12 09 16 JTF
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The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department
CHIEF
Mike Aschenbrener
CAPTAIN
Kelly McCarthy
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
Philip McCarty
Weston Raberge
Frank LaNasa
INVESTIGATIONS
Chad Willson
SCHOOL RESOURCE
OFFICER
Jennifer Fordham
COMMUNITY SERVICE
OFFICER
Eric Hagelee
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
DECEMBER 9 2016
HOLIDAY INJURIES
Per the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), emergency rooms treat about 10,800
people annually for injuries related to hanging holiday lights, decoraƟons and Christmas
trees. In addiƟon, 11,000 candle‐related fires occur each year, resulƟng in 150 deaths and
1,200 injuries annually, while Christmas trees are involved in about 400 fires annually, re‐
sulƟng in 20 deaths, 70 injuries and an average of more than $15 million in property loss
and damage.
"Few tradiƟons are more beauƟful than candle lighƟng ceremonies during Advent,
Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, but burning candles should never be leŌ unaƩended," says
Consumer Product Safety Commission AcƟng Chairman Thomas Moore. "Keep candles,
matches and lighters away from children and make sure your holiday lights have been
tested for safety by a recognized tesƟng laboratory. We want to prevent wonderful
tradiƟons from becoming holiday tragedies."
Get a free brochure with more holiday decoraƟng safety Ɵps at CPSC's web site
www.cpsc.gov.
After 33 years in law enforcement, Mike Aschenbrener resigned as Chief of
Police this week with the intent to retire, effective January 1, 2017. His
last day in the office is 12/20/16 and he is quite busy wrapping up his
duties and sharing information and tasks to promote departmental
continuity and stability. While we all knew his retirement was imminent,
it was still a surprise. We are very happy for him in his decision to pass
on the reigns and enjoy this next stage of his life with his growing family.
Leadership is a responsibility and the Chief shouldered his with kindness
and integrity. His commitment to the citizens of Mendota Heights,
Mendota and Lilydale has allowed him to handle any crisis with dignity
and grace. Chief Aschenbrener’s strength of character guided him to
consistently take the high road on decisions and resolutions, no matter
how difficult or unpopular they seemed. We are all better for having
worked with him. Chief, we will miss your knowledge, friendship and of
course, your “Barney Rubble” laugh.
We are happy for you and your family and we wish you all this best as
you start your happy, media free, next chapter.
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FRAUD — 1xxx Victoria Rd FRI, 12/02, 1513 HOURS
Officer met with complainant on a fraud report. Complainant was notified by his credit card company that
someone had attempted to use his credit card at a Nieman Marcus store for $880.00. The credit card company
denied the charge. He has since contacted the credit card company to cancel the card which was still in his
possession.
MENTAL HEALTH — Acacia Blvd/Hwy 55 SUN, 12/4, 1157 HOURS
Officers responded to a bridge on a report of a suicidal male. Officers arrived to find the subject and two
passerby’s in the roadway. The male identified himself and made officers aware of his mental health
condition. HealthEast was called and he was transported to the hospital on a health and welfare hold.
IDENTITY THEFT — 2xxx Theresa St MON, 12/5, 1150 HOURS
Officer spoke with complainant regarding credit card fraud. The complainant, a former federal employee and
stated that two years prior, the government agency’s personnel data had been hacked and that in just the past
12 days, five credit card attempts were made that she did not authorize. No loss was incurred and preventative
measures were discussed.
RECOVERED STOLEN VEHICLE — 8xx Highview Circle MON, 12/5, 1349 HOURS
Officers responded to a residence on an abandoned vehicle report. The vehicle was found parked in front of
the residence and came back as a stolen out of a neighboring city. The vehicle was towed.
MENTAL HEALTH — 7xx S. Plaza Dr MON, 12/5, 1358 HOURS
Officers responded to an elderly patient who was being combative with staff. It was determined he was a
danger to himself and others and was transported to the hospital on a health and welfare hold.
FRAUD — 7xx Decorah Ln TUE, 12/6, 0745 HOURS
Officer took a report involving a Craigslist scam. Complainant attempted to sell a table on Craigslist and was
contacted by an interested out of state buyer. Buyer sent seller a check in excess of the amount he was asking
and asked he send the remainder back. Check appeared to be missing security features and was a counterfeit
check. No loss; report only.
FRAUD — 5xx Butler Ave TUE, 12/6, 1303 HOURS
Officer took an after the fact identity report from victim who stated someone opened up a Comcast account in
her name using her social security number. The suspect account belonged to a male out of Detroit, MI. No
loss was incurred and report was forwarded to Detroit PD.
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THEFT — 1xxx Commerce Dr TUE, 12/6, 1832 HOURS
Officer took a theft report from a victim whose Nintendo 3DS was stolen. He stated he last remembered using
the gaming system at his place of business and then discovered it along with eight video games were stolen.
The 3DS company did say that the device was currently in use but could provide nothing further.
THEFT OF FUEL — 2xxx Dodd Rd WED, 12/7, 1132 HOURS
Officers responded to business on a theft of fuel report. A woman pumped $50.75 worth of gasoline,
attempted to pay with a gift card but the balance was zero, then attempted to pay with a credit card in another
person’s name, but employees would not authorize the transaction. Employee then said she could leave her
cell phone for collateral until she came back and paid but then she abruptly took the phone and left without
paying. Area was searched and the vehicle was not located.
DAMAGE TO PROPERTY — 1xxx Lilydale Rd THUR, 12/8, 0820 HOURS
Officer was dispatched to a damage to property report. He arrived at a local sewage transfer building where he
met with building employee who stated that someone entered the building over the weekend and damaged the
plate and lock mechanism. Nothing appeared to be missing.
THEFT OF TRAILER — 1xxx Northland Dr THUR, 12/8, 1445 HOURS
Officer spoke with a victim who stated that he parks his family business trailer in a parking lot of one of their
contracts. On this date, when he arrived to the location, the trailer was missing. The trailer had been locked to
a vehicle. The trailer was entered as stolen. No suspects at this time.
DISTURBING PEACE — 5xx Miriam St FRI, 12/9, 0129 HOURS
Officers responded to a father/daughter domestic arguing in their front yard. No violence or injuries were
present. Both parties agreed to stop arguing and go to sleep.
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12/02‐ 12/08 2016 YTD
Calls for Service 115 8,105
Citations 6 735
Warnings 11 720
Police Reports 21 977
Response Time Average 5.04 5.69
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!
CLICK HERE
MHPD has been socially
accepted into the
social media world!
Staying in touch with our
residents and the public is
important to us. We will
keep you posted on “what’s
happening now” in our city,
in the spirit of public safety.
You will also be able to find
the weekly issue of MHPD’s
“Just The Facts” newsleƩer
there as well.
Stay tuned!