11 29 13 JTF1
The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department
SUPPORT STAFF
Kim Henning
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 OFC.
Jennifer Fordham
INVESTIGATIONS
Mario Reyes
Chad Willson
SERGEANTS
Neil Garlock
Brian Convery
Eric Petersen
RESERVES
Randy Pentel
Jim Knox
Jeff Parker
George Castillo
CHAPLAINS
Frances Cuenca
Joel Detlefsen
Lynn Liberman
Butch Millett
Sue Plucker
John Snider
David Wick
CHIEF
Mike Aschenbrener
NOVEMBER 29, 2013
Submitted By:
Police Ofϐicer Steve Meyer A warm car to steal?
The cold is here! The City of Mendota Heights has an ordinance to help protect
citizens and visitors of the City from becoming victims of motor vehicle crimes.
Mendota Heights City Ordinance number 6‐2‐2 states:
1. No person shall leave a motor vehicle unattended on any road, street or highway in the City
with the engine running.
2. No person shall leave a motor vehicle parked unattended in the City, on a street, road or
highway, in any parking area, or in any public or private driveway, with the key in the ignition
or the ignition unlocked.
3. Whenever any police ofϐicer shall ϐind any such motor vehicle standing in violation of the
foregoing provision, such police ofϐicer is authorized and directed to remove the keys from
such vehicle and retain the same until called for by the owner of said motor vehicle.
It’s not that the City doesn't want you to have a warm, defrosted vehicle, but more so
intended to protect you and your property from falling victim to motor vehicle theft.
Often times, these are crimes of opportunity for thieves to strike. Thou shall not
tempt! It is recommended that an auto start device be installed and used if you need
to warm up your vehicle prior to driving so you do not end up a victim or on the
wrong side of the law!
The 2013 Police Citizens Academy “Badges, Bullets and Brains,” just ϐinished the 6th Annual
Class. The Mendota Heights and West St. Paul Police Departments Citizen’s jointly host the
Academy. Graduation was held Thursday November 21st.
Over the 10 week course, the participants had an opportunity to learn about police work in
both a classroom and hands on! They had a chance to drive a squad car, shoot a gun, lift a
ϐinger print, hear how the CSI Effect impacts a trial, tour the jail & 911 Center and arrest a
drunk driver.
Follow the link to see a NDC4 video production about the academy:
http://vimeo.com/79801200
Congratulations 2013
Citizen’s Academy!
2
PI Crash Thursday 1805 hours
Officer Peyton Fleming responded to a crash in a school parking lot. Two children were transported by
HealthEast Ambulance to the hospital. The two mini-vans involved were driving through the parking lot
when one turned in front of the other. Both drivers stated they were not speeding yet somehow, the vehicles
sustained significant damage resulting in one car having to be towed from the scene.
Theft of Gas Saturday 2000 hours
An employee of a local gas station called to report an adult male had pumped $43.08 worth of gas and left
without paying. The car was described as a purple Chevrolet Impala. The license plate registers to an Impala
out of Shakopee. The clerk stated they can ID the thief if needed. Video surveillance is forthcoming
pending investigation.
DUI / Possession of a Small Amount of MJ Saturday 2227 hours
A 911 cell phone caller reported he was following a car on Delaware Avenue that was all over the road
driving against traffic and not stopping. Officer Denise Urmann caught up with the vehicle as it exited the
Village of Mendota N/B on Dodd Road. Officer Urmann followed the car noting the probable cause to
make a stop when the car turned on Wachtler and drove down the wrong side of the street... her decision
was quickly reinforced. The squads emergency lights were immediately activated. The car pulled into the
next driveway and pulled up to a garage and stopped. When contact was made, it was obvious the driver was
intoxicated. When asked if the individual lived at the house, the individual stated no. When asked if they
knew the homeowners, the individual stated no. When asked where they were coming from, the driver said
White Bear Lake. Needless to say, the driver didn't do well on any of the SFST’s including the PBT which
revealed a BAC of .182. As the car was being inventoried to remove it from the driveway, marijuana along
other drug paraphernalia was located. The driver quickly admitted to the possession. They were read the
MN Implied Consent Advisory and refused to test. The party was transported to the Dakota County Jail.
Theft from Auto Sunday 1102 hours
Officer Scott Patrick responded to a local apartment building to meet a resident about a theft from their
vehicle. The victim had parked in the corner of the parking lot. Unfortunately a thief broke in and
attempted to hot wire the car without success. The crooks then stole the in dash stereo system. Case
pending possible video surveillance.
Theft Monday 1538 hours
A local business reported that a 6’7”, early 30’s, B/M came into the store waited until the employees were
busy and grabbed an iPad off the front desk and jumped into a waiting white BMW with no license plates.
The thieves then fled the area. No video. Investigations looking for similar thefts.
Violation of No Contact Order Monday 2049 hours
Officer Urmann met with a frequent victim of a Domestic Abuse No Contact Order (DANCO).
The woman’s daughters former boyfriend and father of soon to be grand child is prohibited by court order
from having any contact. Mom reports the young man has never stopped calling, is usually drunk and this
time was very derogatory towards her when she answered the phone. A statement was taken and copies of
phone records were requested for charging. Under investigation.
3
Friday afternoon a
resident stopped to
thank Officer John
Larrive for respond-
ing and checking out
the suspicious man at
his house, that was in
fact him.
He was impressed
with professionalism
displayed by Officer
Larrive as he
confirmed that he
was the homeowner.
He also wanted us to
let the neighbor
know how much he
appreciated him
keeping an eye on his
place while he was
gone.
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!
11/22—11/27 2013 YTD
Calls for Service 94 7,680
Citations 7 1,412
Warnings 9 1,168
Police Reports 10 969
Response Time Average 5.87 5.21
Check out the MH Crime Map! Click below to search your neighborhood:
http://mendota.prophoenix.com/CS/CrimeMapping.aspx
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; we have similar forms in the MHPD lobby
and we will take your info over the phone.
MHPD offers monthly Car Seat Safety Checks. To schedule an appointment,
call 651.452.1366 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.