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09 16 16 JTF 1 The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department CHIEF Mike Aschenbrener SERGEANTS Eric Petersen Tanner Spicer Peyton Fleming POLICE OFFICERS John Larrive Todd Rosse Jeff VonFeldt Denise Urmann Michael Shepard Nick Gorgos Robin Nelson Steve Hilyar Phillip McCarty Weston Raberge INVESTIGATIONS Chad Willson SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER Jennifer Fordham SUPPORT STAFF Kim Henning Trista Miller Shayna Hoechst Becky Pentel RESERVES Randy Pentel Jim Knox Jeff Parker Jon Clayton Dan Iverson CHAPLAINS Butch Millett John Snider Alberto Vargas Lynn Liberman Sue Plucker Joel Detlefsen Lenny Andrie SEPTEMBER 16 2016 SHARE THE ROAD WITH BICYCLISTS Accidents happen, but as they say, accidents can also often be prevented. When we think of car accidents, we often think of car vs car; however, car vs pedestrian and car vs bicycle are just as common. Do not be a victim. According to SafeKids Worldwide, there are some basic rules to follow when you choose to use your feet and not your vehicle wheels. Pass them on to all your family members and help them stay alive and uninjured: 1) Walk on the side of the road that faces on-coming traffic; bike on the side of the road with on-coming traffic. 2) Wear light colors or reflective material, or bring a small flashlight to indicate your movements. If your bicycle is missing reflective gear, use a blinking lights that would be visible in front and behind you. It is the law to have appropriately lit bicycles 3) Never assume vehicles can see you. If there is no sidewalk or trail and you are on the roadway, stay as far the side of the road as safely possible and be remain vigilant. 4) While running with your phone or headphones can serve multiple purposes, distraction should be avoided. If you need to stop, do so in safe area. Keep your volume low enough so you can hear traffic concerns and remain tuned in to your surroundings. Above all – stay focused on your path, not on your phone! 5) When crossing the road (in the crosswalk or at the intersection only, please), look out for not just the first oncoming car, but also that second or third car behind them. Impatience, speed and distraction are hallmarks of the careless driver. When the driver of car 1 spots you in the crosswalk and legally stops for you, driver 2 might avoid a collision with driver 1 by swerving around them, but toward you. Remain vigilant as you cross. It’s often recommended that you make eye contact with the drivers before crossing. Each year in MN, approximately 40 pedestrians and 10 bicyclists are killed as a result of collisions with motor vehicles. Bicyclists and motorists are equally responsible for safety and are both held to laws; bicyclists can also be charged for violations. To avoid bicycle-vehicle collisions, please follow these safety laws & tips:  Bicyclists may ride on all MN roads, except where restricted.  Bicyclists should ride on the road and must ride in the same direction as traffic.  Motorists must at all times maintain a three foot clearance when passing a bicyclist.  Bicyclists must obey all traffic control signs and signals just as motorists.  Bicyclists must signal their turns and should ride in a predictable manner.  Bicyclists must use a headlight and rear reflectors when its dark or add a rear flashing light.  Drivers must drive at safe speeds and be attentive checking your blind spots.  Drivers should use caution and look twice for riders turning.  Drivers should use caution when opening doors upon parking on the side of the road. 2 DWI/CRIMINAL VEHICLE OPERATION SUNDAY 9/11 20:04 HOURS Officers Phil McCarty, Jeff VonFeldt and Nick Gorgos were dispatched to an accident involving a vehicle and a bicycle. Officers arrived on scene and spoke with the vehicle driver who stated as he was turning into a parking lot, a bicycle with no lights on, ran into the side of his vehicle. The smell of alcoholic beverage was emitting from the vehicle driver and also had glossy eyes and slurred speech. The male on the bicycle stated that the vehicle driver did not use a turn signal when turning into the parking lot. The bicyclist stated he did not have any lights on his bike due to a recent bicycle accident and hadn't got a new one yet. The bicyclist got picked up and wanted to go to the hospital for his shoulder pain. The driver was asked to submit a PBT in which it was determined he was under the influence. The vehicle was towed and he was transported to Dakota County Jail. THEFT MONDAY 9/12 09:19 HOURS Officer Denise Urmann was dispatched to a local business on an after the fact theft report. Upon arrival, she met with the store employee who stated that on August 4th, seven pairs of eyeglass frames were stolen from the store. She said she reported the theft to officers via email and did not hear back. She was advised to report any criminal activity by calling 9-1-1. The theft totaled $2,342. Surveillance was captured of the suspect. Under investigation. PI ACCIDENT MONDAY 9/12 16:53 HOURS Officer Denise Urmann responded to a vehicle vs motorcycle accident. Urmann arrived and spoke first with the motorcycle driver who appeared to have a scratch on his helmet and ripped clothing. The motorcycle driver stated he was driving when he saw a vehicle proceed past a stop sign as if it was going to dart out past him. He stated the only way to avoid hitting the vehicle was to lay the motorcycle down to avoid impact. Urmann then spoke with the vehicle driver who stated that he inched out past the stop sign and saw the motorcycle laid down on its side. He said he did not see the motorcycle before he pulled out into the intersection. The vehicle driver was issued a citation for Careless Driving and Failure to Yield Right of Way. THEFT WEDNESDAY 9/14 12:17 HOURS Officer John Larrive was dispatched to a residence on a theft report. Upon arrival, Larrive made contact with the homeowner who stated that when she went out to her unlocked vehicle to get her rings from the glove box, items were strewn about inside her vehicle. She stated she had just returned home from a trip and forgot to remove her valuables. Missing was her diamond wedding ring, engagement band, electronic adaptors, a USB cord and charger. There are no suspects at this time. 3 DAC-IPS WEDNESDAY 9/14 15:40 HOURS While on routine patrol, Officer John Larrive ran a vehicle plate and discovered that the registered owner of the vehicle was Canceled-IPS. The driver appeared to be the registered owner. Larrive conducted a traffic stop and contacted the driver. Larrive advised her of her license status, removed the licensed plates, impounded the vehicle and notified her she will be charged with DAC-IPS. She was then transported home. AOA/THEFT WEDNESDAY 9/14 18:26 HOURS Officer Phil McCarty was dispatched to the Mendota Motel to check the welfare of a male who is a known heroin user. McCarty arrived and spoke with the male who stated he was kicked out of his moms house so stayed in a homeless females car last night. Two females then arrived to the motel who were identified as the males mother and sister. They mentioned that earlier in the morning, he was seen in their home. When the sister awoke, she had money missing from her purse and a bicycle missing and she believed her brother to be the suspect. The family members did report the crime to the agency in which the theft occurred. The information in this report was forwarded to them as well. 4 09/09 - 09/15 2016 YTD Calls for Service 163 6,091 Citations 6 557 Warnings 23 560 Police Reports 16 694 Response Time Average 5.34 5.86 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 monthly Car Seat Safety Checks. To schedule an appointment, call 651.452.1366 or email jennyf@mendota-heights.com to contact Officer 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. 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! Each year in the US, more than 2,800 kids are treated in the emergency room after swallow- ing button batteries. That is one child every three hours. Kids love to explore, and when they find something interesting, what’s the first thing they do? Put it in their mouths. Items containing these small button batteries include: mini remote controls, calculators, watches, key fobs, candles, musical greeting cards, etc.  Keep any small devices containing coin lithium batteries, out of sight and reach of children.  Keep loose batteries locked away.  If you suspect your child has ingested a battery, go to the hospital immediately.  For additional treatment information, please call the National Battery Ingestion Hotline (202) 625.3333