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The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department
CHIEF
Mike Aschenbrener
SERGEANTS
Eric Petersen
Tanner Spicer
Peyton Fleming
POLICE OFFICERS
Jerry Murphy
John Larrive
Bobby Lambert
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
CHAPLAINS
Frances Cuenca
Joel Detlefsen
Lynn Liberman
Butch Millett
Sue Plucker
John Snider
David Wick
JANUARY 9, 2015
KOPS Alert
If you spend any Ɵme listening to a police radio, it won’t take long before you hear reference
to a “KOPS Alert.” 15 years ago, there was no way for agencies to share informaƟon with
other agencies regarding officer safety issues. Eventually, the KOPS Alert was created for just
that purpose. KOPS stands for KEEP OUR POLICE SAFE. An officer can issue a KOPS Alert on a
wide variety of issues, from a person who might cause harm to an officer to locaƟng a suicidal
person who might cause harm to themselves.
KOPS Alerts are used very frequently and are sent directly to an officer’s squad computer for
Ɵmely delivery. On any given shiŌ, an officer will receive one to twenty KOPS Alerts. A KOPS
Alert may also be discovered by an officer running a license plate on a vehicle that has a KOPS
Alert connected with it. KOPS has been a huge success in prevenƟng officer injuries and
deaths and in locaƟng people who could harm themselves or others or be in harm’s way.
The weather condiƟons have indeed dropped in the recent days and with that poses safety
concerns, especially when it comes to our children waiƟng for school buses.
Parents/Guardians always make the final decision as to whether or not it is safe to send
your kids to school. The school will most likely always be open to receive children if you
decide to bring them. No student will ever be reprimanded for missing school in bad
weather.
Schools rarely close due to snow or cold temperatures. Always assume the school is open
unless you hear otherwise via media or website.
If there is freezing temps, children should always be escorted by a parent or guardian to
the bus stop and stay with them unƟl the bus arrives. Parents should also have a back‐up
plan for ride arrangements in case of an emergency and should be either communicated
with the school or put on a piece of paper in your child’s backpack.
Keeping warm on cold Winter days…
Food supplies heat to the body. Make sure your child eats a well balanced breakfast.
One layer of clothing is not enough, dress in several light layers. Try to make the outer
layer wind or water proof.
Avoid exposing the skin to the cold temps. Cover the head, ears, nose, neck and hands.
Stay dry. Change out of wet clothing as soon as possible.
Make sure footwear if warm and waterproof. Think about layering socks.
Seek shelter from the wind and elements if needed.
Take frequent breaks from outside acƟvity or simply just stay inside if there is risk for
frostbite.
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Warrant Arrest Wednesday 1457 hours
Officer Gorgos spotted a vehicle for a party he knew had a felony warrant for arrest. Officer Mike Shepard
arrived to assist and traffic stop was conducted; party arrested without incident.
Minor Consumption Thursday 01:49 hours
Officer Robin Nelson observed a male running on the side of road who was not dressed for the 10 degree
weather that night. Officer Nelson asked the individual what he was doing and he said he was training for
the military. She asked him why he was not wearing proper winter workout gear and he stated he was
running from a local bar to his dad’s house. Officer Nelson asked the young man how much he had to drink
and he told her three or four beers. A PBT showed a BAC of .132 which for anyone under the age of 21 is
illegal running or driving. The young man was cited for Under 21 Consumption of Alcohol and given a ride
to his dad’s home.
Property Accident Hit and Run Thursday 03:52 hours
Officer Nelson respond to a two car vehicle accident in which the victims vehicle was hit head-on and the
suspect vehicle did not stop. The victim driver got out of her car and noticed that the suspect vehicle braked
but then continued to travel. The victim was able to get the license plate of the suspect vehicle and this case is
under investigation.
Vehicle Accident Thursday 08:07 hours
Officer Nelson and Sgt. Spicer were dispatched to a vehicle that had gone off the road was now in the ditch.
Based on Officer Nelson’s observations it appeared that the vehicle hit a road sign in the ditch, rolled and
went airborne, hit the ground a second time, went airborne a second time, hit the ground and rolled a third
time as it crashed through several trees and came to a stop right-side up in the woods. The sole occupant/
driver of the vehicle was conscious and found to have several open containers of alcohol inside his vehicle
along with some drug paraphernalia scattered in the snow. The driver admitted to drinking and said he
became sleepy which resulted in the accident. A PBT showed a BAC of .132. An ambulance was called but
once it arrived the driver refused medical attention. The driver was arrested for DWI and jailed.
Domestic Friday 05:12 hours
Officer Nelson and Sgt. Spicer were dispatched to a home on report of a domestic disturbance. When they
arrived the husband said his wife was locked in the bathroom and would not come out. Sgt. Spicer spoke
with the husband while Officer Nelson spoke with the wife. She stated her husband suffers from Alzheimer’s
and has a history of aggressive behavior. Nothing physical had occurred and there were no signs of physical
abuse. The parties were separated for the evening and officers cleared the scene.
Disorderly Conduct Friday 21:35 hours
Officer Nelson along with assistance from Sergeants Spicer and Petersen received a call that a resident could
hear gunshots fired in his neighborhood. Upon arrival officers could see flashlights and two individuals
walking nearby. Officers announced their presence and ordered the two to the ground. The individuals were
searched and no weapons were found. The juveniles admitted to pranking a friend who lives in the area with
homemade explosive bottles that make loud noises when they pop. Officers then went to the home where
the prank was taking place and witnessed plastic jugs filled with a dark substance which popped and made a
very loud noise. The juveniles were taken to the Mendota Heights Police Department and their parents were
notified. The juveniles were cited for disorderly conduct.
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Thefts from Vehicles Friday to Sunday overnight hours Officers responded to various calls throughout the city of thefts from vehicle and vehicles being rummaged
through. Some reported items stolen, some did not. Officer John Larrive & Bobby Lambert took many
reports where the victims reported items stolen including OTC medication, CD’s, change, fishing equipment,
a briefcase and the brass bell of a saddle (?). No suspects or witnesses.
Threats/Stalking Saturday 1858 hours
A female caller reported threats being made by her ex boyfriend. The gent had been at the residence to visit
their daughter, all decided to make a shopping trip. An argument later began and led to some cruel texting
behavior. Sergeant Fleming responded, intervened with both parties and advised them to make their child
their priority and keep the behavior in check. Closed
Warrant Arrest - Sunday 1420 hours
A local hotel called to report a credit card had been declined for the amount due. The occupants were in the
room already but staff wanted them removed from the property. They acted surprised by the credit card
situation, but upon verifying ID’s for next payment steps, found the gent clear in his home state, but had a
Washington County warrant for theft. Sergeant Fleming arrested and later transported to jail. The other par-
ty was clear and she and her property were escorted off the premises. Officer cleared.
Stolen Vehicle Monday 1741 hours
A woman had mechanical issues with her van and left it at the side of the road. She contacted the insurance
company for roadside assistance who advised her they would respond but requested she leave the keys on the
passenger seat. The insurance company headed to the site but the vehicle was no longer there. No records
were found that the vehicle had been towed. Sergeant Fleming had spotted the vehicle shortly after it was
abandoned, checked on it and all was fine; but when he returned to check on it an hour later, it was gone.
Hopefully that claim goes thru with little effort. No suspects/inactive.
Identity Theft Wednesday 1200 hours
Reporting party called to report someone attempted to open a credit card under her name. We should all
thank the financial institutions who are conscientiously checking data and confirming identity. This
institution refused the application and notified the complainant. Reporting party stated her mortgage packet
had been stolen from her mailbox and her personal data was stolen from there. These types of calls are
becoming more frequent. We simply can’t be too careful with our information. Complainant suffered no
loss. Closed.
Theft—Auto Parts Wednesday 1322 hours
Officer Todd Rosse responded to a business reporting after-the-fact theft of parts from vehicle. On two dif-
ferent occasions starting 12/26, they found catalytic converters had been stolen from two separate work vans.
One vehicle was about to be junked, but no access to the vehicle was authorized during that frame. Suspect
information pending; forwarded to investigations.
Vehicle Theft Thursday 0805 hours
Same business who reported the above theft of catalytic converters reported a stolen company vehicle.
Officer Jeffory VonFeldt was notified that evening that the vehicle was found in St Paul. Officer Rosse con-
tacted the owner the next morning and informed him of the location.
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01/01—01/08 2015 YTD
Calls for Service 118 118
Citations 9 9
Warnings 5 5
Police Reports 28 28
Response Time Average 5.54 5.54
Check out the MH Crime Map!
Click below to search your neighborhood:
https://www.raidsonline.com
1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN 55118
How do you keep from
getting cold feet?
Don’t go around BRRfooted!
Knock, Knock!
Who’s there?
Lettuce.
Lettuce Who?
LeƩuce in, it’s freezing outside.
Where does a snowman
keep his money?
In a snow bank.
What do snowmen eat
for breakfast?
Frosted Flakes.
Who are Frosty’s
parents?
Mom and Pop‐Sicle!
Why don’t mountains get
cold in the winter?
They wear snow caps.
What did Frosty’s
girlfriend give him when
she was mad at him?
The cold shoulder.
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; you can complete a form found in our
lobby, or simply give us a call and we’ll help you out.
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.
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.
HAVE A SAFE WEEK!