06 06 14 JTF1
The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department
CHIEF
Mike Aschenbrener
SERGEANT
Eric Petersen
POLICE OFFICERS
Jerry Murphy
Scott Patrick
John Larrive
Bobby Lambert
Tanner Spicer
Todd Rosse
Jeff Vonfeldt
Steven Meyer
Denise Urmann
Michael Shepard
Peyton Fleming
INVESTIGATIONS
Chad Willson
SCHOOL RESOURCE
OFFICER
Jennifer Fordham
SUPPORT STAFF
Kim Henning
Trista Miller
Lisa Brandt
Becky Pentel
RESERVES
Randy Pentel
Jim Knox
Jeff Parker
George Castillo
CHAPLAINS
Frances Cuenca
Joel Detlefsen
Lynn Liberman
Butch Millett
Sue Plucker
John Snider
David Wick
JUNE 6, 2014
Unlike what’s commonly depicted in the movies, drowning is actually a silent struggle and a very
quick killer. In many cases, another swimmer is close by or someone may even be watching, completely
unaware of what’s happening until the victim slips underneath the surface.
The screaming and thrashing on TV is actually physiologically impossible. If a swimmer can
barely breathe, they cannot call for help. A drowning person doesn’t usually appear desperate. In the
process of drowning, a person stays in one spot in a vertical (upright position). And remember it happens
fast! Generally, once a person gets into trouble, you have 30 to 60 seconds before he or she goes down and
doesn’t come back up.
When in doubt about a swimmer ask them: “Are you OK?!” If they are able to give a full answer they’re
probably all right as they are getting oxygen. But, if the swimmer says nothing and stares, you only have
a few seconds to get them out. Supervision and vigilance is the key to drowning prevention.
Silent Drowning
Submitted By: Police Support Specialist Lisa Brandt
When the weather turns warm, everyone wants to be in or around the water. Hanging
out at the pool or the beach on a hot day is a great way to beat the heat.
Between the splashing, swimming, and floating in the water, most people don’t think
much about water safety—but they should. For people between the ages of 5 and 24,
drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death.
Make water safety your priority this summer by following these tips provided by the
American Red Cross:
Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone. Even at a public pool
or a lifeguarded beach, use the buddy system.
Ensure that everyone in the family learns to swim well. Enroll in age‐appropriate
swim lessons.
Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to
another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard‐approved life
jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
Submitted By: Police Support Specialist Lisa Brandt
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Theft Saturday 05:35 hours
Officer Denise Urmann was dispatched to a residence to take a theft report. The residents stated they had
left the garage door open overnight. They discovered two bikes missing on Saturday morning. There are no
suspects and no serial numbers of the bikes were available.
Counterfeit Currency Saturday 17:55 hours
Sergeant Eric Petersen and Officer Peyton Fleming were dispatched to a report of a male suspect who attempted
to pass counterfeit currency at a convenience store. It was reported that the male suspect fled the scene after be-
ing told by the store clerk that the money was fake. The clerk was able to provide police with a complete license
plate of the vehicle the suspect was driving. While officers were searching for the vehicle Dispatch aired that a
vehicle crashed into a residence on Lexington Avenue. Sgt. Petersen arrived on scene and confirmed, based on
the detailed description given by the clerk, that the male suspect was involved in the crash. The suspect was taken
into custody. During the search of the vehicle, a large amount of counterfeit currency was found as well as two
computers, a printer/scanner, a large amount of paper, a bottle of bleach and a small amount of marijuana. A
handgun was also found nearby while officers searched the area around the vehicle. The male suspect was
transported to Dakota County Jail. Investigator Chad Willson is working with the Secret Service on
consolidating charges for passing fake money all around the metropolitan area. The work continues.
Medical Crisis Saturday 23:30 hours
Officer Denise Urmann and Officer Peyton Fleming responded to a residence on report of a suicidal adult male.
Officer Urmann located the male sitting in his vehicle which was running in the driveway of his home. When
officers asked the male to exit his vehicle he became argumentative with Officer Fleming. The male wanted to
know why officers were detaining him and Officer Urmann explained that his wife was concerned for the male’s
welfare and had called police. When asked if he wanted to harm himself he said that he did not. The male
appeared intoxicated and admitted to drinking some wine. The male’s wife did not want the male at home so he
was transported to Ramsey County Detox. A preliminary breath test was given with a result of 0.228.
Theft from Vehicle Sunday 15:05 hours
Officer Peyton Fleming took a report on a theft from vehicle. The victim reported that her vehicle’s back window
was forced open and items were stolen. The vehicle had been parked in her driveway at the time of the incident.
There were no serial numbers for the items. Officer Fleming took photographs and cleared the scene. There are
no suspects at this time.
Domestic Assault Monday 17:23 hours
Officer Steven Meyer along with Officer Peyton Fleming were dispatched to a residence on report of a domestic
assault. The male suspect had fled the scene on a bicycle prior to the officers arrival. The male suspect was
located on a bike path in St. Paul. The suspect was taken into custody and a black bag which attached to his bike
was searched. The contents of the bag included marijuana and some unidentifiable pills. The suspect was trans-
ported to the Dakota County Jail.
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Burglary Tuesday 11:08 hours
Officer Bobby Lambert responded to report of a after-the-fact burglary at a local greenhouse. The incident
occurred while the owner was away. The owner reported “stuff” missing, including some copper piping and
some tools, and the owner noted that he routinely leaves the property unsecured. Locks and chains had
been removed recently but not replaced. Extra patrols were requested and set up for the property. Case in-
active. No suspect information available; case inactive.
Theft Wednesday 14:52 hours
Officer Fleming responded to a report of theft of gas, where the vehicle had sped off onto a nearby highway. The
plate number, given by a customer, did not match the provided vehicle description The suspect drove off with
$43.00 in gas, and it had occurred about 5 minutes before the employees called dispatch. Case inactive.
Terroristic Threats Thursday 09:03 hours
A local business whose headquarters are located here, had an employee received threats via chat. The client, up-
set about the status of his card and the response he received, decided intimidation via foul language and bomb
threats toward headquarters was an appropriate solution to the issue. Officer Bobby Lambert gathered suspect
information but the phone number provided was not valid for him. Follow-up and charges pending.
Theft of Gas Friday 07:15 hours
Officer Bobby Lambert responded to a gas station on report of theft of gas. The suspect came in to pay, filled out
some lottery tickets and grabbed candy. However, when he got to the counter, he realized he stated he forgot his
wallet and left the items on the counter. The owner, not falling for that line, followed him out with a baseball bat
first. The suspect drove, a blonde, white male, about 25 years old , 5’11” and 155 lb, khaki pants below the waist,
t-shirt and baseball cap, was driving a beat-up pickup with the taillight taped up with red tape. Suspect info pro-
vided and charges pending.
Bear Sightings Friday 01:32 hours
Officers Steve Meyer, Tanner Spicer, Todd Rosse and Mike Shepard responded to a local area on report of a bear
crossing the road. The bear was reported to be limping and not very big, but it was moving fast. Officers checked
the area, but had no luck. Then today, around 1100 hours, a resident saw it walk near his window, then head
thru the lot behind the building and head into the woods. Officer Lambert and Investigator Chad Willson con-
ducted a search of the area, but had no luck.
The MN DNR reports it is not common for bears to wander around the metro. They do ask residents take in all
food sources (bird feeds, BBQ grills & pet food) leave the animals alone. While appearing cute and cuddly they
are wild animals and should be left alone. DO NOT FEED THE BEARS! Feeding will encourage them to hang
around the area.
http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2014/06/03/bears-in-suburbs-dnr-says-leave-them-alone-unless-theyre-a-threat/
http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/assistance/backyard/privatelandsprogram/bear_country.pdf
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Please send us your
positive feedback
on our staff to:
pdrecords@
mendota-heights.com
Your feedback is greatly
appreciated and helps boost
the morale of our staff.
05/30—06/05 2014 YTD
Calls for Service 150 3509
Citations 14 775
Warnings 14 456
Police Reports 16 422
Response Time Average 5.92 5.71
Check out the MH Crime Map! Click below to search your neighborhood:
https://www.raidsonline.com
1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN 55025
If you are a Mendota Heights resident and you are going out of town or on
vacation, you can notify MHPD of your outing and we will be more than happy to
keep a watchful eye on your home while you are away. The House Check Request
online form is available on our website; we have similar forms in the MHPD lobby
and we will take your info over the phone.
MHPD offers monthly Car Seat Safety Checks. To schedule an appointment,
call 651.452.1366 to contact Ofϐicer Jennifer Fordham.
MHPD has a Medication Disposal Box in the lobby of the PD where Dakota
County residents can safely and anonymously dispose of their prescription drugs
and over‐the‐counter medication.