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07 01 16 JTF 1 The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department CHIEF Mike Aschenbrener SERGEANTS Eric Petersen Tanner Spicer Peyton Fleming POLICE OFFICERS John Larrive Todd Rosse Jeff VonFeldt 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 Shayna Hoechst Becky Pentel RESERVES Randy Pentel Jim Knox Jeff Parker Jon Clayton Dan Iverson CHAPLAINS Butch Millett John Snider Alberto Vargas Lynn Liberman Sue Plucker Joel Detlefsen Lenny Andrie JULY 01, 2016 FIREWORKS In a 75‐56 vote, the Minnesota House passed a bill to expand the state’s list of legal ﬁreworks. Under the bill, “aerial and audible devices,” like bottle rockets and ﬁrecrackers, could be sold and used legally. Current law allows only sparklers and other novelty devices. This bill clearly states that a town, city or township has the authority to limit or restrict the sales or use of ﬁreworks.” Minnesota ﬁre chiefs association and other safety minded organizations are strongly opposed. Rep. Joe Atkins, DFL‐Inver Grove Heights, said the aerial ﬁreworks are much more powerful. “There’s no way that you’re not going to see greater injuries, not just in frequency but in severity,” Atkins said. “So while I’m pro‐fun and pro‐freedom, I’m also pro‐ﬁngers and pro‐eyes.” Governor Mark Dayton vetoed a similar ﬁreworks bill in 2012 and he remains opposed to an expansion. FIREWORKS SAFETY Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks. Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting. A responsible adult SHOULD supervise all firework activities. Never give fireworks to children. Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show. Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks. Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away. Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles. Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water. Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby. Never carry fireworks in your POCKET or shoot them into METAL or GLASS containers. Do not experiment with homemade fireworks. Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day. FAA regulations PROHIBIT the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage. Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department. 2 DISTURB THE PEACE THURSDAY 1229 HOURS Officer Jenny Fordham and Sergeant Tanner Spicer reported to a local motel on a disturbance. The disturbance ended up being domestic as a boyfriend/girlfriend were having a verbal argument that was ap- proaching the physical level with their children present Officers intervened and calmed down the parties. The parties were reminded of how their action were impacting their children. Officers were helped coordinate arrangements for a cooling off period to ensure the safety of the children and the parties involved. DAMAGED PROPERTY/H&R MONDAY 1121 HOURS MH City staff reported that the park gate at the Historic Pilot Knob site was again damaged. Upon arrival, further inspection by Officer Todd Rosse showed the gate had been struck by a vehicle which had left the scene. The vehicle part left on scene identified it as probably coming from a full size GMC sport utility or pick-up truck with a headlight lens missing. Property checked into evidence and photos of the scene were taken. FOUND PROPERTY MONDAY 1600 HOURS Officer Fordham responded to the lobby to take custody of a found backpack. The blue backpack was found near the bike trails near Old Hwy 13 & the Hwy 55 bridge (Scenic Overlook area). The backpack was clean and nothing was found within to identify the owner. Item placed into property for safekeeping. CRISIS TUESDAY 1854 HOURS Officer Nick Gorgos and Sergeant Peyton Fleming responded to a residence on report of suicide threats. The party had allegedly written a note to their spouse with intentions and then had left the residence. The man did return just before officers arrived and spoke with them. He did deny writing such intentions but other remarks made indicated worrisome thoughts. Officers put him in touch with Dakota County Crisis who offered some resources. FOUND PROPERTY TUESDAY 1939 HOURS An employee found a loaded firearm lying on the grass near the road close to a business. The firearm was damaged with marks consistent with being thrown from a vehicle. Firearm was not listed as stolen and was placed into property for safekeeping. TRESPASSING WEDNESDAY 1345 HOURS A resident responded to the lobby and spoke with Officer John Larrive about her neighbor. The resident has guardianship over the property previously owned and occupied by her parents. A neighbor reportedly has not only stolen property from the property but also dumps her garbage without permission in the roll-off dump- ster on the property. The neighbor has been spoken with about this issue but have received no cooperation. Officer Larrive spoke with the offending party and advised them of possible charges if the behavior continues. Owners were advised to call police if the neighbor returns. 3 TRAVEL SAFE! It a busy travel season right now with many people planning a fun trip camping or going to the cabin for the holiday weekend. According to the MN State Patrol we are in the middle of the 100 deadliest days of summer on MN roadways. ALWAYS REMEMBER TO: Make sure everyone is BUCKLED UP! Slow DOWN and obey posted speed limits. Pay attention to the roadway! Don’t let dis- tractions keep you from being safe. Secure your load if you are towing or hauling ANTHING! Stay SOBER while driving! 2016 YTD Calls for Service Citations Warnings Police Reports Response Time Average 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 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!