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The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department
SEPTEMBER 28, 2018
CHIEF
Kelly McCarthy
CAPTAIN
Wayne Wegener
SERGEANTS
Eric Petersen
Tanner Spicer
Peyton Fleming
POLICE OFFICERS
John Larrive
Todd Rosse
Chad Willson
Jeff VonFeldt
Philip McCarty
Weston Raberge
Peter Renteria
Cara Hogan
Tony Patton
Ryan Yauch
Tommy Albindia
Eric Hagelee
INVESTIGATIONS
Nick Gorgos
SCHOOL RESOURCE
OFFICER
Steve Hilyar
COMMUNITY SERVICE
OFFICER
Coming soon!
SUPPORT STAFF
Kim Richter
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
the mn crosswalk law: key elements
Drivers must stop for crossing pedestrians at marked crosswalks and at all
intersections without crosswalks or stop lights.
Pedestrians must obey traffic signs and signals at all intersections that have them.
Vehicles stopped for pedestrians can proceed once the pedestrian has completely
crossed the lane in front of the stopped vehicle.
Pedestrians must not enter a crosswalk if a vehicle is approaching and it is
impossible for the driver to stop. There is no defined distance that a pedestrian
must abide before entering the crosswalk; use common sense.
When a vehicle is stopped at an intersection to allow pedestrians to cross the
roadway, drivers of other vehicles approaching from the rear must not pass the
stopped vehicle.
Failure to obey the law is a misdemeanor. A second violation within one year is a
gross misdemeanor. MNSS 1999, Chapter 169.21 – Pedestrian Law
Mendota Heights has approximately 15 pedestrian
crosswalks with a sign to alert drivers. Of those 15, 10
also have stripes on the roadway. There is only one
crosswalk that has a sign, the stripped roadway and activate lights. This
crosswalk is located at Dodd Road and S. Plaza Drive near the MHFD. Upon
completion of the roadwork on Dodd Road, south of Hwy 62 (old Hwy 110) there
will be a center median with a pedestrian crosswalk at Dodd Road and Decorah.
tips for drivers:
Be aware that MN law requires you to stop for pedestrians in a marked crosswalk
or an intersection with no marked crosswalk, where there are no traffic control
signals present.
Follow all posted speed limits. Be especially aware where children are present
such as near schools, parks and residential areas.
The elderly pedestrian may take more time to cross.
tips for pedestrians:
Make sure that motorists can see you. Wear florescent colored clothing during
daylight hours and, if walking when it’s dark, make sure you have a flashlight and
wear retroreflective material.
Know what traffic control signals mean. Do not enter a crosswalk while the
“Don’t Walk” sign is flashing. Be alert to turning vehicles even if the “Walk” signal
is on.
Walk against the flow of traffic.
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MHPD Officers will also be participating!
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BURGLARY - 7XX HWY 62 09/21/18 0313 HOURS
Dispatched to an alarm at the 700 block of Hwy 62. Upon arrival officer was advised there was forced
entry. Officers searched building. Investigator contacted. Report written.
THEFT FROM AUTO – 23XX LEXINGTON AVE S 09/21/18, 1246 HOURS
Officer took a report of motor vehicle tampering and theft from the 2300 block of Lexington Ave. Party had
their vehicle entered and items were taken. No suspects known. Officer gave suggestions of how to keep
their vehicle and belongings safe. Case status: Inactive.
ABANDONED VEHICLE – SYLVANDALE RD/WOODRIDGE DR 09/21/18, 1545 HOURS
Officer responded to a parking recheck of an abandoned vehicle. The vehicle was still parked in the same
location. Owner cited, vehicle towed.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - BEEBE AVE 09/17/18, 1713 HOURS
Responded to Beebe Ave on report of Damage to Property. Homeowner noticed a flat tire on Monday 9/17
and kept filling it with air until changing the tire on Wednesday 9/19. A screw was found sticking out of the
sidewall. Possibly related to similar incidents in the area that were discussed on social media. No suspects
or witnesses.
STOP ARM VIOLATION – 1XXX DELAWARE AVE 09/21/18, 0820 HOURS
Officer was assigned a School Bus Stop Arm Violation complaint that occurred on 9/21/2018 at
approximately 0820 hours. The school bus driver reported that a driver intentionally drove through the
school bus stop arm while it was deployed and red lights flashing. The complainant also stated there were
children actively getting onto the bus at the time of the infraction. The driver was unable to get the correct
license plate of the suspect vehicle but described the vehicle as a light blue Dodge Caliber.
TRAFFIC – DAR/NO INSURANCE 09/22/18, 1256 HOURS
Officer conducted a traffic stop for expired registration near southbound 35E and Lone Oak Road. Upon
investigation it was found that the owner, who was also the driver, did not have any insurance on the
vehicle. The owner was cited and the vehicle was towed.
PROPERTY DAMAGE – 13XX SIBLEY MEMORIAL 9/23/18, 1816 HOURS
Officer was dispatched to the 1300 block of Sibley Memorial Highway on a report of damage to property.
Officer arrived and spoke to the victim who stated his car was keyed and believes it occurred while he was
parked between 1630-1810 hours. Victim had no suspect information. Officer took a report for insurance
purposes.
ILLEGAL DUMPING - 7XX WENTWORTH AVE 09/23/2033 HOURS
While on routine patrol of a city park in the 700 block of Wentworth Avenue, observed two chairs that had
been illegally dumped in the park. No suspect information. Mendota Heights Public Works notified and
requested for pickup.
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CURFEW VIOLATION – 7XX MENDOTA HTS RD 09/24/18, 0030 HOURS
Officer observed a vehicle parked at closed school on the 700 block of Mendota Heights Road. Upon
investigation, the officer discovered an Uber driver had just dropped off three juveniles. The juveniles stated
they came to the school to meet up with another friend and go to their house. Officer contacted each
juvenile’s parents who came and picked their children up. Officer cited each juvenile for curfew violation.
MISSING PERSON – 5XX HUBER DR 09/24/18, 0229 HOURS
Mother called to report daughter missing. Daughter was here visiting from out-of-town and was not
responding to calls or texts. Person entered into NCIC. Female party ultimately located thru friends. Case
closed.
FOUND PROPERTY – 1XXX PARK CIRCLE 09/24/18, 0850 HOURS
Party responded to lobby to report and turn in found property near Wentworth Park. A possible owner was
ultimately identified, confirmed and later reunited with property. Case closed.
TRAILER THEFT – HWY 62/DODD RD 09/24/18, 1045 HOURS
Officers took a phone report of a trailer that had been stolen from the intersection of Hwy 62 and Dodd Rd.
The reporting party had already recovered the trailer but entrance was gained to the cargo area earlier that
morning. Report made.
FOUND PROPERTY – DODD RD/WENTWORTH AVE 09/24/18, 1247 HOURS
Responded to MHPD concerning found property. A wallet was located near Dodd and Wentworth;
identifications were located inside. Owner was located and all property was returned.
4TH DEG DWI – MENDOTA HTS RD/NORTHLAND DR 09/25/18, 0152 HOURS
Officer was flagged down while driving and told about an erratic driver near the intersection of Mendota
Heights Road and Northland Drive. The vehicle was followed and stopped after negative driving conduct was
observed. The driver admitted to drinking and was put through field sobriety testing. The driver was
arrested for DWI.
FOUND PROPERTY – BRIDGEVIEW CT/MENDOTA HEIGHTS RD 09/25/18, 0832 HOURS
Responded to MHPD concerning found property. A cell phone was located by a resident near Bridgeview Ct
and Mendota Heights Rd. The phone had been dropped off to staff. The phone has a security lock and
cannot be accessed. I contacted T-Mobile but they would not provide any further assistance.
AUTO THEFT - 23XX LEXINGTON AVE S 09/25/18, 1202 HOURS
Officers responded to the 2300 block of Lexington Ave on reports of a theft of a vehicle from a garage. Upon
arrival the reporting party stated that his vehicle was stolen from the garage sometime between yesterday
and today. The keys and garage door opener were stolen a few days prior. Report was written and vehicle
was entered as stolen.
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DANCO VIOLATION – 1XXX DAKOTA DR 09/25/18, 1253 HOURS
Reporting party in the lobby provided information on a violation of a domestic abuse no contact order from
the 1000 block of Dakota Drive. Officers published a KOPS alert to surrounding agencies. Report made.
5TH DEG DRUGS – 2XXX DELAWARE AVE 09/25/18, 2346 HOURS
Officer performed a traffic stop on a speeding motorist. The driver and passenger admitted to smoking
marijuana and showed officers the drugs they were currently smoking. A vehicle search was conducted and a
larger amount of individual bags of marijuana were found and seized. The driver admitted to selling
marijuana. Forwarded to the Dakota County Attorney’s Office/Drug Task Force.
THEFT – 2XXX LEXINGTON AVE S 09/26/1203 HOURS
Officer took a theft report that occurred at the 2100 block of Lexington Ave. Party said that flower vases have
been taken from his family’s monument. No suspects known. Party also said that there may be more vases
missing from other sites. Case status inactive.
THEFT FROM AUTO – 1XXX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 09/26/18, 1620 HOURS
Officer responded to the 1300 block of Highway 13 on a call of a theft from motor vehicle. Report taken, no
suspects at this time.
BURGLARY – 2XXX COPPERFIELD DR 09/26/18, 2042 HOURS
Officer responded to the 2200 block of Copperfield Drive on a report of some items stolen from an attached
garage, including two sets of golf clubs. No suspects at this time.
ACCIDENT – 7XX SOUTH PLAZA DR 09/27/18, 1406 HOURS
Officer responded to a two vehicle accident. No injuries reported, minor damage to one vehicle. Parties
exchanged information. Report only.
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09/21 – 09/27 2018 YTD
Calls for Service 248 9,193
Citations 40 1,455
Warnings 62 1,662
Police Reports 25 831
Response Time Average 5.50 6.61
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.
SERVICE TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE
Please visit the MN DPS for more information on child
passenger safety and for a list of locations to get a car seat
safety check.
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!
National Railroad
Safety Week
Sept 23rd—Sept 29th
Approximately every three
hours in the U.S., a person
or vehicle is hit by a train.
Know your signals and
signs:
passive:
Signs that alert motorists that
they are approaching a
highway-rail grade crossing.
active:
Electronic devices that warn
the motorist of the approach,
or presence, of rail traffic at
grade crossings.
CLICK HERE to see types of
railway signs.
*95% of all rail-related deaths
involve drivers going through
a crossing or a person on the
tracks
*Pedestrians who choose to
walk or play around railroad
tracks are trespassing on
private property and could be
fined, seriously injured or
killed.
ALWAYS EXPECT A TRAIN!
Interested in scheduling a FREE
highway-rail safety presentation?
Contact your local Operation
Lifesaver Volunteer today!