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The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department
CHIEF
Mike Aschenbrener
SERGEANTS
Eric Petersen
Tanner Spicer
Peyton Fleming
Bobby Lambert
POLICE OFFICERS
Jerry Murphy
John Larrive
Todd Rosse
Jeff Vonfeldt
Steven Meyer
Denise Urmann
Michael Shepard
Nick Gorgos
Robin Nelson
Steve Hilyar
Phillip McCarty
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
Butch Millett
John Snider
Alberto Vargas
Lynn Liberman
Sue Plucker
Joel Detlefsen
Lenny Andrie
JULY 17, 2015
SUMMER IS A DEADLY TIME FOR SPEEDERS
Extra Enforcement on Minnesota Roads July 10—26
On average, 28 people lose their lives and 79 people suffer injuries during the three month
summer period due to unsafe speeds on Minnesota roads.
To keep motorists safe this summer, more than 300 law enforcement agencies across the
state will be conducƟng increased speed patrols July 10—26.
Speeding does not help you get to your desƟnaƟon significantly faster. According to AAA,
travel Ɵme for a 30‐mile trip:
55 miles per hour = 32.7 minutes.
65 miles per hour = 27.7 minutes (5 minutes saved).
75 miles per hour = 24 minutes (8 minutes saved).
Speeding is a leading factor in crashes, contribuƟng to one out of every five fataliƟes on
Minnesota roads. Speeding put lives at risk. If the driver in your vehicle is speeding don’t be
afraid to speak up. If you see a driver speeding or acƟng aggressively, call 911. It could save
your life. Source: MN Department of Public Safety
RECREATIONAL MOTOR VEHICLES
With summer here, how much more fun can kids have than riding around on a moped or
scooter! I know I sure was a fan with the sun on my face and the wind in my hair, as I
jumped my 300 pound frame on a 49cc moped!
As defined in city code 6‐6‐3: RecreaƟonal motor vehicles is defined as “any motor vehicle
designed for, used or capable of use for sport, amusement or recreaƟon, whether or not
eligible to be licensed for use upon streets and highways, including, but not limited to,
motorbikes, motor scooters, trail bikes, minibikes, motorcycles, go‐carts.” Most mopeds I’ve
dealt with fall under the category of motorized bicycle due to the fact they possess a piston
displacement capacity of 50 cubic cenƟmeters or less.
Any person who has a valid driver’s license may operate a moped without taking a moped
test. Anyone without a driver’s license, regardless of age, must obtain a moped operator’s
permit to legally operate a moped. All mopeds must be registered through the state, and
they also need to be insured. Remember just like driving you must carry your license or
permit with you when you ride. The DMV offers a moped course designed for beginning
moped riders. The course is $35 and covers; riding gear, preparaƟon, risk management,
street strategies, special riding situaƟons, and impairment. MN law requires use of a moped
always be done with eye protecƟon and for riders under 18 a DOT approved helmet.
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Theft from Vehicle Friday 07:40 hours
Officer John Larrive met with a homeowner who discovered that his work van had been broken into during
overnight hours while it was parked in his driveway. Several tools and a gun were stolen. There are no
witnesses or suspects. This case remains under investigation.
Burglary Friday 09:05 hours
Officer Jennifer Fordham responded to a residence on report of a burglary. The victim stated that during the
overnight hours suspect(s) opened the garage door using the garage door opener found in an unlocked car
parked in the driveway. The suspect(s) stole a bicycle. This case is under investigation.
Animal Bite Saturday 15:27 hours
Officer John Larrive responded to a caller who thought she had trapped a stray cat in her garage which had
been involved in scratching a neighbor’s child a couple weeks ago. When Officer Larrive arrived the cat had
already escaped. The victim had already been through the vaccination process and the child’s mother did not
want anything else done at this time.
Domestic Monday 21:12 hours
Sgt. Peyton Spicer and Officer Robin Nelson were dispatched to a report of a 911 hang-up. On the way to the
call dispatch aired that the caller stated a child had been playing with the phone. Officers responded to the
home where they found a male in his vehicle in the driveway. The male stated that his wife had become upset
with him and threw food at him. He stated he was leaving the home for the evening. Officers spoke with
both parties and the male left the residence. Later the male came to the police department to let officers
know that his wife had made a comment to his children suggesting that she may harm herself. Officers went
back to the residence and spoke with the female who denied saying anything to that effect. Officers
determined that the female did not appear to be a harm to herself or anyone else. The male took the children
and left for the residence for the night.
Fraud Tuesday 11:52 hours
Officer Todd Rosse took a report from a resident who came into the police department to report that her
credit card had been used out of state for a purchase she did not authorize. The card is still in her possession
and at no point was lost or stolen. Investigation is pending.
Motor vehicle Accident Thursday 14:00 hours
Sgt. Tanner Spicer responded to location of a motor vehicle accident. Driver of one of the vehicles admitted
to falling asleep and veering into oncoming lane. Driver of the second vehicle tried to swerve to avoid
contact but was struck by the first vehicle. Driver who fell asleep was cited for careless driving.
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07/10‐ 07/16 2015 YTD
Calls for Service 125 3867
Citations 5 314
Warnings 21 405
Police Reports 16 596
Response Time Average 5.61 5.33
Check out the MH Crime Map!
Click below to search your neighborhood:
https://www.raidsonline.com
1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN 55118
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!
Summer Safety
Checklist
Refillable water
boƩles. Children
should drink at least
12 ounces of water
before going out to
play. Remember to
have them take water
breaks.
First aid kit.
Sun protecƟon . Use
sunscreen, hats, and
sunglasses.
Helmet. Before chil-
dren ride away make
sure they have their
helmet.
Safety plan. Before
children head out to
play, agree on a safety
plan that includes how
to reach you in an
emergency.
Car safety. Lock your
car and trunk, even
parked in the drive-
way to minimize the
risk of a child geƫng
trapped in a hot
vehicle.