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| Law enforcement are identified in Oakdale officer involved shooting incident | 2668 | 10/14/2021 1:00:00 AM | <p>The BCA has identified the law enforcement personnel who discharged their weapons during an officer involved shooting incident that occurred during a standoff on Oct. 11 at an apartment complex in Oakdale. All are on standard administrative leave.</p><ul><li>Woodbury Police Department Officer Robert Boleen has been in law enforcement for six years. Officer Boleen discharged less lethal ammunition.</li><li>Washington County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Randy Helms has been in law enforcement for 12 years. Deputy Helms discharged his firearm.</li><li>Woodbury Police Department Sergeant Omar Maklad has been in law enforcement for 18 years. Sgt. Maklad discharged his firearm.</li><li>Oakdale Police Department Officer Kevin Merkling has been in law enforcement for 17 years. Officer Merkling discharged his firearm.</li></ul><p>No one was struck by gunfire.<br></p><p>In Washington County District Court today, Shawn Fairley Codinack, 32, of Oakdale was <a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/MNDPS/2021/10/14/file_attachments/1965191/82-CR-21-3552%20%28Complaint%20Warrant%20-%20Codinack%29.pdf">charged via complaint </a>with three counts of first degree use of deadly force against a peace officer.</p><p>BCA crime scene personnel recovered three firearms at the scene. Portions of the incident were captured on body, squad and drone cameras.</p><p>The BCA investigation of the incident is ongoing. Once the investigation is complete, the BCA will provide its findings without recommendation to the Washington County Attorney’s Office for review.</p><p style="text-align:center;">###</p><div><br><br></div><p><br></p> | | 10/14/2021 12:23:54 AM | A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bruce Gordon, Director of Communications
CONTACT:
Bruce Gordon
651-201-7171
bruce.gordon@state.mn.us | 146 | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | | | Deputy, Injured Man Identified in Officer Involved Shooting in Blaine | 3971 | 10/7/2021 2:00:00 AM | <p>ST. PAUL -- The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has identified the man who was injured during an officer involved shooting incident late Monday, October 4, in Blaine. Randall William Reeve, 62, of Blaine, continues to be treated for his injuries at Hennepin County Medical Center. </p><p><a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/MNDPS/2021/10/07/file_attachments/1959506/Randall-Reeves-Complaint.pdf">Mr. Reeve was charged via complaint today in Anoka County District Court</a> with several charges related to the incident. </p><p>The deputy who discharged his firearm during the incident is also identified. Deputy Jeffrey Barrett has been with the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office for six years. He remains on standard administrative leave.</p><p>Portions of the incident were captured on body cameras and dash cameras. BCA crime scene personnel recovered multiple long guns at the scene.</p><p>The BCA is investigating the officer’s use of force. Once its investigation is complete the BCA will provide its findings without recommendation to the Anoka County Attorney’s Office for review.</p><p>The Blaine Police Department is investigating Mr. Reeve’s actions during the incident.</p><p style="text-align:center;">###</p><div><br><br></div><p><br></p> | | 10/7/2021 1:19:07 AM | A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bruce Gordon, Director of Communications
CONTACT:
Jill Oliveira
651-793-2726 | 145 | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | | | Officer Involved Shooting in Duluth Leaves One Man Injured | 3844 | 9/28/2021 10:00:00 PM | <p>UPDATE - Sept. 30, 2021</p><p>The BCA has identified the deputy who discharged his firearm during an officer involved shooting incident on Tuesday, Sept. 28, in Duluth. Deputy Jason Kuhnly has been with the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office for eight years. Deputy Kuhnly is on standard administrative leave.<br></p><p>No weapons were recovered at the scene.<br></p><p>The BCA investigation of the officer involved shooting is ongoing. Once the investigation is complete, the BCA will provide its findings without recommendation to the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office for review. <br></p><p>The man injured during the incident, Jesse Logan Ferrari, 29, of Duluth, was charged Thursday, Sept. 30, with Fleeing a Peace Officer in a Motor Vehicle and Driving After Revocation. Mr. Ferrari’s actions are being investigated by the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office.<br></p><p style="text-align:center;">###<br></p><div><br></div><p><span style="font-size:1em;">ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is investigating an officer involved shooting incident that happened early Tuesday morning in Duluth.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:1em;">St. Louis County sheriff’s deputies investigating suspicious activity in Duluth’s Morgan Park neighborhood attempted to stop an ATV with two male passengers that was driving in a wooded area near Commonwealth Avenue and Idaho Street around 1:40 a.m. Tuesday.</span><br></p><p><span style="font-size:1em;">The two men fled on the ATV with deputies in pursuit. A K9 deputy eventually located the men in a nearby wooded area at approximately 2:30 a.m. At one point shortly thereafter, one of the deputies discharged their weapon, striking and injuring one of the men.</span><br></p><p><span style="font-size:1em;">Deputies provided medical aid at the scene. The man was then transported to Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries and released into custody. Jesse Logan Ferrari, 29, of Duluth, was booked into the St. Louis County Jail on probable cause Fleeing and Obstruction with Force. The other person on the ATV was questioned and released.</span><br></p><p><span style="font-size:1em;">St. Louis County sheriff’s deputies do not wear body cameras and there is no squad camera footage of the incident.</span><br></p><p><span style="font-size:1em;">The BCA investigation is in its very early stages. More information, including information about the deputy who fired their weapon, will be available once initial interviews are complete.</span><br></p><div>Once the investigation is complete, the BCA will provide its findings without recommendation to the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office for review.<br></div><div><br></div><div></div><div style="text-align:center;">###<br></div><div><br><br></div><p><br></p> | | 9/30/2021 10:17:51 PM | A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bruce Gordon, Director of Communications
CONTACT:
Jill Oliveira
651-793-2726 The two men fled on the | 333 | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | | | Four Charged Following Human Trafficking Operation in St. Louis County | 2480 | 9/23/2021 6:45:00 PM | <p>ST. PAUL — Four men were charged this week following their arrests on Sept. 17 during a human trafficking operation in St. Louis County. The operation targeted people attempting to buy a minor for sex.</p><p>Investigators with the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA)-led Human Trafficking Investigators Task Force led the one-day operation in partnership with the Tribes United Against Sex Trafficking (TRUST) Task Force and the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office.</p><p>During the operation, suspects chatted with undercover agents and investigators on several sex advertisement websites. Investigators arrested the suspects as they arrived at an arranged meeting place to pay a victim for sex. All were booked into the St. Louis County Jail and later released.<br></p><ul><li><p>Melvin Eugene Brown, 43, of Duluth, is charged with felony solicitation of a minor for prostitution.</p></li><li><p>George Stephan Myers, 59, Embarrass, Minn., is charged with solicitation of an adult for prostitution, a gross misdemeanor.</p></li><li><p>Mitchell Todd Pelkey, 22, of Hermantown, Minn., is charged with felony solicitation of a minor for prostitution.<br></p></li><li><p>Scott Robert Wermter, 47, of Hawthorne, Wisc., is charged with felony solicitation of a minor for prostitution.<br></p></li></ul><p>Many additional agencies provided resources and expertise to this effort, including the Anoka and Hennepin County sheriff's offices; the Fond du Lac, Fridley, Leech Lake Tribal, Hibbing, Minneapolis, and St. Paul police departments; and Homeland Security Investigations.</p><p>“We will not tolerate victimization of our women, men and children," said BCA Superintendent Drew Evans. “Purchasing another person for sex has no place in Minnesota."</p><p>“The commitment of resources to this operation was an easy decision," said St. Louis County Undersheriff Jason Lukovsky. “These people are not looking for relationships, they are preying on victims within our community."<br></p><p>The Human Trafficking Investigators Task Force was established in 2017 with funding from the Department of Public Safety Office of Justice Programs as a statewide enforcement effort to target traffickers and those exploiting children for sex.</p><p>If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of being trafficked, call 911. To report a suspected trafficking situation, call the BCA at 877-996-6222 or email <a href="mailto:bca.tips@state.mn.us" title="Email a tip to the BCA">bca.tips@state.mn.us</a>.<br></p><p style="text-align:center;">###<br></p> | | 9/23/2021 6:45:32 PM | A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bruce Gordon, Director of Communications
CONTACT:
Jill Oliveira
651-793-2726 If you or someone you know | 668 | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | | | Riders, Motorists Should Use Extreme Caution Along Fall Flood Run Route This Weekend | 3664 | 9/17/2021 8:00:00 PM | <div>ST. PAUL — Riders and motorists should exercise extreme caution this weekend along the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers as motorcyclists ride in the <a href="https://www.flood-run.com/">Fall Flood Run</a>, Saturday, Sept. 18. The annual ride historically attracts thousands of riders, taking them on a route between the Twin Cities and Winona.  </div><div><br></div><div>Preliminary figures show 53 motorcyclists have died on Minnesota roads so far this season. The loss of life exceeds the 44 motorcyclist deaths for all of 2019 and an already high year-to-date 49 fatalities for 2020. Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) officials are urging riders and drivers to prevent serious and fatal crashes by working together to make safety a priority for the remainder of the motorcycle season. </div><div><br></div><div>Law enforcement agencies in southeast Minnesota, along with Minnesota State Troopers, will be patrolling the area during the event to ensure a safe riding environment. </div><div><br></div><div>“The Fall Flood Run offers a great time and amazing route to ride, and riders and motorists can keep it that way by riding smart, driving smart and looking out for each other,” said Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol. “With the heartbreaking pace at which motorcyclists are losing their lives on the road this year, we want riders to have fun but don’t ease up on safety. Ride sober. Watch your speed. Wear the gear. Drivers, always look twice for motorcyclists and check your blind spot before switching lanes. Traveling down the road is not a competition with other riders and motorists. It’s about safely sharing the road.” </div><div><br></div><div>DPS offers these safety tips:<br></div><div><div><br></div><div><strong>Riders</strong></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-size:1em;">Be prepared for inattentive drivers by staying focused on riding, keeping your speed in check and maintaining a two-second following distance.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:1em;">Wear the gear. Motorcyclists should wear a DOT-approved helmet and brightly colored protective gear for visibility and protection.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:1em;">Don’t drink and ride. Every year about one-third of all motorcycle fatalities involve impaired riders.</span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;"></span><div><br></div><div><strong>Motorists</strong></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-size:1em;">Watch for motorcycles. Due to the smaller size of motorcycles, their speed and distance is more difficult to judge.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:1em;">Always look twice before entering a roadway, turning left or changing lanes.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:1em;">Give riders room by maintaining a two-second following distance and check blind spots.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:1em;">Pay attention and drive at safe speeds.</span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;"></span><div><strong>Out-of-State Fatalities</strong></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;">The Fall Flood Run route spans from Minnesota into Wisconsin. Riders who are not familiar with the route should be cautious when riding on unfamiliar roads. </span></div><div><br></div><div>Riders can prevent crashes on unfamiliar roads by riding at safe speeds, riding sober and riding within their skill set. </div><div><br></div><div><strong>About the Minnesota Department of Public Safety</strong><br></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;">The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) comprises 11 divisions where 2,200 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention.</span></div><div><br></div><div><strong>About the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center</strong></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;">The Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center (MMSC) provides high-quality rider education, training and licensing to prevent motorcycle crashes and the resulting fatalities and injuries. It was created in the early 1980s to address record high motorcyclist fatalities.</span></div><div><br></div><div>The MMSC provides on-cycle and classroom rider training courses, develops awareness campaigns and informational materials, and coordinates third-party skills testing for motorcycle license endorsement through the Basic Rider Course and evening testing at select DVS Exam Stations. </div><div><br></div><div>Motorcycle safety is a component of <em>Toward Zero Deaths (TZD)</em>, the state’s primary road safety initiative. A primary vision of the <em>TZD </em>program is to create a safe driving culture in Minnesota in which motorists support a goal of zero road fatalities by practicing and promoting safe and smart driving behavior. <em>TZD </em>focuses on the application of four strategic areas to reduce crashes — education, enforcement, engineering and emergency trauma response.<br></div><div><br></div><div><div><strong>2021 MMSC Statistics</strong></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-size:1em;">There are more than 259,000 registered motorcycles and more than 397,000 licensed operators in Minnesota.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:1em;">During the 2021 training season, MMSC trained more than 4,100 students statewide.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:1em;">Follow MMSC on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/MnDPS_MCSafety" title="link to MMSC twitter account">@MnDPS_MCSafety</a> and “like” <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MnMotorcycleSafety/" title="link to MMSC Facebook page">MMSC on Facebook</a>.</span><span style="font-size:1em;"></span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;"></span></div> <br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br><br></div><span style="font-size:1em;"></span></div><span style="font-size:1em;"></span></div><br></div><p><span style="font-size:1em;"> </span></p><div><br></div><p><br><br></p> | | 9/17/2021 9:30:07 PM | A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bruce Gordon, Director of Communications
CONTACT:
Dave Boxum
651-201-7569
dave.boxum@state.mn.us | 208 | 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 | 10299 | 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 | 163 | 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 | 223 | 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 | 1111 | 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. Ilion 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> | | 9/27/2021 3:51:12 PM | A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bruce Gordon, Director of Communications
CONTACT:
Jill Oliveira, BCA,
651-793-2726 | 749 | https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx | html | False | aspx | |
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