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12 05 14 JTF1 1 The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department CHIEF Mike Aschenbrener SERGEANT Eric Petersen POLICE OFFICERS Jerry Murphy John Larrive Bobby Lambert Tanner Spicer Todd Rosse Jeff Vonfeldt Steven Meyer Denise Urmann Michael Shepard Peyton Fleming Nick Gorgos Robin Nelson 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 DECEMBER 5, 2014 Life has No Rewind : Plan Ahead for a Sober Ride Home Extra DWI Patrols on Minnesota Roads to Combat Drunk Driving Nov. 26- Dec. 27 To keep motorists and memories safe this holiday season, law enforcement across the state will be on the lookout for drunk drivers. The extra enforcement campaign runs on weekends through December 27. During the Thanksgiving holiday period over the last three years (2011– 2013), there were 1,624 drivers arrested for DWI. Crashes involving drunk drivers have lasting effects on survivors and their families: 17 people suffered life-changing injuries in crashes involving an impaired driver during the Thanksgiving holiday period in the last three years. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over An increasing number of motorists are getting the message to drive sober or get pulled over. DWI arrests have gone down every year since 2006 when law enforcement officers arrested 41,951 drivers in Minnesota for DWI. The 2013 numbers statewide dropped to 25,719 - the low- est in recent history. With 279 drunk driving-related traffic deaths in Minnesota since 2011— 81 people in 2013 alone—traffic safety officials continue to emphasize enforcement and education in an effort to reduce fatalities on the state’s roads. “We’re encouraged by the drop in DWI arrests, but it’s clear there is much more work to be done through education and enforcement,” said Donna Berger, Office of Traffic Safety director. “The responsibility falls on all of us. Speak up if you see a friend or family member who has had too much to drink. If you are a server, don’t be afraid to cut off a customer. Let’s keep the holiday memories special, not tragic.” DWI Consequences Loss of license for up to a year, thousands of dollars in costs and possible jail time. Repeat DWI offenders, as well as first-time offenders arrested at 0.16 and above alcohol concentration level, must use ignition interlock in order to regain legal driving privileges or face at least one year without a driver’s license. Offenders with three or more offenses are required to use interlock for three to six years, or they will never regain driving privileges. 2 2 3 3 Commercial Burglary Friday 07:00 hours Officer Denise Urmann was dispatched to a local restaurant on a burglar alarm. Upon arrival, Officer Urmann found the front door had pry marks and that it was no longer secured. The cash register was located and found to be open with change scattered about the floor. There are no witnesses or suspects. This case is currently under investigation. Fleeing Police in a Motor Vehicle Friday 17:28 hours Officer Robin Nelson and Officer Peyton Fleming were on patrol when they noticed a vehicle driving in the opposite direction with no headlights. As they turned to follow the vehicle officers noticed the driver’s rear light was also out. Officers activated their emergency lights and attempted to stop the vehicle. The vehicle continued to drive at which point officers activated their siren in order to gain the driver’s attention. The vehicle continued to drive to a residence at which time the vehicle’s driver pulled into the residence’s driveway and ultimately the garage. Officers were able to make contact with the driver in the garage. The female suspect refused to give officers her name and her identity was confirmed by neighbors. The suspect was place under arrest for Fleeing a Peace Officer in a Motor Vehicle. Under 21 Drink and Drive Saturday 00:51 hours Officer Mike Shepard observed a juvenile female who was not dressed for the cold weather walking through the parking lot of a closed business. When Officer Shepard asked the female what she was doing she stated her friends had left her and she wasn’t sure where she was going. Upon further questioning the female suspect admitted that her and her friends were drinking in an underground garage and she had left to go urinate. Officer Shepard located the other three juveniles in a minivan and they eventually admitted to drinking alcohol. Parents were called and the juveniles were sent home. Juvenile cited for Underage Consumption Drinking and Driving. Damage to Property/Hit and Run Accident Monday 07:02 hours Officer Denise Urmann responded to a hit and run motor vehicle accident who was picking up a co-worker at her residence when another vehicle struck hers. The complainant left the scene of the accident because she had to get to the airport. The complainant told Officer Urmann that she had video and photos of the accident and would send them to her. Officer Urmann attempted to make contact with the victim but has yet to hear back from her. Case is pending. Theft Tuesday 15:03 hours Officer Rosse responded to a residential group home on report of a theft of money. Resident there said some money in his room was missing. The victim reported nothing else was missing except a $100 in cash. Group staff said doors to the bedrooms are not locked but they have never had a incident like this in the ten years of service at this home. The case is under investigation. 4 4 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. 11/28 ‐ 12/4 2014 YTD Calls for Service 118 7408 Citations 2 998 Warnings 13 870 Police Reports 28 889 Response Time Average 5.43 5.84 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. Check out the MH Crime Map! Click below to search your neighborhood: https://www.raidsonline.com 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN 55118 Holiday Safety Be Safe and Save Money with LED Lights. Electricity bills can grow during the holidays if you decorate with strings of lights. Consider switching to LED holiday lights to save energy and money. In addiƟon to the energy and cost savings, LED lights are much cooler than incandescent bulbs, reducing the risk of ﬁres. Prevent ﬁres during the holidays by using nonﬂammable decoraƟons, watering your Christmas tree regularly, and avoid the use of lit candles.