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07 19 19 JTF 1 The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department JULY 19, 2019 CHIEF Kelly McCarthy CAPTAIN Wayne Wegener SERGEANTS Eric Petersen Tanner Spicer Peyton Fleming POLICE OFFICERS John Larrive Todd Rosse Chad Willson Philip McCarty Weston Raberge Peter Renteria Cara Hogan Tony Patton Ryan Yauch Tommy Albindia Eric Hagelee Leif Vandersteen INVESTIGATIONS Nick Gorgos SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER Steve Hilyar COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICER Josh Rosenberry 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 Mike VerWay What can I do under the new law? The new law allows a driver to use their cell phone to make calls, text, listen to music or podcasts and get directions, but only by voice commands or single-touch activation without holding the phone. Remember, hands-free is not necessarily distraction-free. What can’t I do with my phone under the new law? You may not hold your phone in your hand. Also, a driver may not use their phone at any time for video calling, video live-streaming, Snapchat, gaming, looking at video or photos stored on the phone, using non-navigation apps, reading texts and scrolling or typing on the phone. Can I ever hold my phone? Yes. Hand-held phone use is allowed to obtain emergency assistance, if there is an immediate threat to life and safety, or when in an authorized emergency vehicle while performing official duties. Can I use a GPS navigation device? Yes. GPS and other systems that can only be used for navigation are exempt from the Hands-Free law. In-car screens and systems are also exempt. In both cases, most of these systems lock when the vehicle is moving. Is it against the new law to hold a phone in a hijab or other type of headscarf or wrap? Having a cell phone tucked into a headscarf or head wrap is not against the hands - free cell phone law. The phone must be securely situated to remain hands-free and must not block the driver’s vision in any way. What would be against the new law is if the driver removed the phone and held it in their hand while they were a part of traffic. At no time may a driver hold the phone in their hand unless it ’s to obtain emergency assistance, if there is an immediate threat to life and safety, or when in an authorized emergency vehicle while performing official duties. The new law does allow a driver to use their cell phone to make calls, text, listen to music or podcasts and get directions, but only by voice commands or single-touch activation without holding the phone. 2 DWI — 35E/HWY 13 07/12/19, 0050 HOURS Officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle near the intersection of Interstate 35E and Shepard Road. After investigation, the adult male driver showed signs of impairment and was placed under arrest. The driver refused to take the evidentiary breath test and was transported to jail. IMPOUND — 1XXX DODD RD 07/12/19, 0255 HOURS Officer observed a vehicle parked at a closed business on the 1600 block of Dodd Road. Officer checked on the vehicle which was unoccupied. Officer observed a firearm in the driver's door. Officer took custody of the firearm and the vehicle was impounded. Officer made contact with the owner who stated he intentionally left his vehicle parked at the business and knows he left his firearm in plain view. MAIL THEFT — 1XXX DODD RD 07/12/19, 0914 HOURS An officer took a report of mail that was stolen from a mailbox on the 1200 block of Dodd Road. The mail was outgoing and in the mailbox with the flag up when the item was taken. FORGERY/COUNTERFEITING — 1XXX JAMES RD 07/12/19, 1157 HOURS Officer dispatched to call the reporting party regarding possible check fraud. It was learned mail was stolen from the reporting party's mailbox and a check, issued to the reporting party, had been altered and cashed by someone else. Similar report was taken in the same neighborhood at the same time. TRAFFIC STOP/MARIJUANA — HWY 62/CHARLTON RD 07/13/19, 0009 HOURS Officer was on routine patrol when he witnessed a traffic violation. Vehicle stopped and driver identified. Officer could smell the odor of burnt marijuana coming from the vehicle. Officer searched the vehicle and located a small amount of marijuana. Gathered information and driver cited. DUMPING/LITTERING — VALENCOUR CIR/ACACIA BLVD 07/13/19, 0908 HOURS An officer observed a party throwing debris into the road ditch near the intersection of Valencour Circle & Acacia Boulevard. The suspect was ultimately issued a citation for unlawfully depositing garbage. HIT & RUN — 2XXX DODD RD 07/13/19, 2107 HOURS Officer dispatched to a PD Accident/ Hit and Run at the 2000 block of Dodd Rd. The reporting party stated that a vehicle hit a parked vehicle that was in the lot and then drove away. The reporting party was able to get a license plate number for the suspect vehicle. Officer gathered information and report written. Case pending further investigation. TRAFFIC STOP/DRUGS — DODD RD/CREEK AVE 07/14/19, 0103 HOURS Officer came across a vehicle stopped in the middle of the intersection of Dodd Road and Decorah Lane. Officer followed vehicle to Dodd and Creek Avenue. Vehicle was stopped, searched, and driver was arrested for possession of controlled substances. Driver was booked into the Dakota County Jail. Case forwarded to the Dakota County Drug Task Force. 3 DWI — SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY/WACHTLER AVE 07/14/19, 0250 HOURS Officers were dispatched to a suspicious activity call at the 500 block of Kirchner Ave. The reporting party stated that two males got out of their vehicle and were acting suspicious. The reporting party advised that the males got back into the vehicle and drove away. Officer located vehicle and witnessed the vehicle fail to come to a complete stop at stop sign. Officer stopped vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was later determined to be intoxicated and was arrested for DWI. BURGLARY — 6XX CALLAHAN PL 07/14/19, 0657 HOURS An officer responded to the 600 block of Callahan Place on the report of a burglary that had just occurred. A witness described the suspect and the vehicle. Officers located the suspect and placed him under arrest. The property was recovered and returned to the owner. DAMAGE TO PROPERTY — 2XXX DODD RD 07/14/19, 1042 HOURS An officer took a report of damage to property on the 2200 block of Dodd Road. The victim's trailer had a tire slashed sometime over the past week. DAMAGE TO PROPERTY — 1XXX LONDON RD 07/14/19, 1058 HOURS Victim's vehicle, garage area and front screen door were vandalized in the 1000 block of London Rd. Unknown suspects. Case Inactive. DAMAGE TO PROPERTY — 6XX BUTLER AVE 07/14/19, 1542 HOURS Officer responded to the report of vandalism on the 600 block of Butler Ave. Sometime overnight, a vehicle drove through a property and tore up the grass. Under investigation. FRAUD — 1XXX 2ND ST 07/15/19, 1320 HOURS Officer was dispatched to the PD lobby to speak with a resident who believed she was victim of check fraud. The resident attempted to sell her vehicle on Craigslist and fell victim to a scam involving cashiers checks. FRAUD — 2XXX DODD RD 07/15/19, 1506 HOURS Officers were called to the 2100 block of Dodd Road for a reported theft. A work trailer had been gone through sometime overnight and several items had been taken. Officers checked local pawn shops for evidence of the stolen items but found none. There is no suspect information at this time. The case is inactive. THEFT — 9XX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 07/16/19, 1227 HOURS MHPD Officers dispatched to the 900 block of Hwy 13 on a theft. Male suspect left in a vehicle, but the vehicle could not be located. Investigation active. DAMAGE TO PROPERTY — 1XXX CLEMENT ST 07/17/19, 0555 HOURS Officer responded to location on a report of damage to a vehicle that had happened overnight. No suspects. 4 TAMPER W/MOTOR VEHICLE — 1XXX DELAWARE AVE 07/17/19, 0715 HOURS Responded to the 1800 block of Delaware Avenue on a report that unknown person/s have been moving a piece of construction equipment over the last several days. Crime/loss prevention was discussed as well as notifying the property owner of the incident. No suspects or evidence. Case is closed. SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES — 1XXX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 07/17/19, 0920 HOURS Officers responded to a report that an environmental company drilling core samples had located bone fragments 35 feet below the ground and they were uncertain if they were human or not. The fragments were turned over to the State Archaeologist for examination and the MN Bureau of Indian Affairs was notified. Case pending results. DOMESTIC — 1XXX NORTHLAND DR 07/17/19, 1151 HOURS Officers were dispatched to a 911 hang up. Officers made contact with the occupants of the hotel. They were arguing about a cell phone and an ID card. Female made threats to smash a TV and then called 911 and hung up. The male allegedly held female against the wall and was struck in the head by the female. No indications of an assault and there was no damage to the room. Parties were separated. POSSESSION OF STOLEN PROPERTY — 5XX ANNAPOLIS ST 07/17/19, 1504 HOURS Speed violation in the 500 block of Annapolis St. Stopped vehicle, no plates, no 21 day temp. Driver ID'd by MN ID—revoked. Driver and passenger did not know who owned the vehicle. Several calls to potential owners, no positive proof of ownership. Vehicle impounded, driver and passenger jailed. Case under investigation. 5 07/12 - 07/18 2019 YTD Calls for Service 227 6,631 Police Reports 32 651 Citations 41 944 Warnings 69 1,425 Response Time Average 7.98 6.57 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 Vacation/House Check Request online form is available on our website; you can also complete a form found in our lobby, or simply give us a call! MHPD offers a Medication Disposal Box in the lobby of the PD where Dakota County residents can safely & anonymously dispose of their prescription drug medication. This program is mainly meant to keep narcotics off the streets and dispose of medications in environmentally sound ways. ** No needles/sharps. Visit the Green Guide for tips. ** Please visit the Dakota County Recycling Zone for helpful resources for all safe disposal solutions. Car Seat Checks—TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE Please visit the MN DPS for more information. TUESDAY AUGUST 6TH, 2019  Bring neighbors together  Build relationships  Get to know your public safety partners  Share safety concerns  Learn crime prevention tips  Great for adults and kids  Enjoy yummy treats  Check out police squads and fire trucks REGISTER BY AUGUST 2ND, 2019 By using the attached form or by going to the city website to complete the form. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU! Questions/Comments? Email us at: pdrecords@ mendota-heights.com Questions? Call our Non-Emergency Line @ 651.452.1366. Need Public Safety Response? Call 911 6