If you have a tip concerning a crime, 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 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
6:46 p.m. Dog at large. Able Street E. Officer was dispatched to a dog complaint. Reported ongoing issues with a brown dog roaming the neighborhood. States the dog goes through people’s garbage cans and knocks them over, scattering garbage. The dog also defecates in neighbors’ yards. Complainant said neighbors are concerned because if they try to approach, the dog growls. Dog has never bitten or gone after anyone. Neighbors said have seen the dog coming from and going to a nearby house. Officer went to the house and spoke with owner who said she is at work until after 6;30 (about the time the dog is roaming). She said her son is home and lets the dog out, a 12-year-old Chesapeake brown in color. Officer advised owner of the complaint. Owner said she will have a talk with her son and make sure the dog stays in the yard. Dog is licensed.
11:52 p.m. Citizen assist. CR 75/Cedar Street E. Female was lost trying to get to Cedar Trails. Officer had her follow him there.
Oct. 7
10:18 a.m. Suspicious activity. Fourth Avenue SE. Complainant said a neighbor had seen someone by his back garage door. Officer checked the area and did not see anything that appeared to be out of the ordinary, however, patio door was open along with several windows in the house. Officer contacted owner who said he was going to come home and check things out and call if any assistance was needed.
Oct. 8
1:49 a.m. Suspicious activity. Ridgewood Court Two officers were dispatched to a suspicious activity at Bee Line. A passerby stated he saw a light go on and then off on one of the campers. Officer arrived on scene and saw a rabbit by the camper. The lights are motion sensor lights.
Oct. 9
12:15 a.m. Loud music. Minnesota Street W. Officer responded to a loud-music complaint/ Prior to arriving on scene, officer activated Watch Guard camera system and rolled down squad window. As officer arrived on scene, he blacked out squad and pulled into the parking lot of the building next door. Officer could hear no loud music, loud talking, loud vehicles or loud activity. Officer exited squad and walked to the back of the next door property and started to work his way toward the actual residence. Officer could still not hear any loud activity. Another officer arrived on scene and together they approached the back door of the residence in question. When officers were within about 10 feet of the back door, they could then hear the base of the music. Officer made contact with one of the renters and told him of the complaint. Both officers agreed there was no noise violation. Thus, considered complaint unfounded. Officer did request the renters close doors and windows to further keep the noise down.
11:40 p.m. Fireworks. Second Avenue NW. While on another call officer saw fireworks being shot off from a nearby area. When officer arrived in the area, he was met by a male who said he was inside when he heard the fireworks go off. They checked the property and found a spent firework; believed someone lit it and ran off. Officer took the firework to dispose of it. The firework was still warm.
Oct.10
12:05 a.m. Ordinance violation. Minnesota Street W. Officers noticed two males outside Sal’s with Sal’s cups. Officers instructed males to dump out their cups. Officer then asked for one of the male’s IDs. The male then fled on foot. Officer started a foot pursuit and followed the suspect to the student parking lot at Minnesota Street and Collegeville Avenue. Suspect then jumped the bushes and officer lost sight of him. Several squads looked for suspect but were unsuccessful.
Oct. 12
2:17 p.m. Damage to property. 10th Avenue SE Officers dispatched to a damage to property complaint. Stearns HRA reported someone damaged the back door on the apartment building. It is believed the door was kicked in damaging the door trim and the deadbolt lock. The lock was replaced and the trim repaired. To prevent further entry, the deadbolt was also changed by Stearns HRA. A key holder left the blinds open so it can be seen from outside if the lights are on inside the apartment. HRA requested if the lights are found to be on, or the curtains closed, she is to be called so whoever is inside can be removed as nobody should be in the apartment. Damage is estimated to be $200.
