07 04 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
JULY 04, 2014
Why Fireworks Represent the 4th of July
Do you ever wonder why ϐireworks represent the 4th of July?
Well, because President John Adams said so.
In a letter he wrote to Abigail Adams dated July 3, 1776, he wrote that the occasion
should be commemorated “with Pomp and Parade, Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells,
Bonϐires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time
forward forever more.”
The ϐirst commemorative Independence Day ϐireworks were set off on July 4, 1777.
The ϐirst display that took place in Philadelphia both began and ended with the ring of
bells and thirteen rockets. In 1783 a large variety of ϐireworks were available to the
public. Fireworks were invented in China back in the 7th century.
Fireworks have proven to be a nationwide tradition to many to view the bright colors,
loud noises and admire the technicalities and choreography that goes into the show.
1200 °F SPARKLERS!
1100 °F
1000 °F
900 °F Glass melts at 900°F
800 °F
700 °F
600 °F
500 °F Wood burns at 575°F
400 °F
300 °F Cakes bake at 350°F
200 °F Water boils at 212°F
100 °F
0 °F
Never allow young children to play with or ignite ϐireworks.
Avoid buying ϐireworks that are packaged in brown paper,
this is often a sign that the ϐireworks were made for profes-
sional displays and they could pose danger to consumers.
Always have an adult supervise ϐirework activities.
Never place any part of the body directly over a ϐirework’s
device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance im-
mediately after lighting.
Never try to re-light or pick up ϐireworks that have not ignited
fully.
Never point or throw ϐireworks at another person.
Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of ϐire
or mishap.
The State Fire Marshal explains what is legal to use in Minnesota:
https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Use-
Fireworks-Safely.aspx
Aerial or exploding ϐireworks are illegal in Minnesota , but legal
ϐireworks like sparklers—which can burn up to 1200 degrees—
can be just as dangerous and cause injury.
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REWARD
$500
MENDOTA HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT IS OFFERING A $500 REWARD TO ANYONE
WITH INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST & CHARGING OF A SUSPECT(S) FOR
THE FOLLOWING CRIME:
DURING THE EVENING HOURS BETWEEN
THURSDAY, 06/26 & FRIDAY, 06/27, AND
MONDAY, 6/30 AND TUESDAY, 07/01,
SEVERAL HOMES & VEHICLES WERE VANDALIZED. THE VANDALISM INCLUDED
SPRAY-PAINTED RACIAL SLURS AND SEXUAL CONTENT AND KEYED VEHICLES.
Please call our 24‐hour Tip Line at 651‐255‐1170 or simply call
MHPD at 651‐452‐1366 with any informaƟon regarding this or
any criminal acƟvity in the city .
PLEASE BE ADVISED:
Tip Line is checked
Monday—Friday, 8 am—4 pm.
Please leave as much information
as possible so that we may pass on
any reward opportunity available
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For more information: CLICK HERE:
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Damage to Property Friday 05:43 hours
Officer Tanner Spicer, and Officer John Larrive responded to six residents who experienced criminal
property damage to their homes and cars overnight. Victims woke up to spray painted and keyed vehicles
and garage doors. The police department is currently investigating these cases and would like anyone who
has information to please contact them.
T r a f f i c S t o p F r i d a y 1 7 : 0 4 h o u r s
Officer Bobby Lambert conducted a traffic stop on driver who’s license was currently revoked as well as
the vehicle’s plates. Prior to conducting an inventory search of the vehicle Officer Lambert asked the
suspect if there was anything illegal inside the vehicle. The driver advised Officer Lambert that there was
marijuana inside his backpack. Officer Lambert located the backpack and found a pot pipe with
marijuana packed inside as well as black metal “Santa Cruz Shredder” with marijuana residue inside. The
pipe and shredder were seized and place into evidence to be destroyed. The driver was issued a citation
and the vehicle was towed from the scene.
Underage drinking Saturday 01:09 hours
Officer Peyton Fleming and Officer Tanner Spicer were dispatched to a loud party report. Upon arrival
they located four underage persons in the backyard who were under the influence of alcohol including one
who had a marijuana pipe. Three were cited for minor consumption and one was cited for minor
consumption and possession of drug paraphernalia. The adult son of the homeowner was cited for
violation of the city social host ordinance.
C i v i l I s s u e S a t u r d a y 1 3 : 3 4 h o u r s
Officer John Larrive was dispatched to the Mendota Heights Par 3 golf course on a civil issue. A resident
was inside their home when a golf ball stuck and broke the window. An attempt was made by Officer
Larrive, Par 3 employees and the resident to locate the golfer who made the errant shot at the window, but
proved unsuccessful. The homeowner was provided with the name and business phone number for the
Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Director.
D e t o x S u n d a y 0 1 : 0 6 h o u r s
Officers Petyon Fleming, Tanner Spicer, and Michael Shepard all responded to a report at local bar where
a man was lying in the parking lot with one man standing over him. Upon arrival they found three men
trying to get across the street to catch a cab. The two men were carrying and dragging their friend who was
extremely intoxicated and now lying on the ground moaning. A weak PBT sample revealed a BAC of .220.
He was transported to the hospital and the two other friends arranged for a ride home.
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T h e f t M o n d a y 1 0 : 2 3 h o u r s
Officer John Larrive took a report from a victim who stated that her wrought iron planter was stolen over
night. There were no witnesses and no suspects to the crime.
5th degree Assault/Drugs Tuesday 04:00 hours
Officer Peyton Fleming and Officer Steven Meyer responded to a call on an individual who was injured
due to an assault. Officers learned that the victim was in a car with his father when they began to argue
and then began striking his son with a closed fist. After returning to their home the victim’s roommate
called 911. The victim appeared under the influence of methamphetamine and admitted to recently
smoking it. The suspect was located in his vehicle parked in front of the residence. A search of the
suspect’s vehicle revealed a glass pipe with a residue suspected to be methamphetamine. A small bag of
what appeared to be methamphetamine was also found. The suspect was arrested and transported to the
Dakota County Jail.
Damage to Property Tuesday/Wednesday 07:00 hours
Officer Eric Petersen responded to eight more residences who were the victims of criminal damage to
property in the overnight hours. Vandals armed with red and green spray paint caused damage to cars,
homes, and garages. Please see page two of the this week’s Just The Facts to learn how you can help the
Mendota Heights Police Department put an end to this criminal activity.
“I Got Caught” Campaign
The “I Got Caught” campaign rewards kids “caught” wearing
a helmet while biking, scooter riding, skateboarding or
in‐line skaƟng. StarƟng Friday, July 4, Officers will be on the
lookout and when local children are caught pracƟcing safe
habits, they will receive a giŌ cerƟficate for a free small ice
cream cone at Dairy Queen. This program is sponsored by:
Dairy Queen, AAA, Minnesota Chief’s of Police AssociaƟon,
Minnesota Sheriff’s AssociaƟon, North Memorial and SAFE
KIDS (MN Safety Council).
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Officer Mike Shepard
was recognized this
week by
Councilmember
Petschel who thanked
Officer Shepard for his
assistance in moving a
large snapping turtle
in her neighborhood.
She said her and her
neighbors were very
appreciative.
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.
06/27—07/02 2014 YTD
Calls for Service 127 4152
Citations 24 856
Warnings 16 526
Police Reports 30 504
Response Time Average 5.98 5.73
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.