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| Spring Flood Run Kicks Off Motorcycle Season | 500 | 4/15/2021 2:30:00 PM | <p><span style="font-size:1em;">ST. PAUL — Riders and motorists should exercise extreme caution this weekend along the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers as thousands of motorcyclists take to the road for the <a href="https://www.flood-run.com/" target="_blank" title="Spring Flood Run ">Spring Flood Run</a> Saturday, April 17. The ride typically attracts thousands of riders and takes them on route between the Twin Cities and Winona.  </span></p><div><br></div><div>Preliminary reports show two riders died in motorcycle crashes so far this season. Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) officials ask riders and motorists to share the roads. Riders should take safety into their own hands and motorists should look twice for motorcyclists.</div><div><br></div><div>Law enforcement agencies in southeast Minnesota, along with Minnesota State Troopers, will be out patrolling the area during the event to ensure a safe riding environment. </div><div><br></div><div>“We want riders to enjoy the spring ride and make it home safely. That takes motorcyclists and other motorists working together to share the road,” says Lt. Gordon Shank, Minnesota State Patrol. “Motorcyclists should ride sober and ride at their own pace in groups, while other motorists should give riders space and diligently check blind spots before changing lanes and at intersections.”</div><div><br></div><div>DPS offers these safety tips:</div><div><br></div><div><strong><em>Riders </em></strong></div><div><ul><li>Be prepared for inattentive drivers by staying focused on riding, keeping your speed in check and maintaining a two-second following distance.</li><li>Wear the gear. Motorcyclists should wear a DOT-approved helmet and brightly colored protective gear for visibility and protection. </li><li>Don’t drink and ride. One-third of all motorcycle fatalities involve impaired riders. </li></ul></div><div><br></div><div><strong><em>Motorists</em></strong></div><div><ul><li>Watch for motorcycles. Due to the smaller size of motorcycles, their speed and distance is more difficult to judge.</li><li>Always look twice before entering a roadway, turning left or changing lanes.</li><li>Give riders room by maintaining a three-second following distance and check blind spots. </li><li>Pay attention and drive at safe speeds.</li></ul></div><div><br></div><div>While in Minnesota, follow required COVID-19 mitigation measures including face coverings, social distancing and limits on gatherings. Learn more at <a href="https://staysafe.mn.gov/" target="_blank" title="Stay Safe MN website">staysafe.mn.gov.</a></div><div><br></div><div><strong>About the Minnesota Department of 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 the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center </strong></div><div>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.</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 Toward Zero Deaths (TZD), the state’s primary road safety initiative. A primary vision of the TZD 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. TZD focuses on the application of four strategic areas to reduce crashes — education, enforcement, engineering and emergency trauma response. <br></div><div><br></div><div><strong>Recent MMSC Activity and Statistics</strong></div><div><ul><li>There are approximately 216,000 registered motorcycles and 412,000 licensed operators in Minnesota. </li><li>During the shortened 2020 training season, MMSC trained approximately 2,700 students statewide.</li><li>Follow MMSC on <a href="http://twitter.com/MnDPS_MCSafety" target="_blank" title="MMSC Twitter page">Twitter @MnDPS_MCSafety</a> and “like” <a href="https://m.facebook.com/MnMotorcycleSafety?ref=aymt_homepage_panel" target="_blank" title="MMSC Facebook page">MMSC on Facebook</a>.<br></li></ul></div><div><br></div><p><br></p> | | 4/15/2021 5:05:45 PM | A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bruce Gordon, Director of Communications
CONTACT:
Megan Leonard
651-201-7566 Due to the smaller size of | 411 | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | | | BCA Arrests Former Officer in Connection with the Death of Daunte Wright | 483 | 4/14/2021 5:00:00 PM | <p>ST. PAUL — Agents with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) this morning arrested a former a Brooklyn Center police officer for the April 11 shooting death of Daunte Wright. Agents took Kim Potter into custody at approximately 11:30 a.m. at the BCA in St. Paul. </p><p>After consultation with the Washington County Attorney’s Office, Potter will be booked into the Hennepin County Jail on probable cause 2nd Degree Manslaughter. The Washington County Attorney’s Office will file charges later today.<br></p><p>This remains an active and ongoing investigation. The BCA has been and will continue to work with the Washington County Attorney’s Office as the case progresses.  </p><p style="text-align:center;">###<br></p><div><br><br></div><p><br></p> | | 4/14/2021 4:42:53 PM | A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bruce Gordon, Director of Communications
CONTACT:
Jill Oliveira
651-793-2726 The BCA has been and will | 615 | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | | | BCA Identifies Officer in Brooklyn Center Shooting Incident | 444 | 4/13/2021 12:25:00 AM | <p><br></p><p>ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has identified the officer who discharged her firearm during an officer involved shooting incident that occurred on Sunday, April 11, in Brooklyn Center.<br></p><p>Officer Kim Potter has been with the Brooklyn Center Police Department for 26 years. She is on standard administrative leave. Further personnel data are not public from the BCA under Minnesota law during an active investigation.<br></p><p>The Hennepin County Medical Examiner earlier this evening confirmed the identity of the man who died during the incident as Daunte Demetrius Wright, 20, of Minneapolis. Wright died of a gunshot wound.<br></p><p>The BCA investigation of the incident is ongoing. <br></p><div style="text-align:center;"><br>###<br></div><p><br></p> | | 4/13/2021 1:39:44 AM | A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bruce Gordon, Director of Communications
CONTACT:
Jill Oliveira
651-793-2726 | 14025 | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | | | Drive Smart, Pay Attention and Put the Phone Down | 31 | 4/5/2021 2:00:00 PM | <p align="left" style="margin:10px 0px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">ST. PAUL —So many distractions can make your mind wander these days, but when you are behind the wheel, it can be deadly.</p><p align="left" style="margin:10px 0px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">To increase awareness and change dangerous behaviors, law enforcement agencies across Minnesota will begin a month-long extra distracted driving enforcement campaign starting today and running through April 30.</p><p align="left" style="margin:10px 0px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (DPS-OTS) coordinates the campaign with funding provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The campaign includes <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/jw8zdb5ekbnlp64/AADRqs_7U0Q3wtQ4mnOrDRGEa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="color:#0072bc;text-decoration:underline;-ms-word-break:break-all;">advertising</a> across Minnesota in support of the statewide Toward Zero Deaths traffic safety initiative.</p><p align="left" style="margin:10px 0px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Lost in thought, phones, changing the music, dropping something on the floor or disciplining a child in the back seat are all real distractions, and they can lead to life-changing events.</p><p align="left" style="margin:10px 0px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">“Don’t be part of the problem, be part of the solution when it comes to distracted driving,” said Mike Hanson, Office of Traffic Safety director. “Start by setting a good example for your kids or anyone in the vehicle by parking the phone. And the next time you start to do something else behind the wheel that isn’t driving, remember how you feel about other motorists doing the same thing. Don’t let distracted driving wreck you. Drive smart by always paying attention behind the wheel.”</p><p align="left" style="margin:10px 0px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;"> </p><p align="left" style="margin:10px 0px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;"><strong>Drive Smart</strong></p><p align="left" style="margin:10px 0px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Driving smart and focusing 100 percent of your attention on the road can help avoid tragedy for everyone sharing the road. Distracted driving contributes to an average of 31 deaths and 192 life-changing injuries a year (2016-2020).</p><p align="left" style="margin:10px 0px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;"><a href="/divisions/ots/drive-smart/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="color:#0072bc;text-decoration:underline;-ms-word-break:break-all;">Drive smart</a> means parking the phone, setting the GPS and music before driving, keeping your eyes on the road during a conversation, not reaching down for an object on the floor, not eating messy food that could spill and take your attention off the road, and the list goes on. Drive smart simply means putting all the distractions away and focusing on the road.</p><p align="left" style="margin:10px 0px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;"> </p><p align="left" style="margin:10px 0px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;"><strong>Distracted Driving is Dangerous Driving</strong></p><ul><li style="margin:0px 0px 7px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">More than 39,000 crashes were distracted driving-related from 2016-2020, contributing to one in nine crashes in Minnesota.</li><li style="margin:0px 0px 7px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">In 2020, distracted driving contributed to 2,612 injuries and 29 deaths.</li><li style="margin:0px 0px 7px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Distracted driving contributes to 11 percent of crashes in Minnesota.</li></ul><table class="gd_table" border="1" style="border:solid currentcolor;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="width:14.28%;text-align:center;color:#000000;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;"><strong>Distracted Driving</strong></td><td align="center" style="width:14.28%;text-align:center;color:#000000;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;"><strong>2016</strong></td><td align="center" style="width:14.28%;text-align:center;color:#000000;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;"><strong>2017</strong></td><td align="center" style="width:14.28%;text-align:center;color:#000000;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;"><strong>2018</strong></td><td align="center" style="width:14.28%;text-align:center;color:#000000;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;"><strong>2019</strong></td><td align="center" style="width:14.28%;text-align:center;color:#000000;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;"><strong>2020</strong></td><td align="center" style="width:14.28%;text-align:center;color:#000000;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;"><strong>Total</strong></td></tr><tr><td align="center" style="width:14.28%;text-align:center;color:#000000;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;"><strong>Fatalities</strong></td><td align="center" style="width:14.28%;text-align:center;color:#000000;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">41</td><td align="center" style="width:14.28%;text-align:center;color:#000000;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">24</td><td align="center" style="width:14.28%;text-align:center;color:#000000;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">29</td><td align="center" style="width:14.28%;text-align:center;color:#000000;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">32</td><td align="center" style="width:14.28%;text-align:center;color:#000000;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">29</td><td align="center" style="width:14.28%;text-align:center;color:#000000;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">155</td></tr><tr><td align="center" style="width:14.28%;text-align:center;color:#000000;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;"><strong>Serious Injuries</strong></td><td align="center" style="width:14.28%;text-align:center;color:#000000;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">254</td><td align="center" style="width:14.28%;text-align:center;color:#000000;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">218</td><td align="center" style="width:14.28%;text-align:center;color:#000000;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">179</td><td align="center" style="width:14.28%;text-align:center;color:#000000;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">149</td><td align="center" style="width:14.28%;text-align:center;color:#000000;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">160</td><td align="center" style="width:14.28%;text-align:center;color:#000000;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">960</td></tr></tbody></table><p align="left" style="margin:10px 0px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;"><strong><br>Campaign History (2015-2020) – A Disturbing Trend </strong></p><p align="left" style="margin:10px 0px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">The Office of Traffic Safety scheduled a one-week hands-free extra enforcement campaign in August 2020, highlighting the one-year anniversary of the hands-free law.</p><p align="left" style="margin:10px 0px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">During the campaign, 230 agencies reported 1,403 citations from Aug. 1-8.</p><p align="left" style="margin:10px 0px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;"> </p><p align="left" style="margin:10px 0px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;"><strong>Drivers Making Dangerous Choices During the 2020 Campaign included: </strong></p><ul><li style="margin:0px 0px 7px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">In St. Paul, a 37-year-old man admitted to playing Pokémon Go while driving.</li></ul><ul><li style="margin:0px 0px 7px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">In Austin, police cited a driver steering with his knee, with both hands on his phone.</li></ul><ul><li style="margin:0px 0px 7px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">In St. Paul, a 44-year-old man was cited for manipulating one phone and then picking up another phone and making a call. </li><li style="margin:0px 0px 7px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">In St. Paul, police stopped a 20-year-old female twice in 20 minutes. The first time for typing an address into her GPS. The second time, the driver was changing songs on her cell phone while the phone was in a hands-free mount.</li><li style="margin:0px 0px 7px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">A trooper cited a 23-year-old male south of Thief River Falls for holding his phone and calling a coworker in the vehicle ahead of him.</li><li style="margin:0px 0px 7px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">In St. Paul, a 49-year-old man was cited for talking on his phone. The driver explained that he was a driving instructor and one of his students was calling him.</li></ul><p align="left" style="margin:10px 0px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;"> </p><p align="left" style="margin:10px 0px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;"><strong>April Distracted Enforcement History</strong></p><p align="left" style="margin:10px 0px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">The following are results from the annual distracted driving extra enforcement campaign, including the number of people cited for texting and driving.</p><ul><li style="margin:0px 0px 7px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">2019: 1,927 citations</li><li style="margin:0px 0px 7px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">2018: 1,576 citations</li><li style="margin:0px 0px 7px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">2017: 1,017 citations</li><li style="margin:0px 0px 7px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">2016: 972 citations</li><li style="margin:0px 0px 7px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">2015: 909 citations</li></ul><p align="left" style="margin:10px 0px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;"> </p><p align="left" style="margin:10px 0px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;"><strong>Hands-Free is the Law</strong></p><p align="left" style="margin:10px 0px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Hands-free cell phone use became law on Aug. 1, 2019 in Minnesota. That means drivers can no longer hold their phone in their hand. Accessing or posting on social media, streaming videos, checking that box score or Googling information on a device while driving are all still against the law in Minnesota, even in hands-free mode.</p><p align="left" style="margin:10px 0px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Law enforcement cited 19,778 drivers for failing to comply with the <a href="/divisions/ots/hands-free/Pages/default.aspx" style="color:#0072bc;text-decoration:underline;-ms-word-break:break-all;">hands-free law</a> in 2020.</p><p align="left" style="margin:10px 0px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;"> </p><p align="left" style="margin:10px 0px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;"><strong>Distracted Driving Consequences </strong></p><ul><li style="margin:0px 0px 7px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">HANDS-FREE CELL PHONE LAW: The law allows a driver to use their cell phone to make calls, text, listen to music or podcasts and get directions, but only by voice commands or single-touch activation without holding the phone. Remember, hands-free is not necessarily distraction-free.</li><ul><li style="margin:0px 0px 7px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">$100 or more including court fees for a first offense.</li><li style="margin:0px 0px 7px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">$300 or more including court fees for a second and/or subsequent offense.</li></ul><li style="margin:0px 0px 7px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">If you injure or kill someone while violating the hands-free law, you can face a felony charge of criminal vehicular operation or homicide.</li></ul><p align="left" style="margin:10px 0px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;"> </p><p align="left" style="margin:10px 0px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;"><strong>Drive Smart and Join Minnesotans Driving Distracted Free</strong></p><ul><li style="margin:0px 0px 7px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Cell phones — Park the phone by putting it down, turning it off, placing it out of reach or going hands free.</li></ul><ul><li style="margin:0px 0px 7px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Music and other controls — Pre-program radio stations and arrange music in an easy-to-access spot. Adjust mirrors and ventilation before traveling.</li></ul><ul><li style="margin:0px 0px 7px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Navigation — Map out the destination and enter the GPS route in advance.</li></ul><ul><li style="margin:0px 0px 7px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Eating and drinking — Avoid messy foods and secure drinks.</li></ul><ul><li style="margin:0px 0px 7px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Children — Teach children the importance of good behavior in a vehicle and model proper driving behavior.</li></ul><ul><li style="margin:0px 0px 7px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Passengers — <strong>Speak up </strong>to stop drivers from distracted-driving behavior and offer to help with anything that takes the driver’s attention off the road.</li></ul><h2 align="left" style="margin:10px 0px;text-align:left;color:#003764;line-height:1.1;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-weight:bold;">About the Minnesota Department Public Safety</h2><p align="left" style="margin:10px 0px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) comprises 10 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><h2 align="left" style="margin:10px 0px;text-align:left;color:#003764;line-height:1.1;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-weight:bold;"><strong>About the Office of Traffic Safety</strong></h2><p align="left" style="margin:10px 0px;text-align:left;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">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. DPS-OTS also administers state funds for the motorcycle safety program and for the child seats for needy families program.</p><p align="center" style="margin:10px 0px;text-align:center;color:#000000;line-height:1.4;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">###</p><p></p> | | 4/5/2021 3:07:12 PM | A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bruce Gordon, Director of Communications
CONTACT:
Scott Wasserman
651-201-7571 | 145 | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | | | REAL ID Full Enforcement Deadline Six Months Away | 80482 | 3/25/2021 5:00:00 PM | <p><br></p><div>ST. PAUL — Nearly 22 percent of Minnesota driver’s license and ID cardholders have a REAL ID or enhanced driver’s license as the federal REAL ID full enforcement deadline approaches. Nationwide, approximately 40 percent of all U.S. driver’s licenses and ID cardholders were REAL ID-compliant as of Oct. 1, 2020, according the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. </div><div><br></div><div><strong>Beginning Oct. 1, 2021, </strong>Minnesotans will not be able to use their standard driver’s license or ID card to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities. Instead, they will need one of three options:</div><div><ol><li>A passport or passport card.</li><li>A REAL ID.</li><li>An enhanced driver’s license or ID.</li></ol></div><div><br></div><div>The Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) lists several other less-common <a href="https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification" target="_blank" title="TSA required documents page">forms of identification</a> that are also acceptable for federal purposes. </div><div><br></div><div>“If you have your passport or passport card, you have what you need to board domestic flights and enter federal facilities on and after Oct. 1, 2021,” Driver and Vehicle Services Director Emma Corrie said. “With the federal enforcement deadline approaching, Minnesotans will need to decide about whether or not they need to apply for a REAL ID or enhanced driver’s license or ID card. We have an <a href="https://onlineservices.dps.mn.gov/EServices/_/" target="_blank" title="DVS online services page">online tool </a>to help you choose which credential is right for you. We also encourage Minnesotans to review the resources online at REALID.dps.mn.gov to make sure they’re ready on Oct. 1, 2021.”<br></div><div><br></div><div><strong>Apply for a REAL ID</strong></div><div>A REAL ID is optional. Minnesotans may apply for a REAL ID when they renew their license or ID card or apply for a REAL ID early for an additional fee. </div><div><br></div><div>Those who choose to apply for a REAL ID or enhanced driver’s license or ID card are strongly encouraged to pre-apply online at <a href="https://onlineservices.dps.mn.gov/EServices/_/" target="_blank" title="DVS Online services page">drive.mn.gov</a> before completing the application process in person at a DVS exam station, deputy registrar or driver’s license office. Pre-applying saves time during the office visit and helps ensure customers bring the correct documents when they apply.</div><div><br></div><div>Federal and Minnesota laws require a person to submit their original required documents, pass a vision screening and have a new photo taken to complete their application.</div><div><br></div><div>Pre-applying online at <a href="https://onlineservices.dps.mn.gov/EServices/_/" target="_blank" title="DVS online services page">drive.mn.gov</a> is the best way to make sure applicants have everything they need before they visit a driver’s license office. This feature allows Minnesotans to enter a significant portion of their application online, reducing the time they spend in the office. It also lists the required documents for each license type so applicants can have all necessary documents ready when they visit their local office.</div><div><br></div><div><strong>U.S. Passports</strong></div><div>Passports and passport cards meet federal identification requirements, so Minnesotans who already have passports do not need to apply for a REAL ID or enhanced driver’s license. They can simply use their passport of passport card to board domestic flights and enter federal facilities on and after Oct. 1, 2021. </div><div><br></div><div>The<a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/about-us/reports-and-statistics.html" target="_blank" title="U.S. Dept. of State website"> U.S. Department of State </a>reported 143,116,633 valid U.S. passports in circulation in 2020. Minnesotans were issued 231,885 U.S. passports last year alone.  </div><div><br></div><div><strong>Renew Early</strong></div><div>Any eligible Minnesotan can apply for a REAL ID before their license expires, but there is a fee in addition to the standard cost of the license or ID card. It depends on how early you renew. </div><div>$2 for a renewal up to 17 months before expiration.</div><div>$4 for a renewal 18-29 months before expiration.</div><div>$6 for a renewal more than 29 months before expiration.<br></div><div><br></div><div>When renewing early, four years will be added to the license or ID card’s original expiration date, so while an early renewal will cost a little more, the license or ID card will be valid for a longer period of time. The early renewal option is only for those who renewed their Minnesota driver’s license or ID card before REAL IDs were available on Oct. 1, 2018. Their licenses must also expire after the full enforcement date of Oct. 1, 2021. </div><div><br></div><div><strong>REAL ID Resources</strong></div><div>DPS-DVS has a variety of resources online at <a href="/divisions/dvs/real-id/Pages/default.aspx" title="REAL ID website">REALID.dps.mn.gov.</a> The latest resources include an<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVRRLUuAIjo&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank" title="REAL ID YouTube Video"> updated video</a> outlining what Minnesotans need to do to be REAL ID ready by Oct. 1, 2021. The video is also available with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fw7i-di8qo8" target="_blank" title="REAL ID Video - Hmong translation">Hmong</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vMlJci8mLk&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank" title="REAL ID Video - Spanish translation">Spanish</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOP5Zbqcpb4" target="_blank" title="REAL ID Video - Somali translation">Somali </a>captioning. </div><div><br></div><div><strong>REAL ID Airport Office</strong></div><div>The REAL ID Airport Office accepts REAL ID applications Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. by appointment only. Minnesotans can schedule their appointment for the day they fly out of MSP Terminal 1 online at drive.mn.gov. They must:<br></div><div><ul><li>Be a ticketed passenger at MSP Terminal 1 for the day they schedule their appointment.</li><li>Be a current Minnesota resident. <br></li><li>Hold and bring a valid Minnesota driver’s license, permit or state ID. If expired, it must have expired less than one year ago.</li><li>Complete the online pre-application. Visit <a href="/divisions/dvs/real-id/Pages/default.aspx" title="REAL ID website">REALID.dps.mn.gov</a> to pre-apply.</li><li>Be eligible for a REAL ID and <a href="/divisions/dvs/real-id/Pages/required-documents.aspx" target="_blank" title="REAL ID required documents.">bring all required documents</a></li><li>Bring a valid credit card for payment. </li></ul></div><div><br></div><div><strong>REAL ID Required Documents</strong></div><div>Minnesotans are required to provide additional documentation when applying for a REAL ID, compared to a standard driver’s license or ID card.<br><br></div><div><ul><li>A person must provide the following in person when applying:</li><ul><li>One document proving identity, date of birth and legal presence in the United States.</li><ul><li><em>If the name on the identity document is not the same as a person's current name, a name change document must be submitted.</em></li></ul><li>One document proving social security number.</li><ul><li><em>If you have not updated your name change with the Social Security Administration, you must do so prior to applying for a Real ID.</em></li></ul><li>Two different documents proving current residency in Minnesota. </li><ul><li><em>Must have applicant’s current legal name and current address in Minnesota. A P.O. Box will not suffice as proof of current residency in Minnesota.</em></li></ul></ul></ul></div><div>Applicants must provide original documents or documents certified by the agency that issued them. DPS-DVS cannot accept laminated documents or digital documents shown on your phone or other electronic device. A full list of accepted documentation is on the <a href="/divisions/dvs/real-id/Pages/default.aspx" title="REAL ID website">REAL ID website</a>. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><strong>REAL ID Scoreboard</strong></div><div>As of March 11, there are a total of: </div><div><ul><li>635,545 Minnesota REAL ID driver’s license and ID card holders. </li><li>424,365 Minnesota enhanced driver’s license and ID card holders. </li><li>3,796,280 Minnesota standard driver’s license and ID card holders.</li></ul></div><div><br></div><div>That brings the total number of Minnesotans who are REAL ID ready to <strong>1,059,910, or 21.83 percent</strong> of Minnesota driver’s license and identification card holders. That’s up from:<br></div><div><ul><li>21.46 percent on Feb. 28, 2021.<br></li><li>20.74 percent on Jan. 31, 2021.</li><li>20.16 percent on Dec. 31, 2020.</li><li>19.56 percent on Nov. 30, 2020.</li><li>18.37 percent on Sept. 30, 2020.</li><li>16.76 percent on July 31, 2020.<br></li><li>15.08 percent on May 31, 2020.</li><li>14.96 percent on March 31, 2020.<br></li><li>10.72 percent on Jan. 1, 2020.</li><li>8.91 percent on Nov. 1, 2019.</li><li>7.8 percent on Sept. 27, 2019.</li></ul></div><div>                                 </div><div>Track Minnesota’s progress online at <a href="/divisions/dvs/real-id/Pages/default.aspx" title="REAL ID website">REALID.dps.mn.gov</a>.  </div><div><br></div><div><strong>When will I receive my REAL ID or EDL/EID?</strong></div><div>DPS-DVS is working to process all driver’s license and ID card applications as quickly as possible. Here are the processing dates as of March 17:</div><div><ul><li><strong>Standard licenses and ID cards: </strong></li><ul><li><em>DVS is currently processing standard applications from Feb. 26.</em></li></ul><li><strong>REAL ID-compliant licenses and ID cards: </strong></li><ul><li><em>DVS is currently processing REAL ID applications from Feb. 25.</em></li></ul><li><strong>Enhanced Driver’s Licenses and ID cards: </strong></li><ul><li><em>DVS is currently processing Enhanced applications from Feb. 26.</em></li></ul></ul></div><div><a href="/divisions/dvs/real-id/Pages/license-id-card-processing-times.aspx" title="REAL ID website processing times">Processing times are updated weekly online.  </a><br></div><div><br></div><div><strong>Enhanced driver’s license or ID (EDL/EID)</strong></div><div>State Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) are REAL ID-compliant and are acceptable for official federal purposes such as accessing a federal facility or boarding commercial aircraft. They are also designated as acceptable border-crossing documents by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and can be used to travel by land or sea to Mexico, Canada and some Caribbean countries. Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington are the only states that currently issue EDLs.</div><div><span style="white-space:pre;"> </span></div><div>Minnesotans who have an enhanced driver’s license or ID (EDL/EID) can continue to use it to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities after Oct. 1, 2021. EDL/EIDs issued on and after Nov. 16, 2020, have a gold star on the top right corner of the card to indicate they are federally accepted forms of identification.<br></div><div><br></div><div>More information about EDLs and EIDs is on the <a href="/divisions/dvs/real-id/Pages/default.aspx" title="REAL ID website">REAL ID website.</a> <br></div><div><br></div><div><strong>What is the federal REAL ID Act?</strong></div><div>Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. The Act refers to federal anti-terrorism laws and regulations that control access to: </div><div><ul><li>Federally regulated commercial aircraft.<br></li><li>Federal facilities requiring identification to enter, such as military bases or nuclear power facilities.</li></ul></div><div><br></div><div>For more information on acceptable forms of identification for boarding aircraft, please see <a href="https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification" target="_blank" title="TSA required documents page">TSA’s website</a>. Please check with individual federal facilities regarding their requirements. <br></div><div><br></div><div>Information from the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security:<br><br></div><div><ul><li><a href="https://www.dhs.gov/real-id" target="_blank" title="DHS REAL ID page">REAL ID Enforcement: Minnesota</a></li><li><a href="https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs" target="_blank" title="DHS REAL ID FAQ page">REAL ID Frequently Asked Questions for the Public</a></li></ul></div><div><br><br></div><div><strong>How to stay updated</strong></div><div>Find Minnesota REAL ID information and resources at the state’s website: <a href="/divisions/dvs/real-id/Pages/default.aspx" title="DVS REAL ID page">REALID.dps.mn.gov.</a></div><div><br></div><div>The DPS-DVS<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MNDriverAndVehicleServices/" target="_blank" title="DVS Facebook Page"> Facebook page </a>and <a href="https://twitter.com/mndps_dvs?lang=en" target="_blank" title="DVS Twitter page">Twitter page</a> have information that can easily be shared.</div><div><br><br></div><div>DPS Blog posts have information:<br></div><div><ul><li><a href="/blog/Pages/20201001-real-id-and-license-renewal.aspx" title="DPS REAL ID Blog">REAL ID and license renewal: There’s still time</a></li></ul></div><div><br></div><div><strong>How to get help</strong></div><div><ul><li>For driver services questions (licenses, ID cards, driver compliance and exams), visit the DVS website and submit questions using the <a href="/divisions/dvs/contact/Pages/driver-services-contact-forms.aspx" title="Driver services contact forms">driver services contact forms</a>. </li><li>For vehicle services questions (ownership transfers, titles, liens and vehicle registration) visit the DVS website and submit questions using the <a href="/divisions/dvs/contact/Pages/vehicle-services-contact-forms.aspx" title="Vehicle contact form page">vehicle services contact forms. </a></li></ul></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.</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><strong>2020 statistics: </strong></div><div><ul><li>1.5 million driver’s license and ID cards issued.</li><li>1.6 million titles issued.</li><li>7.1 million vehicles registered.<br></li><li>DVS’ Public Information Center handled more than 1 million phone calls and 300,300 email correspondences.</li></ul></div><div><br></div><div><br><br></div><p></p> | | 3/25/2021 5:00:54 PM | A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bruce Gordon, Director of Communications
CONTACT:
Megan Leonard
651-201-7566 We have an online tool to | 537 | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | | | BCA Releases Officer Name in Shooting Incident on Pedestrian Bridge | 80410 | 3/23/2021 5:00:00 PM | <p>ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has identified the officer who fired his weapon during an incident that occurred on March 18 on the pedestrian bridge over I-494 at 2nd Ave. S. between Richfield and Bloomington. Bloomington Police Department Officer Michael Perron has been in law enforcement for 17 years. He is on standard administrative leave.</p><p>The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office earlier today identified the man who died during the incident as Anton Lamont Burnes, 40, of St. Paul. The medical examiner said Burnes died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.</p><p>The BCA will determine whether non-life threatening leg injuries were due to gunfire from Officer Perron or Mr. Burnes.</p><p>Law enforcement personnel from the Richfield, Bloomington and Edina police departments and the Minnesota State Patrol responded to the area at approximately 6:15 p.m. following a 911 call to Richfield Police Department of a man with a gun on the pedestrian bridge. <br></p><p>According to the BCA's preliminary investigation, law enforcement located Burnes on the northwest side of the bridge. Several times during the encounter Burnes fired his weapon in different directions toward officers, buildings and traffic, while climbing up and down barrier fencing on the bridge. At one point, Officer Perron fired his weapon toward Burnes from the stairs on the Bloomington side of the bridge. For the next 10-15 minutes, Burnes continued to fire his weapon, at one point climbing over the west barrier fence. Burnes then shot himself, at which point he fell down to westbound lane I-494. He was deceased at the scene. </p><p>BCA crime scene personnel recovered a handgun from near Burnes' body.</p><p>BCA investigators have not located any other persons or vehicles struck by gunfire during the incident. </p><p>Portions of the incident were captured on squad cameras, Richfield and Bloomington police body cameras and on Minnesota Dept. of Transportation traffic cameras.</p><p>The BCA's investigation of the incident is ongoing. When the investigation is complete, the BCA will turn its findings over without recommendation to the Hennepin County Attorney's Office for review.</p><p style="text-align:center;">###<br></p><p></p> | | 3/23/2021 4:51:26 PM | A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bruce Gordon, Director of Communications
CONTACT:
Jill Oliveira
651-793-2726 | 342 | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | | | Update on BCA Investigation of Officer Involved Shooting in Coon Rapids | 80339 | 3/19/2021 5:00:00 PM | <p>ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal
Apprehension (BCA) has identified the man injured during an officer involved
shooting on March 15 in Coon Rapids. Bryce Kelly Matthews, 26, of Coon Rapids,
remains in serious but stable condition at Hennepin County Medical Center.</p><p>Coon Rapids Police Department has identified to the BCA the officers who
fired their weapons during the incident. All are on administrative leave.</p><ul><li>Officer Derek Berggran, three years in law enforcement, discharged his firearm.</li><li>Officer Stephen Beberg, 28 years in law enforcement, discharged his firearm.</li><li>Sgt. Micheal Blair, 19 years in law enforcement, fired beanbag rounds with a less lethal shotgun.</li><li>Sgt. Adam Jacobson, 15 years in law enforcement, fired beanbag rounds with a less lethal shotgun.</li></ul><p>Sergeants Blair and Jacobson have been interviewed by BCA agents.
Officers Berggran and Beberg provided written statements.</p><p>According to the BCA’s preliminary investigation, Coon Rapids police
officers were responding to a 911 call about a man with mental health issues who
had a gun in his waistband. Officers spotted the man, now identified as Bryce
Matthews, behind his home, and at one point struck him with beanbag rounds. Matthews
walked away from officers and through the neighborhood, during which time
officers continued to engage with him and again fired beanbag rounds. Anoka
County sheriff’s deputies arrived on the scene. At one point two officers
discharged their firearms, striking Matthews, then additional beanbag rounds were
fired, also striking Matthews.</p><p>Paramedics treated Matthews at the scene and then transported him to
Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids. He was later transferred to Hennepin County
Medical Center in Minneapolis.</p><p>BCA crime scene personnel
recovered a Sig Sauer P320-M17 pellet gun
at the scene. No other weapons were recovered. </p><p>Portions of the incident were captured on dash cameras and portions were
captured on body cameras worn by Anoka County sheriff’s deputies. Coon Rapids
officers do not wear body cameras. No other agencies were at the scene at the
time of the shooting.</p><p>The BCA investigation of the incident is ongoing. When the investigation
is complete, the BCA will provide its findings to the Anoka County Attorney’s
Office for review.</p><p>###</p>
<font size="3"></font><font color="#000000"></font><font face="Times New Roman"></font><p></p> | | 3/19/2021 5:56:10 PM | A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bruce Gordon, Director of Communications
CONTACT:
Jill Oliveira
651-793-2726 | 162 | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | | | Update on BCA Investigation of Officer Involved Shooting in Wadena County | 79624 | 3/2/2021 10:00:00 PM | <div>ST. PAUL — The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the two men who died during an officer involved shooting incident that happened on Saturday night in North Germany Township in Wadena County. David Jay Savela (sa-veh-lah), 42, and Shannon Michael Savela, 36, both died of multiple gunshot wounds. The brothers were both residents of Sebeka.<br></div><div><br> </div><div>In addition, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has identified law enforcement who used force during the incident. Both are on standard administrative leave.<br></div><div><ul><li>Deputy Troy Mayer has been with the Wadena County Sheriff’s Office for 11 years. Dep. Mayer discharged his Taser. Dep. Mayer sustained a non-life threatening gunshot wound during the incident. </li><li>Officer Jason Worm has been with the Sebeka Police Department for 10 years. Officer Worm discharged his firearm during the incident. Worm was struck by gunfire in his bullet resistant vest but was not injured.</li></ul></div><div>The BCA is investigating the incident at the request of the Wadena County Sheriff’s Office and the Sebeka Police Department.<br></div><div><br> </div><div>According to the BCA’s preliminary investigation, Deputy Mayer attempted to pull over David Savela’s vehicle for speeding at 8:48 p.m. Saturday near the intersection of 205th Ave. and 280th Ave. in North Germany Township. Savela did not stop and a brief pursuit ensued which ended when Savela attempted to spin his vehicle around and it became stuck in the snow facing Deputy Mayer’s squad near 205th and 270th avenues. </div><div><br> </div><div>David Savela would not identify himself and refused commands to exit his vehicle. In the meantime, Shannon Savela arrived at the scene and approached the ongoing encounter.</div><div><br> </div><div>Deputy Mayer deployed his Taser toward David Savela but it was ineffective. He then pulled David Savela from his vehicle and a struggle ensued on the ground next to the driver’s side of Savela’s car.</div><div><br> </div><div>Officer Worm arrived, instructed Shannon Savela to leave and joined Deputy Mayer in attempting to take David Savela into custody.</div><div><br> </div><div>Shannon Savela moved to the passenger side of Deputy Mayer’s squad and began shooting, striking both Deputy Mayer and Officer Worm. </div><div><br> </div><div>Mayer and Worm retreated to the passenger side of David Savela’s car, at which point David Savela stood up and pointed his gun at the officers. Officer Worm fired his handgun, striking David Savela. </div><div><br> </div><div>Officer Worm then moved toward Deputy Mayer’s squad. Shannon Savela pointed his gun at Officer Worm and the officer fired, striking Shannon Savela.</div><div><br> </div><div>David Savela died at the scene. Shannon Savela was transported by ambulance to Tri-County Health Care in Wadena where he later died.</div><div><br> </div><div>Deputy Mayer was taken by ambulance to St. Joseph Health in Park Rapids and then transferred to North Memorial Health Hospital in Robbinsdale. He was released from the hospital on Sunday afternoon.</div><div><br> </div><div>A civilian passenger who was riding with the deputy never exited the squad during the incident and was uninjured.</div><div><br> </div><div>Portions of the incident were captured on dash cameras and a deputy-worn body camera. BCA crime scene personnel recovered guns from near both David and Shannon Savela’s bodies.</div><div><br> </div><div>The BCA investigation of this incident is ongoing. When the investigation is complete, the BCA will present its findings without recommendation to the Wadena County Attorney’s Office for review.</div><div><br></div><div>###</div><div><br><br></div><p><br> </p> | | 3/10/2021 7:11:05 PM | A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bruce Gordon, Director of Communications
CONTACT:
Jill Oliveira
651-793-2726 Savela did not stop and a | 2850 | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | | | Update on BCA Investigation of Officer Involved Shooting in Duluth | 79617 | 3/2/2021 9:00:00 PM | <div>ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has identified the law enforcement personnel who used force during an officer involved shooting incident last week in Duluth. <br></div><div><br></div><div>From the Duluth Police Department:<br></div><div><ul><li>Officer Dean Bauers is part of the department’s Tactical Response Team and has been in law enforcement for nine years. Officer Bauers fired his handgun.</li><li>Sergeant Mike Erickson has been in law enforcement for 26 years. Sgt. Erickson fired his handgun.</li><li>Officer Logan Goss has been in law enforcement for five years. Officer Goss fired his shotgun.</li><li>Officer Aaron Haller has been in law enforcement for six years. Officer Haller deployed K9 Luna. K9 Luna was fatally shot during the incident.</li><li>Officer Ian Johnson has been in law enforcement for nine years. Officer Johnson fired his handgun.</li></ul></div><div>From the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Response Team:<br></div><div><ul><li>Sergeant Miles Bruggman has been in law enforcement for eight years. Sgt. Bruggman fired his rifle.</li><li>Sergeant Benjamin Fye has been in law enforcement for 13 years. Sgt. Fye fired his rifle.</li><li>Deputy Troy Nichols has been in law enforcement for five years. Dep. Nichols fired less lethal impact rounds.</li><li>Deputy Martin Thorne has been in law enforcement for five years. Dep. Thorne fired less lethal rounds.</li></ul></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;">T</span><span style="font-size:1em;">he Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office on Saturday identified the man who died during the incident as David Joseph Wayne Conwell, 37, of Duluth, who died of multiple gunshot wounds.</span><br></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;"><br></span></div><div>The BCA is investigating the incident at the request of the Duluth Police Department and the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office.</div><div><br></div><div>According to the BCA’s preliminary investigation, Duluth police officers responded to an apartment on the 2300 block of West 4th Street at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 25, in response to a 911 call from a third party about a possible physical domestic. Officers spoke with the apartment’s female occupant and could not determine whether an assault took place. Officers determined that a male occupant of the apartment, now identified as David Conwell, had felony warrants and they entered the apartment to locate and take him into custody. They had no indication at that point that Conwell may be armed.<br></div><div><br></div><div>While searching the home officers encountered Conwell hiding in a bedroom closet. As K9 Luna was attempting to apprehend him, Conwell produced a shotgun. Conwell shot at the officers, fatally striking K9 Luna. The other officers returned fire. They continued to fire as they retreated from the home. There is no indication that Conwell was struck by either exchange of gunfire. Duluth’s Tactical Response Team (TRT) was dispatched to the scene and a standoff began. <br></div><div><br></div><div>Over the next several hours, TRT members tried several electronic means of communicating with Conwell and deployed chemical irritants multiple times to try to force him to exit the apartment. At approximately 3 a.m. Friday, TRT members entered the home. As they entered a bedroom Conwell emerged from a closet and began shooting at them. Officers returned fire and retreated out of the building. There is no indication that Conwell was struck by this exchange of gunfire.<br></div><div><br></div><div>After 10 hours, St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Response Team (ERT) relieved the Duluth TRT at the scene. <br></div><div><br></div><div>ERT members continued to deploy chemical irritants to no avail. At approximately 4 p.m. Friday, ERT members entered the building, determined that Conwell was in a second floor closet. They removed a section of the exterior wall of the closet. Conwell jumped through the hole onto the porch and pointed his gun at the deputies. Two deputies fired their rifles and two deputies fired less lethal rounds, striking Conwell.<br></div><div><br></div><div>Deputies provided medical aid but Conwell was pronounced deceased at the scene. </div><div><br></div><div>No one else was injured. Portions of the incident were captured on Duluth Police Department body cameras. BCA crime scene personnel recovered a gun at the scene.</div><div>This is an active and ongoing investigation. Once the investigation is complete, the BCA will provide its findings without recommendation to the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office for review.</div><div><br></div><div>### </div><div><br><br></div><p><br></p> | | 3/2/2021 8:47:54 PM | A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bruce Gordon, Director of Communications
CONTACT:
Jill Oliveira
651-793-2726 | 183 | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | | | BCA Releases 2020 Permit to Carry Annual Report | 41047 | 3/1/2021 9:00:00 PM | <p>ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) today released the 2020 Permit to Carry Report, an annual report summarizing data submitted by Minnesota law enforcement agencies regarding applications made for handgun carry permits as well as data about permit holders.</p><p>Minnesota sheriffs issued more firearms permits in 2020 than in any other year since the state's Personal Protection Act was enacted. Minnesota sheriffs reported to the BCA that 101,897 permits were applied for and that they issued 96,554 permits in 2020.<br></p><table cellspacing="0" class="ms-rteTable-0" summary="Permits issued by year" style="width:200px;"><tbody><tr class="ms-rteTableHeaderRow-0"><th class="ms-rteTableHeaderEvenCol-0" rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="width:50px;"><strong style="text-decoration:underline;">Year</strong><br></th><th class="ms-rteTableHeaderOddCol-0" rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="width:50px;"><strong style="text-decoration:underline;">Permits Issued</strong><br></th></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableOddRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0" style="width:50px;">2020<br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0" style="width:50px;">96,554<br></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0" style="width:50px;">2019<br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0" style="width:50px;">51,404<br></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableOddRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0" style="height:7px;width:50px;">2018<br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0" style="width:50px;height:7px;">66,053<br></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0" style="width:50px;">2017<br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0" style="width:50px;">55,069<br></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableOddRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0" style="width:50px;">2016 <br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0" style="width:50px;">71,156<br></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0" style="width:50px;">2015 <br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0" style="width:50px;">44,696<br></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br>The top five counties for five-year permits issued by sheriffs in 2020 are:</p><table cellspacing="0" class="ms-rteTable-0" summary="Permits issued by county" style="width:200px;"><tbody><tr class="ms-rteTableHeaderRow-0"><th class="ms-rteTableHeaderEvenCol-0" rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="width:50%;"><strong style="text-decoration:underline;">County</strong><br></th><th class="ms-rteTableHeaderOddCol-0" rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="width:50%;"><strong style="text-decoration:underline;">Permits Issued</strong><br></th></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableOddRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0">Hennepin  <br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0">11,346<br></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0">Dakota     <br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0"> 7,754<br></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableOddRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0">Anoka       <br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0"> 7,326<br></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0" style="height:1px;">Ramsey<br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0" style="height:1px;">  5,990<br></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableOddRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0" rowspan="1">Washington   <br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0" rowspan="1">  5,679<br></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br>Sheriffs reported there were 103 permits suspended, 36 revoked, 968 voided and 1,191 denied in 2020.<br></p><p><strong>Crimes committed by permit holders</strong></p><p><strong></strong>Minnesota sheriffs reported that individuals with permits committed 3,110 crimes in 2020. This is the highest number since the state's Personal Protection Act was enacted.<br></p><p></p><ul><li>Less than 2 percent were crimes where firearms were used in furtherance of a crime.</li><li>More than 51percent were DWI's or other traffic offenses.</li><li>30 percent were from this “Other" category which includes less serious offenses such as city ordinance violations and DNR hunting, fishing and recreational vehicle violations.<br></li></ul><p></p><p>As of today, the total number of valid permits in Minnesota is 358,897.<br></p><p><strong>About the Minnesota Permit to Carry</strong></p><p>Minnesota's Personal Protection Act was first enacted in 2003. Permits were first eligible for renewal in 2008. Individuals wishing to obtain a Minnesota Permit to Carry must apply for the permit at their local sheriff's office and provide proof of approved firearms training. Sheriffs then must follow a statutorily-defined process, checking FBI, BCA and DHS records as well as their own data for any disqualifying information. Individuals denied a permit have the right to appeal the denial.<br><br>Minnesota sheriffs are then required under Minnesota law (<a href="https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=624.714">Minn. Stat. §624.714, subd. 20 (b)</a>) to report their data on gun permit applications, issuances and denials to the BCA. As directed by same statute, the BCA compiles the public information provided by Minnesota sheriffs into its annual report.<br><br><a href="/divisions/bca/bca-divisions/administrative/Pages/firearms.aspx" title="BCA Firearms Information">The full report is available for viewing on the BCA Website</a>.<br><br></p><p><strong>About the Minnesota Department Public Safety </strong><br>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.<br></p><p><strong>About the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension </strong><br><span style="font-size:1em;">The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension 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.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><br>###<br></p> | | 3/1/2021 9:49:54 PM | A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bruce Gordon, Director of Communications
CONTACT:
Jill Oliveira
651-793-2726 | 680 | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | |
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