with the suspect, he advised he thought the speed limit was 60 mph because that is what his GPS said. The officer issued a citation for speed (72 mph in a 45-mph zone).
5:29 p.m. DWI. CR 75/CR 134. While on routine patrol, an officer spotted a vehicle going what appeared to be faster than the posted 45 mph speed. After passing the officer, the car then made an unsafe lane change without signaling. Upon approach, the officer noticed the male driver appeared to be under the influence. A citation was issued for driving under the influence.
11:31 p.m. Public urination. 109 Minnesota St. W. While on bike patrol, an officer observed a female walk behind Sal’s Bar and appeared to be looking side to side. The officer then observed her drop her pants and could hear her urinating. He pulled up next to her and stated he was not going to look but needed her ID when she was done urinating. The officer issued a violation for public urination. The female suspect apologized when the citation was being issued and pleaded for a warning. When the officer didn’t comply, the female became verbal with the officers stating they must be there to protect, serve and harass and that officers should go after some real criminals.