05 03 13 JTF05/03/2013
The Mendota
Heights Police
Department
Support Staff
Kim Henning
Susan Donovan
Trista Miller
Becky Pentel
Police Officers
Jerry Murphy
Scott Patrick
John Larrive
Bobby Lambert
Tanner Spicer
Todd Rosse
Chad Willson
Jeff VonFeldt
Steven Meyer
Denise Urmann
Michael Shepard
Peyton Fleming
School Resource Officer
Jennifer Fordham
Investigations
Mario Reyes
Chad Willson
Sergeants
Neil Garlock
Brian Convery
Eric Petersen
Reserves
Randy Pentel
Jarrod Spicer
Jim Knox
Jeff Parker
George Castillo
Chaplains
Frances Cuenca
Joel Detlefsen
Lynn Liberman
Butch Millett
Sue Plucker
John Snider
David Wick
Chief
Mike Aschenbrener
Fraud Friday 0933 hours
Officer Larrive responded to the MHPD lobby to meet with a citizen who
wanted assistance in preventing phone calls by scammers. Unfortunately,
Officer Larrive soon learned that the resident was already a victim of the
scammers, having given them nearly $8000 in cash cards. She had initially
been told she was a random winner of a sweepstakes, which she had not
entered, and was told she had won over $1 million dollars. However, in order
to claim her prizes, of course she would need to buy a Money Pal cash card
and then provide the card information to them over the phone to allow the
transfer to occur. This occurred several times and the calls became more
harassing in nature. Party was advised to cease taking any phone calls and to
not provide any more funds.
Missing Part Friday 1102 hours
Officer Scott Patrick responded to a manufacturing business on report of a
missing gun part. This part, which, included a serial number, and required
ATF notification along with NCIC entry. The company is fairly certain it was
misplaced, but wanted it entered in the event it is recovered.
Stolen Property Friday 1340 hours
A staff member at a school reported her cell phone was stolen while
monitoring a celebration for a group of students. Officer Jenny Fordham did
some investigation and helped her lock down her phone access and initiate
the tracking option. No further updates yet; investigation inactive.
2nd Degree DWI Friday 1452 hours
Officers responded to a local cemetery on report of an intoxicated male being
disruptive. Dispatch was told the man was alternately singing and yelling and
making references to Satan. He had been there to visit a deceased family
member. Witnesses observed him get into his pickup and drive away from
the area; a plate number was obtained. Officer Scott Patrick and Sergeant
Eric Petersen arrived and found the vehicle in a field. They found the male
talking with people nearby; when approached he stated his dad was buried
there and admitted he had been singing and praying, but had gone to the
main building to look for a job. (Interesting approach, but not usually found
on the “Best Practices” list for job sourcing.) He was ultimately PBT’ed the
sample showed a .223 BAC he was arrested for DWI. Since it was his second
within 10 years (literally 2nd in one year), the vehicle was seized as were all
his license plates. He was taken to the DC jail on Gross Misdemeanor
charges.
Found Knife Friday 1628 hours
Officer Peyton Fleming responded to the home of a resident who had found an
intimidating knife, brought it home, but then didn’t want it. Knife placed into
property room.
“Just the Facts”
The latest news from the Mendota Heights Police Department
05/03/2013
Another DWI Saturday 0059
Officer Denise Urmann, while on patrol, observed a vehicle in front of her weaving across the road,
driving at varying speeds from 45 to 60 mph. Officer Urmann initiated the traffic stop and requested ID
and proof of insurance. The driver fumbled around looking forward, explaining he had simply been
reaching for the Bottle Caps candy he had dropped on the floor. He also told her he had been coming
from St Paul with some friends but only had a couple drinks. Officer Urmann began the tests, but they
didn’t go well; he ultimately provided a breath sample which revealed a BAC of .112. All the paperwork
was completed for a 4th Degree DWI and He was taken to jail to be booked.
Found plates Saturday 0752 hours
Two Missouri license plates were found at the end of a resident’s driveway. Plates were taken to MHPD
by Officer Peyton Fleming and placed into the property room.
Threats/DANCO Violation Monday 0900 hours
Officer Jenny Fordham, school SRO, was notified of threats being made on Twitter to initiate a fight, and
that someone was going to get shot. When she followed up on the situation, she found the student
references and that the threatening individual was no longer a student and an adult, threatening a
young teenager. It was also soon learned that he was also making harassing comments to and about an
ex-girlfriend and was trying to be in contact with her, a violation of a court ordered OFP. Officers from
West St Paul arrested the young man at his home; when questioned, of course, he stated his threats
were idle. His criminal actions and behavior resulted in charges being filed with the County for Felony
Terroristic Threats and Misdemeanor DANCO Violation. Cleared by adult arrest.
Death Investigation Sunday 1759 hours
Officer Mike Shepard, Officer Todd Rosse, and Sergeant Convery responded to a call of a person on fire
along the bluffs off of River Road. Two passersby had reported seeing what they initially thought was a
bonfire but then realized the bonfire appeared to be waving at them. Officers Shepard and Rosse
gathered up the medical equipment while one of the callers led them to the location, which was actually
in St Paul’s jurisdiction. The hike ended up being quite difficult and the area was impassable by any
emergency vehicles. The victim was found but was fully engulfed and deceased. Lighter fluid was found
at the site. Case has been referred to St Paul Police Department for investigation.
Fires Tuesday 1421 hours
1.) Officers Scott Patrick and Bobby Lambert were called to a report of a grassfire on 35E. They
responded and began assisting with traffic control while MHFD arrived, got set up with the water source
and doused it. Plenty of smoke was seen over the freeway, business and school area, but all was soon
clear.
2.) An electrical box near a curb started on fire, flames showing and mini explosions, causing evacuation
of the building. Xcel and MHFD handled and all was soon clear.
3.) Brush near the Plaza was reported on fire near a parked semi. Officer Shepard and Mendota Heights
Fire Department responded and all was soon clear.
Suicide Threat Wednesday 1953 hours
A frequent flyer made suicidal comments and threats to his girlfriend. She thought it sounded as if he
would make the Mendota Bridge the location for following through on his threats. Officers VonFeldt
and Meyer responded with Sgt Convery; they first verified the bridge was clear and then headed to the
residence. The young man was found there, safe. He agreed to a transport to the hospital. Cleared.
Animal Questions Thursday 0857 hours
Officer Bobby Lambert handled a call from a resident who was concerned because the neighbor was
getting a dog and they didn’t think it was a good idea. The neighbor wished to remain anonymous.
During the conversation Officer Lambert learned the neighbor had a previous pet that was not well
cared for or loved. The caller was given a variety of options on how to deal with the neighbor and pets
unfortunately none of them prevented the neighbor from getting a dog.
Have a great weekend! Kim