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| 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 | | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | | | DPS Partners with Valerie Castile to Help Reduce Deadly Force Encounters | 3243 | 9/16/2021 11:00:00 PM | <p>ST. PAUL —“License and registration, please." It's what we expect to hear when law enforcement stops us for a moving violation.</p><p>But today, many motorists ask themselves when the appropriate time is to reach into their glove box, purse or back pocket for the information.</p><p>The Minnesota State Patrol, along with several law enforcement agencies across the state, want to make it easier for drivers to store the information and for law enforcement to see when motorists are reaching for documents.</p><p>It's called a “Not-Reaching Pouch." Its intent is to store a person's driver's license, and insurance card in a pouch that's kept in plain sight in the vehicle on an air vent or other visible location. </p><p>The Department of Public Safety (DPS) recently purchased some Not-Reaching Pouches, which were created by Valerie Castile in partnership with Jacquelyn Carter, to help reduce deadly force encounters between law enforcement and citizens during traffic stops.</p><p>The Minnesota State Patrol and other agencies hand out the pouches during community events and other contacts with citizens.</p><p><strong>Participating agencies include: </strong></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>Minnesota State Patrol</li><li>Saint Paul Police</li><li>Brooklyn Park Police</li><li>Crystal Police</li><li>Bloomington Police</li><li>St. Louis Park Police</li><li>Richfield Police</li><li>Eagan Police</li><li>St. Cloud Police</li><li>University of Minnesota</li><li>Rochester Police</li><li>Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office</li></ul><p>“We are continually looking for ways to reduce deadly force encounters as these instances can be catastrophic for police officers, and community members ," said DPS Assistant Commissioner Booker Hodges. “By working together with Ms. Castile, who has tirelessly advocated for these since her son was killed in a deadly force encounter with law enforcement, we are hoping these pouches help in some way reduce these instances, even if it's just one."</p><p> </p><p>###</p> | | 9/16/2021 11:14:04 PM | A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bruce Gordon, Director of Communications
CONTACT:
Scott Wasserman
651-201-7571 Its intent is to store a | 701 | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | | | Traffic Fatalities Rapidly Climbing as Unbelted Deaths Surpass Previous Year-to-Date Figures | 3665 | 9/16/2021 7:00:00 PM | <div>ST. PAUL – Even with fewer motorists on the road in 2020, unbelted deaths last year were the highest since 2014. Unfortunately, unbelted fatalities could surpass last year’s numbers by the end of this year.<br></div><div><br></div><div>The Click It or Ticket statewide seat belt campaign Sept. 19 – 30 strives to stop the growing, preventable heartache spreading among families across Minnesota.<br></div><div><br></div><div>Troopers, deputies and officers will be conducting extra seat belt patrols to help keep Minnesotans alive or avoid life-changing injuries. 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.<br></div><div><br></div><div>“Too many Minnesota families are hurting over a loss that is so easily preventable, and it’s getting worse,” said Mike Hanson, Office of Traffic Safety director. “Motorists choosing not to wear seat belts need to think beyond themselves, take responsibility and buckle up. As their excuses add up – I forgot to wear it; it’s only a short drive to the store; it’s my decision to make - unbelted fatalities are adding up at a tragic rate we haven’t seen in years. It’s inexcusable. Seat belts are your first and last line of defense in the event that a driver makes a mistake, but they only work if you use them. Drive smart and wear your seat belt.” <br></div><div><div><br></div><div><strong>Unbelted Motorists Contributing to Increase in Traffic Deaths</strong></div><div><ul><li>Between Jan. 1 and Sept. 8, preliminary reports show 68 unbelted motorists died on Minnesota roads compared with 65 this time last year.</li><li>The 68 fatalities are 45 percent higher than unbelted deaths at this time in 2019 (47).</li><li>The loss of life comes after a deadly 2020 when 105 unbelted motorists died compared to 73 in 2019.</li><li>The 105 unbelted motorist deaths in 2020 were the highest since 2014 (106).</li><li>In 2020, 79 percent of the unbelted deaths occurred in Greater Minnesota (outside the seven-county metro area).</li></ul></div><div><br></div><div><table cellspacing="0" width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-default "><tbody><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-default" style="text-align:center;"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default" colspan="3" style="width:33.3333%;"><strong>Unbelted Fatalities by Year, Jan. 1 through Sept. 8</strong> </td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableOddRow-default"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default"><strong>Year</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default"><strong>Number</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default"><strong>Percent*</strong></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-default"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default">2016</td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default">51</td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default">20.3%</td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableOddRow-default"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default">2017</td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default">44</td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default">18.4%</td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-default"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default">2018</td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default">54</td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default">22.4%</td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableOddRow-default"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default">2019</td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default">47</td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default">19.0%</td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-default"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default">2020</td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default">65</td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default">25.4%<br></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableOddRow-default"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default">2021</td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-default">68</td><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-default">21.0%<br></td></tr></tbody></table><br></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;">*</span><span style="font-size:1em;">This is the percentage of total fatalities for each year to date that involved lack of seat belts.</span><br></div></div><div><br></div><div><strong>Most Minnesotans Expect the Unexpected and Buckle Up</strong></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;">M</span><span style="font-size:1em;">ost Minnesotans make the life-saving decision to buckle up because it’s the law and seat belts protect them from unsafe drivers and road hazards. According to the 2019</span></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;">Minnesota Observational Seat Belt Survey, 93.4 percent of front seat occupants were wearing their seat belts.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;"></span><span style="font-size:1em;"><strong>The Law is for Safety</strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;"></span><span style="font-size:1em;">Minnesota law states that drivers and passengers in all seating positions must wear seat belts or be in the correct child restraint. Occupants must correctly wear seat belts low and snug across the hips, and they should never tuck straps under an arm or behind the back. If you are unbuckled, expect to be stopped.</span></div><div><div><br></div><div><strong>Give Your Child a Chance at Life</strong></div><div>Adults must take the time to correctly use child restraints, teach children the value of buckling up and model seat belt use. In crashes from 2016-2020, of the 15,670 children ages 0-7 that were properly restrained, 88 percent were not injured while another 9 percent sustained only possible injuries.</div><div><ul><li>In Minnesota, all children must be in a child restraint until they are 4 feet 9 inches tall, or at least age 8, whichever comes first.</li><li>Rear-facing seats - All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car seat until they have reached the height and weight limits allowed by the car seat manufacturer.</li><li>Forward-facing seats with harness - Toddlers and preschoolers who have reached the height and weight limits of the rear-facing car seat should use a forward-facing seat with harness until they reach the weight limit of the harness allowed by the car seat manufacturer.</li><li>Booster seats - School-age children who have reached the height and weight limits of the forward-facing seat can sit on a booster seat. It must be used with a lap and shoulder belt.</li><li>Seat belts - Children 8 years old or have reached 4 feet 9 inches tall can buckle up with seat belts. Your child is ready for an adult seat belt when they can sit with their back against the vehicle seat, knees bent comfortably and completely over the vehicle seat edge without slouching, and feet touching the floor.</li></ul></div><div><strong style="font-size:1em;">Resources:</strong><br></div><div><div><ul><li><a href="/divisions/ots/drive-smart/Pages/default.aspx" title="link to drive smart website">DriveSmartMN.org</a><br></li><li><a href="/divisions/ots/child-passenger-safety/Pages/default.aspx">BuckleUpKids.dps.mn.gov</a></li></ul></div><div><strong style="font-size:1em;">About the Minnesota Department Public Safety</strong><br></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.</div><div><br><br></div><br></div><span style="font-size:1em;"><br></span></div><p><span style="font-size:1em;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-size:1em;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-size:1em;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-size:1em;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:1em;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:1em;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:1em;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:1em;"></span><span style="font-size:1em;"></span></p> | | 9/17/2021 10:08:12 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 | | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | | | One Arrested During Sex Trafficking Operation | 3402 | 8/27/2021 10:00:00 PM | <p>Investigators with the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA)-led Minnesota Human Trafficking Investigators Task Force conducted a sex trafficking operation over the past 24-hours as part of Operation United Front – a multi-state law enforcement operation targeting sex trafficking. The Minnesota portion of the operation took place in Anoka County.</p><p>Together with its partner agencies, the Task Force:</p><ul><li><p>Arrested one sex trafficking suspect. Richard Payton, 47, of Bloomington was booked at the Anoka County Jail and released pending further investigation.</p></li><li><p>Recovered and provided services for eight trafficking victims.</p></li><li><p>Two people were questioned and released as part of the investigation.</p></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:1em;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:1em;"></span></p><p>The BCA was assisted in this effort by the Fridley, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Blaine, Buffalo, Woodbury, Leech Lake Tribal and Fond Du Lac police departments; the Hennepin, Anoka, Chisago and Washington County sheriff's offices; the East Metro Sex Trafficking Task Force; the Anoka Hennepin Drug Task Force; Tribes United Against Sex Trafficking (TRUST) and Homeland Security Investigations.<br></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">bca.tips@state.mn.us</a>. </p><p>Learn more about <a href="https://www.ago.mo.gov/home/news/2021/08/27/missouri-led-multi-state-human-trafficking-operation-rescues-47-victims-including-2-minors-and-leads-to-102-arrests-across-12-states">Operation United Front</a>.<br></p><p><br></p> | | 8/27/2021 10:09:01 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 | 124 | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | | | BCA Introduces Application for Providing Tips About Threats of Violence at Schools, Places of Worship | 3278 | 8/18/2021 3:00:00 PM | <p>ST. PAUL — Minnesotans have a new way to provide information about suspected criminal activity. The Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is employing an app – See It, Say It, Send It – for the public to provide tips about planned or threatened violence at Minnesota schools or places of worship.<br></p><p>Students, parents and school personnel can use the app to provide tips about planned or threatened violence at a school. The BCA will triage the tips, notify local law enforcement and assist as needed with the response to criminal activity. The BCA will work with the Minnesota School Safety Center, the Minnesota Department of Education, and with schools to determine the appropriate response to any tips that aren’t about criminal activity.</p><p>In the same way, congregants can use the app to report threats or planned violence at place of worship. The BCA will notify local law enforcement and coordinate with religious facility leadership on a response.</p><p>Always call or text 911 first when reporting ongoing incidents and immediate threats. </p><p>The See It, Say It, Send It app is not intended to replace local law enforcement or an existing school or religious facility security plan, but rather supplement it. A statewide approach can bring a better understanding of incidents that may involve more than one facility. </p><p>“A statewide approach can bring a better understanding of incidents that may involve more than one facility,” BCA Superintendent Drew Evans said. “For example, a local law enforcement agency responding to a threat at a school may not be aware of a similar threat to a school two counties away.”</p><p>Law enforcement has always relied upon the public to report threatened criminal activity. This is another way for Minnesotans to share information to help keep communities safe. </p><p>“We work hard with Minnesota schools every day to provide a safe and welcoming place for students to learn and thrive,” said Minnesota School Safety Center Director Randy Johnson. “The addition of a tool like this tip app that can help achieve that goal.”<br></p><p>See It, Say It, Send It can be accessed from cell phones and other mobile devices. Tips can be anonymous. </p><p>The BCA received funding for the app from a Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) STOP School Violence Program. BJA is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.</p><p><a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/see-it-say-it-send-it/id1341671234"><img src="/divisions/bca/PublishingImages/Apple.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" /></a><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.seeandsend"><img src="/divisions/bca/PublishingImages/Download.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" /></a><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.seeandsend"><img src="/divisions/bca/PublishingImages/Google.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" /></a><br><br></p><div style="text-align:center;">###<br></div><div><br></div><div><br><br><br></div> | | 8/18/2021 3:00:07 PM | 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 | 878 | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | | | Reward Offered in Shooting of Three Children in Minneapolis | 802 | 8/9/2021 5:30:00 PM | <p>ST. PAUL – Spotlight on Crime and Crime Stoppers are offering rewards totaling up to $180,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for the shootings of 10-year-old Ladavionne Garrett Jr., 9-year-old Trinity Ottoson-Smith and 6-year-old Aniya Allen in Minneapolis.</p><p>Spotlight on Crime is offering a reward of up to $150,000. Crime Stoppers is offering up to $30,000. Investigators hope the combined reward encourages someone to come forward with information. The reward amount is the largest Spotlight on Crime reward ever offered in Minnesota.<br></p><p style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>About the cases:</strong><br></p><blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><p><b>Ladavionne Garrett Jr.: Critically wounded April 30, 2021 <br></b><span style="font-size:1em;">Ten-year-old Ladavionne Garrett Jr. was shot and severely wounded while riding in a vehicle in the 3400 block of N. Morgan Avenue. Ladavionne remains hospitalized in critical condition.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:1em;"><b>Trinity Ottoson-Smith: Fatally wounded May 15, 2021 <br></b></span><span style="font-size:1em;">Nine-year-old Trinity Ottoson-Smith was s</span><span style="font-size:1em;">hot in the head while jumping on a trampoline at a home in the 2200 block of N. Ilona Avenue. Paramedics immediately provided medical care and she was transported to North Memorial Hospital. She died 12 days later of her injuries.</span></p><p><b>Aniya Allen: Critically wounded May 17, 2021 <br></b><span style="font-size:1em;">Six-year-old Aniya Allen was shot while ridin</span><span style="font-size:1em;">g in her mother's car at the intersection of N. 36th and Penn avenues. The two had just left McDonald's and were on their way home when Aniya was shot by stray gunfire. Aniya was taken to North Memorial Hospital where she died two days later.</span></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-size:1em;"></span></p><p>The surge in violent crime in Minneapolis is continuing at a time when the city's public safety resources are stretched thin. Each of these cases was the result of gun violence allegedly among rival gangs and these three children were the unintended targets.</p><p>The Minneapolis Police Department and Minnesota BCA hope the financial reward offered by Spotlight on Crime will motivate someone with information about the shootings to come forward with any information leading to the prosecution of the persons responsible for these heinous crimes.</p><p>Anyone with information related to these case is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at <a href="http://crimestoppersmn.org/" target="_blank" title="Crime Stoppers of Minnesota">crimestoppersmn.org</a> or the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension at 877-996-6222 or <a href="mailto:bca.tips@state.mn.us" title="Email tips to the BCA">bca.tips@state.mn.us</a>.<br><br></p><p><strong>About Spotlight on Crime <br></strong><span style="font-size:1em;">Spotlight on Crime is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization fund established by Minnesota businesses in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and state and local law enforcement officials. Donations to the fund, which may come from any individual, corporation, foundation or other source, are made available as cash rewards to help solve violent crimes. More information available online at </span><a href="http://www.spotlightoncrime.org/" target="_blank" title="Spotlight on Crime" style="font-size:1em;">spotlightoncrime.org</a><br><br></p><p style="text-align:center;">###<br></p> | | 8/9/2021 5:55:25 PM | A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bruce Gordon, Director of Communications
CONTACT:
Jill Oliveira, BCA,
651-793-2726 | 543 | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | | | Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Releases 2020 Uniform Crime Report | 1317 | 7/26/2021 8:00:00 PM | <p><span style="font-size:1em;">ST. PAUL —The Mi</span><span style="font-size:1em;">nnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has released the 2020 Uniform Crime Report. Local law enforcement agencies report crime data to the BCA each year to meet state and federal reporting requirements. The BCA compiles the data into an annual report and provides required data to the FBI for its reporting purposes.</span><br></p><p>Notable statistics in this year’s report: </p><ul><li><p>Minnesota recorded a 16.6 percent increase in violent crimes in 2020. Most notably, there were 185 murders in 2020 in Minnesota compared to 117 in 2019, an increase of 58.1 percent. The 2020 number also tops by two the 183 total from 1995, which previously had been the highest total. Also, 75 percent of the murders in 2020 were committed with a firearm, up from 69 percent in 2019.</p></li><li><p> After a significant downward trend over the past several years, arson rose 53.7 percent over 2019. There were 710 arsons reported in 2020 and 462 in 2019. </p></li><li><p>Motor vehicle theft rose 19.7 percent in 2020 with 13,662 vehicles stolen as compared to 11,410 in 2019. The 2020 total is the highest since 2005. </p></li><li><p>Bias crimes rose sharply in 2020 with 223 incidents reported – the highest number in 15 years. Forty-one percent of the 2020 incidents were motivated by anti-Black or African American bias.</p></li><li><p>There were 31 officer involved shooting incidents reported in 2020, an increase of six over 2019, and almost evenly split between the Twin Cities metro and Greater Minnesota. </p></li><li><p>There were 667 incidents in 2020 where an officer(s) were assaulted in the line of duty. This is a 62 percent increase over 2019, and more than any other year on record.</p></li><li><p>There were 81 human trafficking-commercial sex crimes in 2020, down from 128 in 2019.</p></li><li><p>The value of property stolen in 2020 topped $216 million, a 54.5% increase over 2019. Some of the biggest increases were in the value of stolen food and grooming products, money and vehicles.</p></li></ul><p></p><h2>Violent Crimes<br></h2><div><table cellspacing="0" width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-default"><tbody><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:16.6667%;"><br><br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:16.6667%;text-align:center;"><strong>2020</strong><br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:16.6667%;text-align:center;"><strong>2019</strong><br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:16.6667%;text-align:center;"><strong>2018</strong><br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:16.6667%;text-align:center;"><strong>2017</strong><br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:16.6667%;text-align:center;"><strong>2016</strong><br></td></tr><tr style="text-align:center;"><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="text-align:left;"><strong>Murder</strong><br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">185<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">117<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">104<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">114<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">100<br></td></tr><tr style="text-align:center;"><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="text-align:left;"><strong>Rape</strong><br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2,222<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2,431<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2,666<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2,429<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2,321<br></td></tr><tr style="text-align:center;"><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="text-align:left;"><strong>Robbery</strong><br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">3,885<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">3,081<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2,943<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">3,645<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">3,725<br></td></tr><tr style="text-align:center;"><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="text-align:left;"><strong>Aggravated Assault</strong><br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">8,203<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">6,742<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">6,693<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">7,115<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">7,026<br></td></tr><tr style="text-align:center;"><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="text-align:left;"><strong>Human Trafficking – Commercial Sex Acts⁺</strong><span style="white-space:pre;"> </span><br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">81<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">128<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">183<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">173<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">235<br></td></tr><tr style="text-align:center;"><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="text-align:left;"><strong>Human Trafficking – Involuntary Servitude^</strong><br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">13<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">10<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">0<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">0<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">0<br></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="white-space:pre;"><br></span></div><div><span style="white-space:pre;"><br></span></div><h2>Property Crimes</h2><div><span style="white-space:pre;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align:center;"><table cellspacing="0" width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-default"><tbody><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:16.6667%;"><br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:16.6667%;"><strong>2020</strong><br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:16.6667%;"><strong>2019</strong><br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:16.6667%;"><strong>2018</strong><br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:16.6667%;"><strong>2017</strong><br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:16.6667%;"><strong>2016</strong><br></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="text-align:left;"><strong>Burglary</strong><br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">16,789<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">15,735<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">16,097<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">18,749<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">18,464<br></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="text-align:left;"><strong>Larceny</strong><br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">89,130<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">90,257<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">85,394<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">93,455<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">89,924<br></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="text-align:left;"><strong>Motor Vehicle Theft</strong><br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">13,662<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">11,410<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">10,082<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">9,960<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">8,649<br></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="text-align:left;"><strong>Arson</strong><br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">710<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">462<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">426<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">534<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">497<br></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br><br></div><h2>Additional Crime Data Reported to the BCA<br></h2><div><br></div><div><table cellspacing="0" width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-default" style="text-align:center;"><tbody><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:16.6667%;"><br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:16.6667%;"><strong>2020</strong><br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:16.6667%;"><strong>2019</strong><br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:16.6667%;"><strong>2018</strong><br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:16.6667%;"><strong>2017</strong><br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:16.6667%;"><strong>2016</strong><br></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="text-align:left;"><strong>Homicide cleared by arrest</strong><br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">65%<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">64%<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">77%<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">74%<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">74%<br></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="text-align:left;"><strong>Drug abuse violation cleared by arrest</strong><br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">82%<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">88%<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">85%<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">85%<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">85%<br></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="text-align:left;"><strong>Drug abuse violation arrest for Opiates, Heroin, Cocaine, etc.</strong><br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">1,745<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2,684<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2,683<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2,315<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">1,700<br></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="text-align:left;"><strong>Bias motivated incidents</strong><br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">223<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">146<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">127<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">147<br></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">122<br></td></tr></tbody></table><br></div><p>There were no law enforcement fatalities in 2020.<br></p><div><br></div><h2>Use of Force Data Collection</h2><p>The Minnesota Legislature during a 2020 special session enacted a new law (<a href="/divisions/bca/bca-divisions/mnjis/Pages/uniform-crime-reports.aspx">Minn. Stat. 626.5534</a>) requiring Minnesota law enforcement agencies to provide information about use-of-force incidents for the FBI’s Use-of-Force Data Collection. Agencies had already begun providing data on a voluntary basis in 2018 shortly after the FBI first established the data collection.</p><p>The incidents that require reporting under the law include those where a firearm was discharged toward a person, and any use-of-force incident resulting in serious bodily injury or death. Agencies provide information including the race, gender and age of the person and the officer, type of force used and resistance encountered. 2020 is the second full year of data collection. </p><p>Minnesota agencies reported 45 use-of-force incidents.</p><ul><li><p>16 non-injury incidents</p></li><li><p>9 during which a person died</p></li><li><p>9 resulting in serious injury requiring medical attention</p></li><li><p>8 incidents resulting in a person being unconscious</p></li><li><p>5 gunshot injury incidents</p></li></ul><div><br></div><p>Agencies reported the following race information for use-of-force incidents.</p><ul><li><p>White (21)</p></li><li><p>Black (14)</p></li><li><p>Unknown/Not Reported (5)</p></li><li><p>American Indian (3)</p></li><li><p>Asian (3)</p></li></ul><div><br></div><div>The complete 2020 Uniform Crime Report can be viewed on the <a href="/divisions/bca/bca-divisions/mnjis/Pages/uniform-crime-reports.aspx">BCA website</a>. Additional years’ reports can be found on the same page.</div><div><br></div><h2>Definitions and Explanations<br></h2><p>*  Crime rate is the number of crimes reported by law enforcement per 100,000 population.<br></p><p>⁺  Includes offenses where a person was induced by fraud or coercion to participate in commercial sex acts, or in which the person induced to perform such act(s) has not attained 18 years of age.</p><p>^  Includes offenses where a person(s) is obtained through recruitment, harboring, transportation, or provision and subjected by force, fraud, or coercion into involuntary servitude, peonage, debt, bondage, or slavery.<br></p><h2>About the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension</h2><p>The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) provides investigative and specialized law enforcement services to prevent and solve crimes in partnership with law enforcement, public safety and criminal justice agencies. Services include criminal justice training, forensic laboratory analysis, criminal histories and investigations.</p><h2>About the Minnesota Department of Public Safety</h2><p>DPS comprises 10 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.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:1em;">###</span><br></p><div><br><br></div><p><br></p> | | 7/27/2021 3:51:49 PM | A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bruce Gordon, Director of Communications
CONTACT:
Jill Oliveira
651-793-2726 | 2749 | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | | | Woodbury Man Charged with Felony Possession of Child Pornography | 1102 | 7/23/2021 8:00:00 PM | <div>ST. PAUL — A Woodbury man has been charged with eight counts of possessing child pornography following an investigation by the Minnesota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension leads the task force created to investigate and prosecute those who would exploit children on the Internet.<br></div><div><br></div><div>The investigation began in May when ICAC investigators received several tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that appeared to be associated with one person using a Google account to store images of child pornography. ICAC agents identified William Glenn Pinckney, 34, of Woodbury, as the account holder.<br></div><div><br></div><div>ICAC agents executed a search warrant on July 22 and seized several electronic devices at Pinckney’s residence that were found to have hundreds of files of child pornography. Each file depicts a different child victim.<br></div><div><br></div><div>Pinckney was charged in Washington County District Court with eight felonies for possession of child pornography. The criminal complaint is <a href="/Documents/ComplaintSummary%20Pinckney.pdf">available here</a>.</div><div><br></div><div><strong>About the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force</strong></div><div>The <a href="/divisions/bca/bca-divisions/investigations/Pages/internet-crime-against-children.aspx">Minnesota Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force</a> works with law enforcement agencies throughout Minnesota to investigate and prosecute those who exploit children on the Internet. The ICAC Task Force also works to educate parents and children about potential online risks.</div><div><br></div><div>Report suspicious online conduct involving children to the <a href="https://www.missingkids.org/home">National Center for Missing and Exploited Children </a>(NCMEC) <a href="https://www.missingkids.org/gethelpnow/cybertipline">CyberTipline</a> or call 1-800-THE-LOST, (800) 843-5678. <br></div><div><br></div><div style="text-align:center;">###</div><div><br><br></div><p><br></p> | | 7/23/2021 7:31:54 PM | A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bruce Gordon, Director of Communications
CONTACT:
Bruce Godon
651-201-7171
Bruce.Gordon@state.mn.us | 831 | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | | | Unauthorized Data Access Found at North Mankato, Fairfax Deputy Registrar Offices | 2475 | 7/21/2021 4:00:00 PM | <p><span style="font-size:1em;">ST. PAUL — Five current employees at two deputy registrar offices have permanently lost access to driver and vehicle data as a result of audits conducted by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services Division (DPS-DVS).</span></p><div><strong>Fairfax Deputy Registrar office</strong></div><div>DPS-DVS became aware of an employee of the Fairfax Deputy Registrar office using another employee’s access credentials, which is not allowed under the law. This triggered an audit by DPS-DVS and auditors found seven instances where the two users accessed DVS data without a lawful business purpose. As a result, their access to DVS data has been permanently revoked, as required by law.<br></div><div><br></div><div>Because the two individuals are the only employees of the Fairfax Deputy Registrar, the office will need to close until other individuals can be hired, trained and authorized to access DPS-DVS data.<br></div><div><br></div><div>The Fairfax Deputy Registrar office is privately owned and operated. In addition to vehicle title and registration services, the office is also a limited driver’s license agent.<br></div><div><br></div><div><strong>North Mankato Deputy Registrar office</strong></div><div>Three of the five employees of the North Mankato Deputy Registrar office have permanently lost access to driver and vehicle data after it was found that the individuals accessed several driver’s license and motor vehicle records without a lawful business purpose.<br></div><div><br></div><div>A self-search by an employee at the North Mankato office on May 4 triggered the audit by DPS-DVS. It is unlawful for a person with access to DPS-DVS data to perform a search on themselves or anyone else without a lawful business purpose. DPS-DVS suspended the user on May 28.</div><div><br></div><div>Additional DPS-DVS auditing found four users in the office accessed DPS-DVS data without a lawful business purpose. Three of the four individuals are current employees, while the fourth is no longer an employee of the privately owned office. The revocations leave two employees at the North Mankato office with access to DPS-DVS data.</div><div>It is not clear how this action will affect services provided by the North Mankato deputy registrar office. North Mankato Deputy Registrar office is privately owned and operated. In addition to vehicle title and registration services, the office is also a limited driver’s license agent.<br></div><div><br></div><div><strong>Minnesota law requires permanent revocation</strong></div><div>Minnesota law requires DPS-DVS to “immediately and permanently revoke the authorization of any individual who entered, updated, accessed, shared or disseminated data in violation of state or federal law.” (Minnesota Statutes section 171.12).<br></div><div><br></div><div>While the law says access must be revoked "immediately and permanently," it does not state whether or not the person should be reassigned or their employment terminated. That is the decision of the employer. However, if a person needs to access the DPS-DVS data as a part of their assigned job duties they will no longer be able to perform that part of their job.</div><div><br></div><div>In addition, the law requires DPS-DVS to forward the matter to the appropriate prosecuting authority for prosecution when an “individual willfully gained access to data without authorization by law.” Information about the misuse found at both offices was forwarded to the respective county attorneys for review of possible criminal charges.<br></div><div><br></div><div>DPS-DVS has taken action in several cases since the law went into effect in October of 2018. A total of 51 people, including employees at private companies and state employees, have been permanently revoked from having access to DPS-DVS data.<br></div><div><br></div><div><strong>Communication to authorized users</strong></div><div>DPS-DVS sends a quarterly reminder to everyone with access to DPS-DVS data. Users are also required to complete an individual records access agreement and annually attest to the policy concerning the security and confidentiality of DPS-DVS data and records. Users are reminded penalties apply to any user with access to DPS-DVS data, not just state employees. Anyone who misuses access to DPS-DVS information will permanently lose their access to DVS data. There is no opportunity for a person to regain their access once it is terminated.<br></div><div><br></div><div><strong>Service impact</strong></div><div>It is not clear how this action will affect services provided by the North Mankato deputy registrar office. The Fairfax Deputy Registrar office will need to close until other individuals can be hired, trained and authorized to access DPS-DVS data.<br></div><div><br></div><div>The offices offer the following services:</div><div><ul><li>Driver’s License: First time applications, duplicate, and renewal (standard, REAL-ID, EDL)</li><li>Vehicles: Registration, title transaction, same say duplicate titles.</li><li>Expedited Services offered for vehicle title and driver’s license applications</li><li>Disability Parking Certifications</li><li>International Fuel Tax and International Registration Plan services for interstate motor carriers</li><li>DNR registration (boat, snowmobile)</li><li>Fish and Game Licenses</li></ul></div><div>Offices closest to the North Mankato Deputy Registrar offering similar services include:</div><div><ul><li>Mankato</li><li>New Ulm</li><li>Saint Peter</li><li>Waseca</li><li>Le Center</li></ul></div><div>Offices closest to Fairfax Deputy Registrar offering similar services include:</div><div><ul><li>Sleepy Eye</li><li>New Ulm</li><li>Redwood Falls</li><li>Olivia</li><li>Springfield</li><li>Gaylord</li></ul></div><div>More information about DPS-DVS locations and services is available at <a href="https://drive.mn.gov/">drive.mn.gov</a>. <br></div><div><br></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.<br></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.<br></div><div><br></div><div style="text-align:center;"><strong>###</strong></div><div><br><br></div><p><br><br></p> | | 7/21/2021 5:38:47 PM | A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bruce Gordon, Director of Communications
CONTACT:
Doug Neville
651-201-7562 It is unlawful for a person | 1709 | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | | | Death Investigation Underway in Cook County | 998 | 7/19/2021 9:00:00 PM | <p><strong>UPDATE - Aug. 16, 2021</strong></p><div>A third person has been charged in the murder, dismemberment and attempt to conceal the remains of a St. Paul man. </div><div><br></div><div>Jacob Colt Johnson, 35, of Superior, Wisconsin, was charged this afternoon in Cook County District Court with 2nd Degree Murder – With Intent, Not Premeditated in the death of Richard Balsimo. Johnson is currently jailed in Douglas County, Wisconsin, on unrelated charges.</div><div><br></div><div>Richard Balsimo of St. Paul was murdered on or around June 20, 2021. His remains were recovered from Lake Superior near Grand Portage on July 15 and 16.</div><div><br></div><div>Two other persons have been charged for their roles in Balsimo’s murder. </div><div><ul><li><span style="font-size:1em;">Robert Thomas West, 41, of Duluth, was charged on July 16 with Aiding an Offender and Interference with a Dead Body. </span></li><li>Tommi Lynn Hintz, 31, of Duluth, was arrested on August 11. Hintz is charged with Accomplice After the Fact to Felony Murder and Interference with Dead Body - Conceal a Body. </li></ul></div><div><br><br></div><p><strong>UPDATE - Aug. 11, 2021</strong></p><p>Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) agents this afternoon arrested a second suspect in the murder, dismemberment and attempt to conceal the remains of a St. Paul man. Tommi Lynn Hintz, 31, of Duluth has been booked into the St. Louis County Jail on a Cook County warrant on probable cause Accomplice After the Fact to Felony Murder and Interference with Dead Body - Conceal a Body. Officers with the Duluth Police Department assisted with the arrest. Additional information is available in the criminal complaint.</p><p>Richard Balsimo of St. Paul was murdered on or around June 20, 2021. His remains were recovered from Lake Superior near Grand Portage on July 15 and 16.</p><p>A Duluth man, Robert Thomas West, was charged on July 16 with Aiding an Offender and Interference with a Dead Body for his role in the incident. <br></p><div><p>Additional charges are anticipated.<br></p><br></div><p>###<br></p><p><br></p><p>ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), with assistance from with several additional agencies, is investigating the death of a man whose remains were located in Lake Superior off the shore of the Cook County city of Grand Portage. </p><p>The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the deceased as Richard Anthony Balsimo, 34, of Saint Paul. The medical examiner said Mr. Balsimo died of homicidal violence. Additional details about his cause of death are pending further investigation. Mr. Balsimo was last seen in St. Paul on June 20. Investigators working with dive teams located his remains in Lake Superior on July 15 and 16.<br></p><p>The Cook County Attorney’s Office on July 16 charged Robert Thomas West of Duluth with one count Aiding an Offender and one count Interference with a Dead Body for his role in the incident. Additional charges are anticipated. <br></p><p>This is an active and ongoing investigation, but based on what is known at this time, investigators do not believe there is an ongoing threat to public safety. <br></p><p>The BCA is assisted with its investigation by the following agencies:<br></p><ul><li>Cook County Attorney’s Office</li><li><span style="font-size:1em;">Cook County Sheriff’s Office</span></li><li><span style="font-size:1em;">Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (Wisc.)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:1em;">Minnesota Attorney General’s Office</span></li><li><span style="font-size:1em;">St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office</span></li><li><span style="font-size:1em;">St. Paul Police Department</span></li><li><span style="font-size:1em;">Superior Police Department (Wisc.)</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:1em;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:1em;"></span></p><p>Additional information will be available as the investigation progresses.<br></p><p style="text-align:center;">###<br></p><div><br><br></div><p><br></p> | | 8/16/2021 10:00:09 PM | A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bruce Gordon, Director of Communications
CONTACT:
Jill Oliveira
651-793-2726 | 916 | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | |
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