08 18 17 JTF
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The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department
CHIEF
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
Philip McCarty
Weston Raberge
Peter Renteria
Cara Hogan
INVESTIGATIONS
Chad Willson
SCHOOL RESOURCE
OFFICER
Steve Hilyar
COMMUNITY SERVICE
OFFICER
Eric Hagelee
SUPPORT STAFF
Kim Henning
Trista Miller
Shayna Hoechst
Becky Pentel
RESERVES
Jim Knox
Jeff Parker
CHAPLAINS
Butch Millett
John Snider
Alberto Vargas
Lynn Liberman
Sue Plucker
Joel Detlefsen
Lenny Andrie
AUGUST 18, 2017
Distracted or inattentive driving is when a driver engages in any activity that might
distract them from the primary task of driving — and increases their risk of crashing.
According to the Department of Public Safety, each year in Minnesota, distracted or
inattentive driving is a factor in one in four crashes, resulting in at least 70 deaths and
350 serious injuries. OTS estimates these numbers are vastly underreported due to law
enforcement’s challenge in determining distraction as a crash factor. While many
motorists may perceive driving as a routine activity, attentive driving is critical as the
traffic environment changes constantly and drivers must be prepared to react.
An attentive driver is a defensive driver – take action now to keep you and others safe on
the road and to prevent being charged with one of these violations:
169.14.1 - DUTY TO DRIVE WITH DUE CARE: No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a
speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions. Every driver is responsi-
ble for becoming and remaining aware of the actual and potential hazards then existing on
the highway and must use due care in operating a vehicle. In every event speed shall be so
restricted as may be necessary to avoid colliding with any person, vehicle or other convey-
ance on or entering the highway in compliance with legal requirements and the duty of all
persons to use due care.
169.13 – RECKLESS OR CARELESS DRIVING: Distracted drivers can be ticketed for reckless or
careless driving when their actions demonstrate a disregard for the safety or rights of
others.
169:475.2(a) - USE OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICES: a.) No person may operate a
motor vehicle while using a wireless communications device to compose, read, or send an
electronic message, when the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic. (b) A person who
violates paragraph (a) a second or subsequent time must pay a fine of $225, plus the amount
specified in the uniform fine schedule established by the Judicial Council.
171.05 - PROVISIONAL DRIVERS (TEEN DRIVERS UNDER AGE 18): It is illegal for drivers under
age 18 to use a cell phone, whether hand-held or hands-free — except to call 911 in an
emergency.
169.443.9(b) - SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS: Cell use is totally banned for school bus drivers.
It was just an email
It was just one glance
It was just a text
It was just a bite
It was just a quick call
It was just a short trip
It was just one drink
It was just one picture
“Just” is all it takes
“It Was Just…”
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PD ACCIDENT — Marie Ave/Trail Rd 8/11/2107, 1653 HOURS
Officers responded to a two vehicle property damage accident. Driver one was struck from behind while
waiting for a pedestrian to cross. Driver two stated she was grabbing snacks from her bag so did not see
the vehicle stopped in front of her causing her to collide. No injuries. One vehicle towed.
TRAFFIC STOP/DRUGS — I35E/Hwy 13 8/11/2107, 2022 HOURS
Officers observed a vehicle with its brake light out of order so conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of
I35E and Hwy 13. Officers made contact with the driver who stated that he did not have a drivers license.
Officers could smell burnt marijuana coming from the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed a meth pipe
and two plastic bags of methamphetamine. The vehicle was towed and driver was transported to Dakota
County Jail.
AOA/PD ACCIDENT — I494/Dodd Rd 8/13/2107, 0338 HOURS
Officers assisted State Patrol with a property damage accident. The vehicle involved was turned sideways
on I494E; there were no other vehicles involved. The passenger of the vehicle did not know where the
driver was.
MENTAL HEALTH — 1XXX Victoria Rd 8/13/2107, 2308 HOURS
Crisis Response notified MHPD of a crisis situation in which a female was making statements of making
harm to herself. Officers responded to the home and made contact with the female. The female was upset
the police arrived and wanted police to leave. Police agreed to leave as long as she called Crisis Response.
She agreed and Crisis told officers they felt comfortable in them leaving.
TRAFFIC STOP/DRUG PARAPHERNALIA — Ridge Pl/Dodd Rd 8/14/2107, 0024 HOURS
Officers observed a vehicle with its passenger side headlight not working. A traffic stop was conducted and
the plate came back as revoked. Contact was made with the driver who admitted she was revoked.
Officers could smell burnt marijuana coming from the vehicle. A search of the vehicle was made and drug
paraphernalia was located in the center counsel. She was issued a citation for Possession of Drug
Paraphernalia.
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE — 2XXX Pilot Knob Rd 8/14/2107, 1630 HOURS
Officers responded to a local business on a theft from vehicle report. He made contact with the victim who
stated that his business cell phone was stolen from his truck over the weekend and the entire cab was
rummaged through. There was no surveillance covering the area where the truck was parked. No suspects.
LITTERING — I35E/Hwy 13 8/14/2107, 1139 HOURS
Littering complaint that occurred near the intersection of Hwy 13 and Lilydale Rd. The complainant
observed a vehicle in front of her stop abruptly, roll the window down and saw a young juvenile male
throw what appeared to be a gas can at a bicyclist. The bicyclist was not hit. The complainant was able to
capture a photo of the vehicle. Officer tried to contact the registered owner but was unable to leave a
voicemail.
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RECOVERED PROPERTY — 2XXX Hwy 55 8/15/2017, 0156 HOURS
Officer located a coin operated news paper dispenser near the woods on the side of the road. The
dispenser had markings for Pioneer Press. Pioneer Press was contacted and advised how to retrieve the
property.
HIT & RUN — 1XXX Pilot Knob Rd 8/15/2017, 1102 HOURS
Officer received a complaint via phone regarding a hit and run that had just occurred. Complainant
witnessed a Fed-Ex driver hit his neighbors truck and attempted to leave until he saw the complainant. Fed
-Ex driver then got out to place a note on the truck but as he was about to leave, grabbed the note back
and sped away. Photos of the Fed-Ex truck were captured from the complainant. Case pending.
PD ACCIDENT — Hwy 13/Wachtler Ave 8/16/2017, 1651 HOURS
Officers responded to an accident at the intersection of Hwy 13 and Wachtler. Vehicle one was waiting for
traffic to clear to turn left onto southbound Hwy 13. Vehicle two struck vehicle one from behind.
DWI/HIT & RUN — 1XXX Hwy 13 8/16/2017, 1713 HOURS
Officers were dispatched to a property damage hit and run accident. The RP was able to get a license plate
number, vehicle description and mentioned the vehicle parked at a nearby business. Officers went to the
area and located the vehicle parked partially on the sidewalk, windshield wipers going, keys in the ignition,
a beer bottle, and showing severe damage to the vehicle. The suspect was located, submitted to a breath
test and transported to Dakota County Jail for DWI.
THEFT — 1XXX Delaware Ave 8/16/2017, 2200 HOURS
Officers responded to location on a theft from vehicle report. He made contact with the vehicle owner who
stated that sometime overnight, someone had stolen the rims and tires from his GMC pick-up. No suspects
at this time.
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8/11 – 8/17 2017 YTD
Calls for Service 148 6,116
Citations 6 624
Warnings 20 568
Police Reports 20 710
Response Time Average 6.54 5.44
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 Car Seat Safety Checks. If you or someone
you know is in need of some assistance in installing a
car seat the proper way or just simply need advice,
we’re here to help! Please contact MHPD CSO,
Eric Hagelee to schedule an appointment.
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.
Questions/Comments?
Email us at:
pdrecords@
mendota-heights.com
HAVE A SAFE WEEK!
This year’s class almost full!
Don’t miss your chance to
join the 2017 class!
Classes begin September 14
and run through November
16 on Thursday night,
from 6-9:30 pm.
Each Thursday night covers
an aspect of policing such
as: traffic stops, DWI and
investigations. You’ll learn
use of force tactics and go
to the gun range. There are
also several “field trips”
which include the Dakota
Co. Sheriff’s Office, 911
center, MH Fire Dept. and
also a tour and discussion
panel with inmates at the
Dakota Co. Jail!
Help us reinforce and
promote strong citizen and
police partnerships, the
foundation of safe, strong
communities. Interested in
being part of the 2017
Citizen’s Academy?
Apply by 8/25
CLICK HERE TO APPLY!
Mendota heights
police department
Dakota county
sheriff’s office