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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
OCTOBER 16, 2015
TURNING, STARTING & SIGNALING
Minnesota State Statute 169.19 is Ɵtled “Turning, StarƟng and
Signaling.” This doesn’t sound complicated, but the reading is a
bit hard to follow. The requirements are really quite simple
though.
Signal your intenƟons. Turns, lane changes, merging or U‐turns
all require that you use turn signals. Turn into the lane closest to
you. Whether making a leŌ or right turn, you’re required to turn
into the closest lane designated for travel in the direcƟon that
you’re driving. U‐turns are legal. You can make U‐turns, but only
when you can be seen by other traffic at least 1,000 feet in both
direcƟons and only when your U‐turn can be made safely.
With any turn, merge or change of course, you’re required to
make your movements safely.
169.14
Subdivision 1. Basic rule; InaƩenƟve Driving. No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway
at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the condiƟons. Every driver is responsible
for becoming and remaining aware of the actual and potenƟal hazards then exisƟng on the highway
and must use due care in operaƟng a vehicle. In every event speed shall be so restricted as may be
necessary to avoid colliding with any person, vehicle or other conveyance on or entering the
highway in compliance with legal requirements and the duty of all persons to use due care.
Each year in Minnesota, inaƩenƟve driving is a factor in one of four crashes, resulƟng in at least 70
deaths and 350 injuries. While many motorists may perceive driving as a normal rouƟne acƟvity,
aƩenƟve driving is criƟcal as the traffic environment changes constantly and you must be prepared
to react.
AVOID DISTRACTED DRIVING:
Cell Phones—Turn them off or place them out of reach to avoid the urge to answer or dial.
If there is a passenger in the vehicle, ask them to handle the calls/texts.
Music/Controls—Preprogram staƟons for easy access. Adjust mirrors and heat/AC prior to
departure. Ask a passenger to help assist.
NavigaƟon—Map out your drive in advance and pull over to study the map if need be. Ask a
passenger to help with navigaƟon.
EaƟng/Drinking—Try to avoid food and drink or at least messy foods. Make sure food and drink
are secured.
Children—Teach children the importance of good behavior in the vehicle.
Passengers—Speak up to stop drivers from distracted driving behavior.
When YOU are making a call while NOT driving—Ask the person on the other end of the line if
they are driving, if so, call them later or ask them to call you back at a safer Ɵme.
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BURGLARY FRIDAY 09:59 HOURS
Officer John Larrive was dispatched to a home on a burglary in process report. Upon arrival, he was met by
the homeowner who stated that he was in the shower when he heard the doorbell ring and several loud bangs
on the door so he exited the shower and made way towards the door. As he got close to the door, he saw a
male standing in his front entryway. The suspect then saw him, ran out the door and took off in a dark grey 4
-door sedan. The suspect was described as an adult white male, mid 20’s, approximately 5’8”-5’10” and
weighing approximately 180 pounds. The suspect gained entry into the home by using a tool to pry the front
door open. There was damage to the front door but nothing was taken from the home. The area was
checked for the vehicle/suspect description but no luck.
THEFT OF GAS FRIDAY 14:35 HOURS
Officer Phil McCarty was inside a local gas station when an employee approached him and pointed to a white
SUV that had just pumped $35.89 worth of gas and was leaving the parking lot at a high rate of speed.
McCarty got in his vehicle and eventually caught up to the suspect vehicle. McCarty made contact with the
driver and passenger and asked them if they had just left the gas station without paying for gas and they said
they did. Both parties were placed in the rear of the squad. In questioning the driver, he stated that he was
unaware the gas wasn't paid for as the passenger was the initial driver, pumped the gas and then asked his
friend if he wanted to drive. McCarty then questioned the passenger who stated that he tried to pay with his
credit card but it didn't work so he just pumped the gas and left. The driver was able to leave, the vehicle
registered to the passenger was towed and he was taken to Dakota County Jail on theft charges.
THEFT OF GAS SUNDAY 19:13 HOURS
Officer Steve Hilyar responded to a local gas station on a theft of gas report. Upon arrival, he was met by
store employee who stated that Hispanic male, 20-25 years old, approximately 5’8” and 150lbs, pumped
$29.06 worth of gas and left in a grey or silver GM product without paying. Hilyar ran the plate of the
suspect vehicle and it listed to a silver Chevrolet. Hilyar made contact with the registered owner who stated
that his daughter had his vehicle parked at her boyfriends house in St. Paul while she went out of town with
him. The father then went and checked on the vehicle and discovered its front and rear plates were missing.
He was advised to notify SPPD of the plate theft. The video surveillance at the gas station did not cover the
pump where the theft occurred. No suspects at this time.
BURGLARY SUNDAY 20:14 HOURS
Officer Robin Nelson was dispatched to a residence on an after the fact burglary that had taken place. Nelson
met with the homeowner who stated that when she returned home, she noticed the curtain to her back deck
was open and the door was unlocked which was not how she left it. She then walked into her bedroom and
found the pillows had been thrown to the ground, jewelry boxes taken out from the closet and totes with
bank statements rummaged through. This is when she called 9-1-1. Nelson arrived and cleared the home. A
walk through was performed and the front door was found to be damaged as if tools were used to pry the
door open. Nelson advised the homeowner to change bank account numbers and make a list of anything she
finds missing. Case pending.
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RECKLESS DRIVING MONDAY 22:32 HOURS
While on routine patrol, Officer Mike Shepard observed a vehicle going 97mph in a 55mph zone. He then
attempted to follow the vehicle and witnessed it weaving in and out of other vehicles, disobey a stop sign, and
pass in a no passing zone. Shepard stopped the vehicle and ordered him to turn the vehicle off. He made
contact with the driver and asked what he was doing and the driver stated “I’m about to S@#$ my pants right
now.” Shepard said were you really driving 97mph because you have to use the bathroom and again he said,
“yes, I’m about to S@#$ my pants right now.” Shepard asked for his identification and observed that he had
an extensive driving history so he issued him a citation for reckless driving.
CARELESS DRIVING WEDNESDAY 23:52 HOURS
While on routine patrol, Sergeant Bobby Lambert saw and heard a vehicle with tires squealing, engine revving
and traveling at a high rate of speed toward him. The vehicle as swerving back and forth and had a headlight
out. Lambert stopped the vehicle and made contact with the juvenile driver who stated that he and his friend
were on their way to get a pizza. The two juveniles were warned for curfew and the driver was issued a citation
for careless driving.
IDENTITY THEFT THURSDAY 13:36 HOURS
Officer Steve Hilyar spoke with a complainant who stated that her credit card company called to say a male
was attempting to gain access to her credit card account over the phone. The card and since been canceled
and a new card was issued. There was no loss on the account.
THEFT THURSDAY 13:43 HOURS
Officer Todd Rosse responded to a business on a theft report. Upon arrival, he was met by the warehouse
manager who stated that sometime overnight, suspects tampered with their tractor/semi and stole parts off of
the tractor. The loss was approximately $70. There are no suspects at this time.
DISPUTE THURSDAY 20:31 HOURS
Sergeant Bobby Lambert and Officer Steve Hilyar responded to an apartment complex on an ongoing dispute
neighbor dispute. The RP states that the neighbor children have been being loud and hanging around the
property late at night. The RP was once confronted by the mother of the children and did admit to stating
that her son is an army ranger and owns guns. Lambert spoke with the mother of the children who stated that
the RP is the aggressor and that this was the first she’s heard of the complaints. Lambert advised the RP to
stop making threats and the mother of the children to limit time spent on property and utilize the park across
the street.
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10/09 ‐ 10/15 2015 YTD
Calls for Service 121 5,718
Citations 15 436
Warnings 17 583
Police Reports 18 869
Response Time Average 4.65 5.40
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 or email
jennyf@mendota‐heights.com 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
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!
3RD ANNUAL
TIP-A-COP
Saturday, October 24th
is the naƟonwide Ɵp‐a‐
cop at all Red Robin
locaƟons.
Police Officers from
around the metro will
be the “celebrity”
servers!
Any Ɵps that the cops
receive will go directly
towards Special
Olympics MN.
The event is hosted at
the lunch hour and
dinner hour.
11:00am‐3:00pm
4:00pm‐8:00pm
This is a great family
fun event and we hope
to see you there!