|
| Planning a Safe Ride to Prevent Impaired Driving is the Perfect Holiday Gift | 1961 | 11/23/2021 10:40:00 PM | <p><span style="font-size:1em;">ST. PAUL – The holidays are here. That means family gatherings, gifts and games, tables full of holiday foods, and maybe a little stress mixed in with the good times. If alcohol is involved, planning for a safe ride will ensure a fun holiday season to remember and not a lifetime of heartache because of a fatal crash. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:1em;">A</span><span style="font-size:1em;">s part of an extra DWI patrols campaign during the holidays, law enforcement will be watching the roads to keep Minnesotans safe from impaired drivers. </span><br></p><div><span style="font-size:1em;">T</span><span style="font-size:1em;">roopers, deputies and police officers will be participating in a statewide campaign Nov. 24 through New Year’s Eve. They will be looking for drivers who appear impaired, whether by alcohol or other substances. Alcohol, cold medicine, prescription medication or any other drug can contribute to impairment. </span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety coordinates the patrol, education and awareness campaign with funding provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.</div><div><span style="font-size:1em;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;">“</span><span style="font-size:1em;">T</span><span style="font-size:1em;">he pandemic has turned life upside down for many of us, and we’re now getting back to spending time with our loved ones,” said Mike Hanson, Office of Traffic Safety director. “Let’s make sure we are creating positive memories this holiday season by making smart choices behind the wheel. I don’t want to be a Grinch, but too many drivers are doing the opposite. A significant jump in traffic fatalities since the pandemic is causing so much tragedy. Make the decision to drive smart by planning a sober ride and not driving impaired under any substance.”</span></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;"><br></span></div><div><strong>Impaired is Impaired, Regardless of the Substance</strong><br></div><div>The holidays can be stressful. Prescribed medications, for example, may help people cope, but they can also affect their ability to drive safely. Driving while impaired by any substance is illegal. Drugged driving incidents are on the rise, and it’s a growing concern for Minnesota law enforcement. </div><div><br></div><div><strong>A DWI is No Holiday </strong></div><div><p>There's more than one way to be under the influence behind the wheel. </p><ul><li>Alcohol, illegal drug use or prescription medications can cause impairment, but so can common over-the-counter drugs, such as cold, flu, sleep and allergy medicines. <br></li><li>Drugs like antidepressants, opioids and sleep aids prescribed by a doctor can affect your ability to drive safely as well.</li></ul></div><div><strong style="font-size:1em;">Sobering Statistics </strong><br></div><div><ul><li>The choice to drive drunk has contributed to 26 deaths on Minnesota roads from the day before Thanksgiving through Dec.30 (2016-2020).  </li><li>More than one of every five deaths (21 percent) on Minnesota roads is drunk driving-related.</li><li>There were 397 drunk driving-related traffic deaths in Minnesota in the last five years, with 79 people killed in 2020 alone.</li><li>Alcohol-related crashes not only take lives, they change them forever. An average of 384 life-changing injuries (2016-2020) are caused by alcohol-related crashes each year. </li><li>Drugged driving incidents accounted for 6,269 incidents from 2011-2015 compared with 12,883 from 2016-2020. That’s a 106 percent increase over a five year period.<br></li></ul></div><p><span style="font-size:1em;"><strong>Holiday DWI Arrests (Day before Thanksgiving – Dec. 30)</strong></span></p><table cellspacing="0" width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-default"><tbody><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:50%;"><strong>Year</strong><br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:50%;"><strong>DWIs</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2016 </td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2,161</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2017</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2,839</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2018</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">3,052</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2019</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2,592</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2020</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">1,588</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Total</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">12,232<br></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br></p><div><strong>DWI Consequences </strong></div><div><ul><li>Loss of license for up to a year, thousands of dollars in costs and possible jail time. </li><li>Repeat DWI offenders, as well as first-time offenders arrested at 0.16 and above alcohol-concentration level, must use ignition interlock in order to regain legal driving privileges or face at least one year without a driver’s license.</li><li>First-time offenders arrested at 0.16 and above are required to use interlock for one year.</li><li>Offenders with three or more offenses are required to use interlock for three to six years, or they will never regain driving privileges.</li></ul></div><div><strong style="font-size:1em;">Driving Sober. The Perfect Holiday Gift.</strong><br></div><div><ul><li>Plan for a safe ride — designate a sober driver, use a safe, alternative transportation option, or stay at the location of the celebration.</li><li>Speak up – Offer to be a designated driver or be available to pick up a loved one anytime, anywhere. If you see an impaired person about to get behind the wheel, get them a safe ride home. </li><li>If you plan to drive, refrain from drugs, whether legally or illegally obtained. </li><li>If you don't yet know how a medication will affect your judgment, coordination and reaction time, either have someone else drive or wait to take it until after you get home.</li><li>Check the warning labels on medications carefully. Does it have one about "operating heavy machinery?" That includes motor vehicles.</li><li>Some medications are fine on their own but can impair you when mixed with other medications or alcohol - even a small amount. Learn about the interactions and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.</li><li>Buckle up — the best defense against drunken impaired driver.</li><li>Report impaired driving — call 911 when witnessing impaired driving behavior. Be prepared to provide location, license plate number and observed dangerous behavior.</li></ul></div><div><strong style="font-size:1em;">Definitions</strong><br></div><div><ul><li>Driving While Impaired (DWI) is a violation for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.</li><li>Alcohol-related: any evidence of alcohol detected in a driver, pedestrian or bicyclist.</li><li>Impaired-related: any driver, pedestrian or bicyclist with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or above.</li><li>Drunk-driving-related: any driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or above.</li></ul></div><div><strong style="font-size:1em;">Resources: </strong><br></div><div><a href="/divisions/ots/drive-smart/Pages/default.aspx" title="link to drive smart website">DriveSmartMN.org</a><br></div><div><br></div><div><strong>About the Minnesota Department Public Safety</strong></div><div>DPS comprises 11 divisions where 2,100 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention.</div><div><br></div><div><strong>About the Office of Traffic Safety</strong></div><div>The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (DPS-OTS) designs, implements and coordinates federally funded traffic safety enforcement and education programs to improve driver behaviors and reduce the deaths and serious injuries that occur on Minnesota roads. These efforts form a strong foundation for the statewide Toward Zero Deaths traffic safety program. DPS-OTS also administers state funds for the motorcycle safety program and for the child seats for needy families program.<br></div><p><br><br></p> | | 11/23/2021 10:36:48 PM | A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bruce Gordon, Director of Communications
CONTACT:
Dave Boxum
651-201-7569
dave.boxum@state.mn.us | 127 | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | | | Update on BCA Investigation of Fatal Crash in Brooklyn Center | 4254 | 11/11/2021 2:00:00 AM | <p>The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying an individual who may have information that can assist in the investigation of an incident Tuesday in Brooklyn Center during which a motorist was killed.<br></p><p>The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office today identified the motorist as Judd Rodger Anderson, 75, of Brooklyn Center. Anderson died Nov. 9 when his vehicle was struck by a section of chain link fence being drug by a stolen vehicle on Highway 252 near 66th Avenue in Brooklyn Center. After being struck by the fence, Anderson lost control of his vehicle and slammed into a light pole. Anderson died at the scene. <br></p><p>The person who was driving the stolen truck remains at large. The truck is a blue, 2007 Ford F250, with Minnesota license MJW 169. MN-DOT cameras last captured the truck exiting southbound Highway 100 at France Avenue.<br></p><p><strong><em>The BCA is interested in speaking with a man in image below who may have information about the stolen truck or its driver. Anyone who is able to identify this man is urged to contact the BCA Tipline at 877-996-6222. </em></strong><br></p><p><span style="font-size:1em;">The Brooklyn Park Police Department <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BPPDMN/posts/256782336493039">released additional information</a> about the incident on Tuesday.</span></p><p>Anyone with information on the identity of the driver, the location of the stolen truck or the identity of the man in the photo is urged to contact the BCA Tipline at 877-996-6222 or dial 911. The incident is being investigated by the BCA and the Minnesota State Patrol.<br></p><table cellspacing="0" width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-default"><tbody><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:50%;"><div><img src="/divisions/ooc/news-releases/PublishingImages/Image%202%20(stolen%20truck).png" alt="Image 2 (stolen truck).png" class="ms-rtePosition-1" style="margin:5px;width:250px;" /><br></div><div><br><br></div><br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:50%;"><img src="/divisions/ooc/news-releases/PublishingImages/ID%20sought2.jpg" class="ms-rtePosition-1" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:250px;height:252px;" /><div><br></div><br><br><br></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br></div><p style="text-align:center;">###</p><div><br><br></div><p><br><br></p> | | 11/12/2021 7:34:56 PM | A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bruce Gordon, Director of Communications
CONTACT:
Jill Oliveira
651-793-2726 The truck is a blue, 2007 | 919 | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | | | DPS-DVS Announces November Exam Station Openings | 3074 | 11/9/2021 10:00:00 PM | <div>ST. PAUL — <span style="font-size:1em;">Minnesotans looking for driver’s license knowledge and road tests closer to home will soon have additio</span><span style="font-size:1em;">n</span><span style="font-size:1em;">al options. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division (DPS-DVS) is working to reopen 67 exam stations, mostly in Greater Minnesota</span><span style="font-size:1em;">.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;"><br></span></div><div>DPS-DVS consolidated exam stations, reducing the number to 15 following Gov. Tim Walz’s stay-at-home order (Executive Order 20-20) in March of 2020 due to staffing and health safety. The legislature provided funding to reopen the remaining 67 exam stations during the 2021 legislative session. DVS began planning, negotiating leases and working to hire employees to staff all 93 exam stations across the state following the signature of the bill by Gov. Walz.</div><div><br></div><div>Based on a phased approach for reopening, and to ensure that needs for leases and staffing are adequate, 43 DPS-DVS exam stations will be open by the end of the year. The remaining 50 exam stations will be opened by Jan. 31, 2022. DPS-DVS will open stations earlier if a lease and appropriate staffing are in place.</div><div><br></div><div>Below is a list of those exam stations scheduled to reopen in November. Additional exam stations will open in the coming months with a goal of all stations being open by the end of January. Minnesotans can find a complete list of locations and services online at <a href="https://onlineservices.dps.mn.gov/EServices/_/">drive.mn.gov.</a></div><div> <br></div><p><strong>November Exam Station Openings</strong><br></p><div><table cellspacing="0" width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-default" summary="Exam stations opening in November"><tbody><tr class="ms-rteTableHeaderRow-default"><th class="ms-rteTableHeaderEvenCol-default" rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="width:16%;height:28px;"><strong>Location/Reopen Date</strong></th><th class="ms-rteTableHeaderOddCol-default" rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="width:115px;height:28px;"><strong>Address</strong></th><th class="ms-rteTableHeaderEvenCol-default" rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="width:87px;height:28px;"><strong>Days</strong></th><th class="ms-rteTableHeaderOddCol-default" rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="width:143px;height:28px;"><strong>Time</strong></th><th class="ms-rteTableHeaderEvenCol-default" rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="width:268px;height:28px;"><strong>Services</strong></th></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableOddRow-default"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" style="width:16%;"><p>Gaylord </p><p>Nov. 2<br></p></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default" style="width:115px;">Courthouse 400 Court St<br></td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" style="width:87px;">First Tue. of the  month<br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default" style="width:143px;">9:00 a.m. to noon & 12:30 to 2:45 p.m.<br></td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" style="width:268px;"><p>Class D, motorcycle/moped skill tests</p><p>Jan. 4 - Knowledge tests begin (10-11:15 by appointment)</p></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-default"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" style="width:16%;"><p>New Ulm</p><p><span style="font-size:1em;">Nov. 4</span></p></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default" style="width:115px;">1900 N. Franklin St</td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" style="width:87px;">Thursdays</td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default" style="width:143px;">9:00 a.m. to noon & 12:30 to 2:45 p.m.</td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" style="width:268px;"><p>Class D, motorcycle/moped skill tests</p><p>Jan. 6 - Knowledge tests begin (10-11:15 by appointment)</p></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableOddRow-default"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" style="width:16%;"><p>St. Peter</p><p>Nov. 9</p></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default" style="width:115px;">St. Peter–Courthouse, 501 S. Minnesota Ave</td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" style="width:87px;">Second Tue. of the month</td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default" style="width:143px;">8:30 a.m. to noon & 12:30 to 2:45 p.m.</td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" style="width:268px;"><p>Class D, motorcycle/moped skill tests</p><p>Jan. 11 - Knowledge tests begin (10-11:15 by appointment)</p></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-default"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" style="width:16%;height:139px;"><p>Thief River Falls</p><p>Nov. 15</p></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default" style="height:139px;width:115px;">DOT, 244 125th Ave. NE</td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" style="height:139px;width:87px;">Monday-Friday<br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default" style="height:139px;width:143px;">8:00 a.m. to noon & 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.</td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" style="height:139px;width:268px;"><p>Class D, motorcycle/moped skill tests</p><p>CDL skill tests (by appointment)</p><p>Knowledge testing is not available at this time.</p></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableOddRow-default"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" style="width:16%;"><p>Glencoe</p><p>Nov. 17</p></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default" style="width:115px;">520 Chandler Ave N Glencoe MN 55336</td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" style="width:87px;">Wednesdays</td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default" style="width:143px;">9:00 a.m. to noon. & 1 to 4:00 p.m.</td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" style="width:268px;"><p>Class D, motorcycle/moped skill tests</p><p>Knowledge tests at 10 a.m.</p></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-default"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" style="width:16%;"><p>Red Wing</p><p>Nov. 17</p></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default" style="width:115px;">509 West 5<sup>th</sup> St Lower Level Red Wing, MN  55066</td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" style="width:87px;">Wednesdays</td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default" style="width:143px;"><p>9:00 a.m. to noon</p><p>&</p><p>1 to 4:30 p.m.</p><p> </p></td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" style="width:268px;"><p>Class D, motorcycle/moped skill tests</p><p>CDL skill tests (by appointment)</p><p>Knowledge tests given 9:00 to 11:15 a.m.</p></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableOddRow-default"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" style="width:16%;"><p>Hutchinson</p><p>Nov. 18</p></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default" style="width:115px;">111 Hassan St. S</td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" style="width:87px;">Thursdays</td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default" style="width:143px;">9:00 a.m. to noon & 1 to 4 p.m.<br></td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" style="width:268px;"><p>Class D, motorcycle/moped skill tests</p><p>Knowledge tests<br></p></td></tr></tbody></table><strong><br></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><div><strong>About the Minnesota Department Public Safety</strong></div><div>The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) comprises 11 divisions where 2,200 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention.</div><div><br></div><div><strong>About Driver and Vehicle Services</strong></div><div>The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division (DVS) is responsible for driver testing, driver licensing and maintenance of driver records; driver evaluation and compliance; motor vehicle title and registration; commercial vehicle registration; motor vehicle dealer licensing and regulation; and enforcement of no-fault insurance requirements.</div><div><br></div><div style="text-align:center;">###<br></div><div><br><br></div><strong><br></strong></div><div><br><br></div><p><br></p> | | 11/9/2021 9:33:31 PM | A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Doug Neville, Director of Communications
CONTACT:
Doug Neville
651-201-7562 Below is a list of those | 413 | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | | | Customers Who Miss Their Road Test Appointment Face $20 “No-Show” Fee | 4118 | 10/28/2021 6:00:00 PM | <p>ST. PAUL — Minnesotans who fail to show up for their driver's license road test will face a $20 fee under a new law that takes effect Nov. 1. The law is in response to a growing number of “no shows," taking away road tests from other people who are waiting for an appointment.</p><p>Customers can cancel their appointment more than 24 hours before it begins to avoid the fee. The fee is collected when the customer applies for their driver's license.</p><p>An average of 15.5 percent of people failed to show up for their road test from July-Sept. of this year. In that three-month period alone, nearly 6,000 people could have taken their road tests had the appointments been canceled and made available to others. Customers can schedule, cancel or change an appointment online at <a title="DVS Online Services" href="https://onlineservices.dps.mn.gov/EServices/" target="_blank">drive.mn.gov</a>.  </p><p><strong>Class D and CDL skill tests (July – Sept.)</strong><br><strong> </strong>July:  Appointments: 12,249      No-shows: 1,919<br> Aug:  Appointments: 15,034      No-shows: 2,196<br> Sept: Appointments: 11,402      No-shows: 1,879</p><p>“We hope we don't have to collect any fees. Our preference is to administer every test available," said Pong Xiong, director of the Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division (DPS-DVS). “There are thousands of customers who could take a test each month if they keep their scheduled appointment or cancel so another customer can make a road test appointment."</p><p>The no-show fee applies to any missed skills test appointment scheduled on or after Nov. 1. The system alerts customers about the possibility of a no-show fee when they make an appointment. Customers will also be reminded about the fee in a notice sent three business days before their scheduled appointment.</p><p>DPS-DVS understands unforeseen circumstances can cause a customer to miss an appointment. If that happens, DPS-DVS can consider refunding the fee on a case-by-case basis after evaluating the situation.</p><p><strong>About the Minnesota Department Public Safety </strong><br>The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) comprises 11 divisions where 2,200 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention.</p><p><strong>About Driver and Vehicle Services </strong><br>The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division (DVS) is responsible for driver testing, driver licensing and maintenance of driver records; driver evaluation and compliance; motor vehicle title and registration; commercial vehicle registration; motor vehicle dealer licensing and regulation; and enforcement of no-fault insurance requirements<strong>.</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;">###</p> | | 10/28/2021 6:39:48 PM | A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bruce Gordon, Director of Communications
CONTACT:
Doug Neville
651-201-7562 Class D and CDL skill tests | 2758 | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | | | BCA Launches Minnesota Crime Data Explorer | 4111 | 10/28/2021 5:00:00 PM | <p>ST. PAUL - Minnesotans have a new tool for learning about crime activity in our state. The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) recently launched the Minnesota Crime Data Explorer - a tool that allows users to query, filter and sort crime data; view trends in charts and graphs; export graphics and spreadsheets; and more.</p><p>The Minnesota Crime Data Explorer is being launched in phases. It currently includes data on firearms discharges, officer use-of-force, and agency participation in crime reporting by type. Additional data will be added in the months ahead. </p><table class="ms-rteTable-default" width="100%" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:50%;"><ul><li>Pursuits</li><li>Bias crimes</li><li>Human trafficking</li><li>Offense information</li><li>Arrest information</li><li>Drug offense details</li></ul></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:50%;"><ul><li>Domestic violence</li><li>Law enforcement killed/assaulted in the line of duty</li><li>Cargo theft</li><li>Missing person information</li><li>Crime data separated by Minnesota judicial district</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The system contains data going back to the beginning of 2021 except for use-of-force data, which goes back to 2020. Prior years' data is available in existing annual uniform crime reports published on the <a href="/divisions/bca/bca-divisions/mnjis/Pages/uniform-crime-reports.aspx">BCA website</a>.</p><p>Data in the Minnesota Crime Data Explorer will be published quarterly on the last Mondays of January, April, July and October. Any changes to published data are updated on a daily basis.</p><p>"The Minnesota Crime Data Explorer makes crime information available in more dynamic ways than ever before," BCA Superintendent Drew Evans said. "Quarterly and daily updates are also a dramatic improvement over annual reports that Minnesota has used since the Uniform Crime Reporting program began in 1935."</p><p>The Minnesota Crime Data Explorer is available on the <a href="/divisions/bca/bca-divisions/mnjis/Pages/uniform-crime-reports.aspx">BCA website</a>.</p><p style="text-align:center;">###</p><p></p> | | 10/28/2021 4:45:15 PM | A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bruce Gordon, Director of Communications
CONTACT:
Jill Oliveira
651-793-2726 | 79 | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | | | Law enforcement are identified in Oakdale officer involved shooting incident | 2668 | 10/14/2021 1:00:00 AM | <p>The BCA has identified the law enforcement personnel who discharged their weapons during an officer involved shooting incident that occurred during a standoff on Oct. 11 at an apartment complex in Oakdale. All are on standard administrative leave.</p><ul><li>Woodbury Police Department Officer Robert Boleen has been in law enforcement for six years. Officer Boleen discharged less lethal ammunition.</li><li>Washington County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Randy Helms has been in law enforcement for 12 years. Deputy Helms discharged his firearm.</li><li>Woodbury Police Department Sergeant Omar Maklad has been in law enforcement for 18 years. Sgt. Maklad discharged his firearm.</li><li>Oakdale Police Department Officer Kevin Merkling has been in law enforcement for 17 years. Officer Merkling discharged his firearm.</li></ul><p>No one was struck by gunfire.<br></p><p>In Washington County District Court today, Shawn Fairley Codinack, 32, of Oakdale was <a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/MNDPS/2021/10/14/file_attachments/1965191/82-CR-21-3552%20%28Complaint%20Warrant%20-%20Codinack%29.pdf">charged via complaint </a>with three counts of first degree use of deadly force against a peace officer.</p><p>BCA crime scene personnel recovered three firearms at the scene. Portions of the incident were captured on body, squad and drone cameras.</p><p>The BCA investigation of the incident is ongoing. Once the investigation is complete, the BCA will provide its findings without recommendation to the Washington County Attorney’s Office for review.</p><p style="text-align:center;">###</p><div><br><br></div><p><br></p> | | 10/14/2021 12:23:54 AM | A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bruce Gordon, Director of Communications
CONTACT:
Bruce Gordon
651-201-7171
bruce.gordon@state.mn.us | 206 | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | | | Deputy, Injured Man Identified in Officer Involved Shooting in Blaine | 3971 | 10/7/2021 2:00:00 AM | <p>ST. PAUL -- The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has identified the man who was injured during an officer involved shooting incident late Monday, October 4, in Blaine. Randall William Reeve, 62, of Blaine, continues to be treated for his injuries at Hennepin County Medical Center. </p><p><a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/MNDPS/2021/10/07/file_attachments/1959506/Randall-Reeves-Complaint.pdf">Mr. Reeve was charged via complaint today in Anoka County District Court</a> with several charges related to the incident. </p><p>The deputy who discharged his firearm during the incident is also identified. Deputy Jeffrey Barrett has been with the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office for six years. He remains on standard administrative leave.</p><p>Portions of the incident were captured on body cameras and dash cameras. BCA crime scene personnel recovered multiple long guns at the scene.</p><p>The BCA is investigating the officer’s use of force. Once its investigation is complete the BCA will provide its findings without recommendation to the Anoka County Attorney’s Office for review.</p><p>The Blaine Police Department is investigating Mr. Reeve’s actions during the incident.</p><p style="text-align:center;">###</p><div><br><br></div><p><br></p> | | 10/7/2021 1:19:07 AM | A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bruce Gordon, Director of Communications
CONTACT:
Jill Oliveira
651-793-2726 | 184 | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | | | Officer Involved Shooting in Duluth Leaves One Man Injured | 3844 | 9/28/2021 10:00:00 PM | <p>UPDATE - Sept. 30, 2021</p><p>The BCA has identified the deputy who discharged his firearm during an officer involved shooting incident on Tuesday, Sept. 28, in Duluth. Deputy Jason Kuhnly has been with the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office for eight years. Deputy Kuhnly is on standard administrative leave.<br></p><p>No weapons were recovered at the scene.<br></p><p>The BCA investigation of the officer involved shooting is ongoing. Once the investigation is complete, the BCA will provide its findings without recommendation to the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office for review. <br></p><p>The man injured during the incident, Jesse Logan Ferrari, 29, of Duluth, was charged Thursday, Sept. 30, with Fleeing a Peace Officer in a Motor Vehicle and Driving After Revocation. Mr. Ferrari’s actions are being investigated by the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office.<br></p><p style="text-align:center;">###<br></p><div><br></div><p><span style="font-size:1em;">ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is investigating an officer involved shooting incident that happened early Tuesday morning in Duluth.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:1em;">St. Louis County sheriff’s deputies investigating suspicious activity in Duluth’s Morgan Park neighborhood attempted to stop an ATV with two male passengers that was driving in a wooded area near Commonwealth Avenue and Idaho Street around 1:40 a.m. Tuesday.</span><br></p><p><span style="font-size:1em;">The two men fled on the ATV with deputies in pursuit. A K9 deputy eventually located the men in a nearby wooded area at approximately 2:30 a.m. At one point shortly thereafter, one of the deputies discharged their weapon, striking and injuring one of the men.</span><br></p><p><span style="font-size:1em;">Deputies provided medical aid at the scene. The man was then transported to Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries and released into custody. Jesse Logan Ferrari, 29, of Duluth, was booked into the St. Louis County Jail on probable cause Fleeing and Obstruction with Force. The other person on the ATV was questioned and released.</span><br></p><p><span style="font-size:1em;">St. Louis County sheriff’s deputies do not wear body cameras and there is no squad camera footage of the incident.</span><br></p><p><span style="font-size:1em;">The BCA investigation is in its very early stages. More information, including information about the deputy who fired their weapon, will be available once initial interviews are complete.</span><br></p><div>Once the investigation is complete, the BCA will provide its findings without recommendation to the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office for review.<br></div><div><br></div><div></div><div style="text-align:center;">###<br></div><div><br><br></div><p><br></p> | | 9/30/2021 10:17:51 PM | A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bruce Gordon, Director of Communications
CONTACT:
Jill Oliveira
651-793-2726 The two men fled on the | 377 | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | | | Four Charged Following Human Trafficking Operation in St. Louis County | 2480 | 9/23/2021 6:45:00 PM | <p>ST. PAUL — Four men were charged this week following their arrests on Sept. 17 during a human trafficking operation in St. Louis County. The operation targeted people attempting to buy a minor for sex.</p><p>Investigators with the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA)-led Human Trafficking Investigators Task Force led the one-day operation in partnership with the Tribes United Against Sex Trafficking (TRUST) Task Force and the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office.</p><p>During the operation, suspects chatted with undercover agents and investigators on several sex advertisement websites. Investigators arrested the suspects as they arrived at an arranged meeting place to pay a victim for sex. All were booked into the St. Louis County Jail and later released.<br></p><ul><li><p>Melvin Eugene Brown, 43, of Duluth, is charged with felony solicitation of a minor for prostitution.</p></li><li><p>George Stephan Myers, 59, Embarrass, Minn., is charged with solicitation of an adult for prostitution, a gross misdemeanor.</p></li><li><p>Mitchell Todd Pelkey, 22, of Hermantown, Minn., is charged with felony solicitation of a minor for prostitution.<br></p></li><li><p>Scott Robert Wermter, 47, of Hawthorne, Wisc., is charged with felony solicitation of a minor for prostitution.<br></p></li></ul><p>Many additional agencies provided resources and expertise to this effort, including the Anoka and Hennepin County sheriff's offices; the Fond du Lac, Fridley, Leech Lake Tribal, Hibbing, Minneapolis, and St. Paul police departments; and Homeland Security Investigations.</p><p>“We will not tolerate victimization of our women, men and children," said BCA Superintendent Drew Evans. “Purchasing another person for sex has no place in Minnesota."</p><p>“The commitment of resources to this operation was an easy decision," said St. Louis County Undersheriff Jason Lukovsky. “These people are not looking for relationships, they are preying on victims within our community."<br></p><p>The Human Trafficking Investigators Task Force was established in 2017 with funding from the Department of Public Safety Office of Justice Programs as a statewide enforcement effort to target traffickers and those exploiting children for sex.</p><p>If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of being trafficked, call 911. To report a suspected trafficking situation, call the BCA at 877-996-6222 or email <a href="mailto:bca.tips@state.mn.us" title="Email a tip to the BCA">bca.tips@state.mn.us</a>.<br></p><p style="text-align:center;">###<br></p> | | 9/23/2021 6:45:32 PM | A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bruce Gordon, Director of Communications
CONTACT:
Jill Oliveira
651-793-2726 If you or someone you know | 821 | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | | | Riders, Motorists Should Use Extreme Caution Along Fall Flood Run Route This Weekend | 3664 | 9/17/2021 8:00:00 PM | <div>ST. PAUL — Riders and motorists should exercise extreme caution this weekend along the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers as motorcyclists ride in the <a href="https://www.flood-run.com/">Fall Flood Run</a>, Saturday, Sept. 18. The annual ride historically attracts thousands of riders, taking them on a route between the Twin Cities and Winona.  </div><div><br></div><div>Preliminary figures show 53 motorcyclists have died on Minnesota roads so far this season. The loss of life exceeds the 44 motorcyclist deaths for all of 2019 and an already high year-to-date 49 fatalities for 2020. Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) officials are urging riders and drivers to prevent serious and fatal crashes by working together to make safety a priority for the remainder of the motorcycle season. </div><div><br></div><div>Law enforcement agencies in southeast Minnesota, along with Minnesota State Troopers, will be patrolling the area during the event to ensure a safe riding environment. </div><div><br></div><div>“The Fall Flood Run offers a great time and amazing route to ride, and riders and motorists can keep it that way by riding smart, driving smart and looking out for each other,” said Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol. “With the heartbreaking pace at which motorcyclists are losing their lives on the road this year, we want riders to have fun but don’t ease up on safety. Ride sober. Watch your speed. Wear the gear. Drivers, always look twice for motorcyclists and check your blind spot before switching lanes. Traveling down the road is not a competition with other riders and motorists. It’s about safely sharing the road.” </div><div><br></div><div>DPS offers these safety tips:<br></div><div><div><br></div><div><strong>Riders</strong></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-size:1em;">Be prepared for inattentive drivers by staying focused on riding, keeping your speed in check and maintaining a two-second following distance.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:1em;">Wear the gear. Motorcyclists should wear a DOT-approved helmet and brightly colored protective gear for visibility and protection.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:1em;">Don’t drink and ride. Every year about one-third of all motorcycle fatalities involve impaired riders.</span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;"></span><div><br></div><div><strong>Motorists</strong></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-size:1em;">Watch for motorcycles. Due to the smaller size of motorcycles, their speed and distance is more difficult to judge.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:1em;">Always look twice before entering a roadway, turning left or changing lanes.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:1em;">Give riders room by maintaining a two-second following distance and check blind spots.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:1em;">Pay attention and drive at safe speeds.</span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;"></span><div><strong>Out-of-State Fatalities</strong></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;">The Fall Flood Run route spans from Minnesota into Wisconsin. Riders who are not familiar with the route should be cautious when riding on unfamiliar roads. </span></div><div><br></div><div>Riders can prevent crashes on unfamiliar roads by riding at safe speeds, riding sober and riding within their skill set. </div><div><br></div><div><strong>About the Minnesota Department of Public Safety</strong><br></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;">The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) comprises 11 divisions where 2,200 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention.</span></div><div><br></div><div><strong>About the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center</strong></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;">The Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center (MMSC) provides high-quality rider education, training and licensing to prevent motorcycle crashes and the resulting fatalities and injuries. It was created in the early 1980s to address record high motorcyclist fatalities.</span></div><div><br></div><div>The MMSC provides on-cycle and classroom rider training courses, develops awareness campaigns and informational materials, and coordinates third-party skills testing for motorcycle license endorsement through the Basic Rider Course and evening testing at select DVS Exam Stations. </div><div><br></div><div>Motorcycle safety is a component of <em>Toward Zero Deaths (TZD)</em>, the state’s primary road safety initiative. A primary vision of the <em>TZD </em>program is to create a safe driving culture in Minnesota in which motorists support a goal of zero road fatalities by practicing and promoting safe and smart driving behavior. <em>TZD </em>focuses on the application of four strategic areas to reduce crashes — education, enforcement, engineering and emergency trauma response.<br></div><div><br></div><div><div><strong>2021 MMSC Statistics</strong></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-size:1em;">There are more than 259,000 registered motorcycles and more than 397,000 licensed operators in Minnesota.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:1em;">During the 2021 training season, MMSC trained more than 4,100 students statewide.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:1em;">Follow MMSC on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/MnDPS_MCSafety" title="link to MMSC twitter account">@MnDPS_MCSafety</a> and “like” <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MnMotorcycleSafety/" title="link to MMSC Facebook page">MMSC on Facebook</a>.</span><span style="font-size:1em;"></span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;"></span></div> <br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br><br></div><span style="font-size:1em;"></span></div><span style="font-size:1em;"></span></div><br></div><p><span style="font-size:1em;"> </span></p><div><br></div><p><br><br></p> | | 9/17/2021 9:30:07 PM | A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bruce Gordon, Director of Communications
CONTACT:
Dave Boxum
651-201-7569
dave.boxum@state.mn.us | 238 | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | |
|
|
