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BCA identifies officer who used force in Oakdale incident125033/14/2024 8:35:00 PM<p>​ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has identified the Oakdale police officer who used force March 11 while responding to a domestic incident.&#160;</p><p>• Andrew Dickman fired his department handgun. He has three years of law enforcement experience and is on standard administrative leave.&#160;</p><p>The man involved in the incident, Devione Malone, 25, of Oakdale was not hurt and now faces multiple charges out of Washington County District Court.</p><p>According to the preliminary investigation, Oakdale police responded to a home just before midnight on a report of a woman asking for help. Malone had left the home in a vehicle with the woman and a child but returned after a brief pursuit with law enforcement. After he got out of the car, Malone fired shots at the officers. That’s when Dickman returned fire. Once inside the home, Malone continued to shoot at officers. He surrendered after a brief standoff. The woman and child involved in the incident were not hurt.</p><p>BCA crime scene personnel recovered cartridge casings and a handgun at the scene. The officers who responded were wearing body cameras, including Dickman. There is also squad camera video of the incident. BCA agents are reviewing all available video as part of the active investigation.&#160;</p><p>The Oakdale Police Department asked the BCA to investigate this incident. Once the investigation is complete, the BCA will present its findings without a charging recommendation to the Washington County Attorney’s Office for review.<br></p><p style="text-align&#58;center;">​###​<br><br></p><div><br><br></div><p>​</p>3/14/2024 8:31:17 PMA Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety • Andrew Dickman fired his department handgun He has three years of law enforcement experience and is on standard 211https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspxhtmlFalseaspx
BCA identifies people involved in Saint Michael force incident124533/8/2024 9:15:00 PM<p>​ST. PAUL – The Midwest Medical Examiner's Office has confirmed the identity of a man shot and killed March 2 by a Wright County Sheriff's deputy in Saint Michael. According to the medical examiner, Jeffrey Chapman, 67, of Albertville died from multiple gunshot wounds.</p><p>The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has identified the Wright County deputy who shot Chapman during this incident.</p><ul><li><p>Austin Feenstra fired his department handgun. He has about 10 months of law enforcement experience and is on standard administrative leave.</p></li></ul><p>According to the preliminary investigation, Feenstra tried to pull over Chapman at about 4&#58;45 a.m. for erratic driving, including weaving and slowing down then accelerating suddenly. Chapman drove for about two blocks before he stopped his car, got out and walked toward Feenstra. Despite Feenstra issuing verbal commands, Chapman continued to approach him. Feenstra kept backing away but Chapman followed him, at one point pulling out a length of pipe from his waistband. Feenstra fired his gun, striking Chapman multiple times. Officers performed life-saving care, but Chapman died at the scene. </p><p>BCA crime scene personnel recovered a nine-inch metal pipe and cartridge casings at the scene. Feenstra initially said over the radio that Chapman was holding a knife, but saw when he was providing medical aid that it was a length of pipe. A folding knife was later found in Chapman's car but was not involved in this incident. The Wright County Sheriff's Office does not have body cameras so there is no body camera video of this incident. A squad car camera captured portions of the incident. BCA agents are reviewing all available video as part of the active investigation. </p><p>The Wright County Sheriff's Office asked the BCA to investigate this incident. Once the investigation is complete, the BCA will present its findings without a charging recommendation to the Wright County Attorney's Office for review.</p><p style="text-align&#58;center;">​###<br></p><p><br></p>3/8/2024 9:14:01 PMA Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety ST. PAUL – The Midwest Medical Examiner's Office has confirmed the identity of a man shot and killed March 2 by a Wright 2075https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspxhtmlFalseaspx
BCA releases 2023 Permit to Carry Annual Report118583/1/2024 5:00:00 PM<p>ST. PAUL —&#160;The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) today released the 2023 Permit to Carry Report, which contains data submitted by Minnesota law enforcement agencies regarding applications made for handgun carry permits as well as data about permit holders. The annual report is required by Minnesota law.</p><p>Minnesota saw approximately the same number of firearms permits issued in 2023 as in 2022. Minnesota sheriffs reported to the BCA that 77,952 permits were applied for and that they issued 65,215 permits in 2023.</p><table cellspacing="0" width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-default"><tbody><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width&#58;50%;"><strong>Year</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width&#58;50%;"><strong>Permits issued</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2023</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">65,215</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2022</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">65,257</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2021</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">106,488</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2020</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">96,554</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2019</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">51,404</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">2018</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">66,053</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The top five counties for five-year permits issued by sheriffs in 2023 are&#58;</p><table cellspacing="0" width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-default"><tbody><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width&#58;50%;"><strong>County</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width&#58;50%;"><strong>Permits issued</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Hennepin</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">7,363</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Anoka</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">4,819</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Dakota</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">4,199</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Washington</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">3,564</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Ramsey</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">3,524</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Sheriffs reported there were 222 permits suspended, 51 revoked, 1,307 voided and 789 denied in 2023.</p><p><strong>Crimes committed by permit holders</strong></p><p>Minnesota sheriffs reported that individuals with permits committed 4,701 crimes in 2023. This is the highest number since the state's Personal Protection Act was enacted, but the percent of permit holders who committed a crime (1 percent) was consistent with recent prior years.</p><ul style="list-style-type&#58;disc;"><li>Just over 3 percent were crimes where firearms were used in furtherance of a crime.</li><li>Just under 60 percent were DWIs or other traffic offenses.</li><li>Fifteen percent were from the “Other&quot; category which includes both less serious offenses such as city ordinance violations and DNR hunting, fishing and recreational vehicle violations and less common but more serious offenses such as stalking and riot.</li></ul><p>As of today, the total number of valid permits in Minnesota is 402,520.</p><p>The Permit to Carry Report contains data on permits to carry a firearm. Minnesota does not track permits to purchase firearms.</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.</p><p>Minnesota sheriffs are then required under Minnesota law (<a href="https&#58;//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.</p><p>The full report is available for viewing on the BCA website at <a href="/divisions/bca/bca-divisions/administrative/Pages/firearms.aspx">https&#58;//dps.mn.gov/divisions/bca/bca-divisions/administrative/Pages/firearms.aspx</a>.</p><p style="text-align&#58;center;">###<br></p><p><br></p>3/1/2024 4:24:37 PMA Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety The annual report is required by Minnesota law Minnesota saw approximately the same number of firearms permits issued in 2023 371https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspxhtmlFalseaspx
BCA shares new details in Burnsville incident123342/22/2024 9:50:00 PM<p>​<span style="font-size&#58;1em;">ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) continues to actively investigate the Feb. 18 incident in Burnsville during which two police officers and a firefighter/paramedic were killed. According to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner, officers Matthew Ruge and Paul Elmstrand and fir</span><span style="font-size&#58;1em;">efighter/paramedic Adam Finseth died of gunshot wounds. They were shot by Shannon Gooden, 38, of Burnsville, who the medical examiner determined died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.</span></p><p>The BCA has identified three Burnsville police officers who discharged their firearms during this incident. </p><ul><li><p>Sgt. Adam Medlicott fired his department handgun. He has 14 years of law enforcement experience.</p></li><li><p>Officer Javier Jimenez fired his department rifle. He has eight years of law enforcement experience. </p></li><li><p>Officer Daniel Wical fired his department rifle. He has eight years of law enforcement experience.</p></li></ul><p>According to the preliminary investigation, officers responded to a home in Burnsville just before 2 a.m. after receiving reports of a domestic incident. When they arrived, they spoke with Gooden, who refused to leave the home but said he was unarmed and had children inside. The officers entered the home and negotiated with Gooden for about three and a half hours in an effort to get him to surrender peacefully. At about 5&#58;26 a.m., Gooden opened fire on the officers inside the home without warning. Ruge, Elmstrand and Medlicott are believed to have been initially shot inside the home. Medlicott and Wical returned fire while inside the home, striking Gooden in the leg. Both Ruge and Medlicott were shot a second time as officers were moving from the home to an armored vehicle in the driveway. That's when Finseth was shot while trying to aid the officers. Elmstrand, Ruge and Finseth were all later pronounced dead at Hennepin County Medical Center.</p><p>Gooden continued to fire shots out of the home at officers and the armored vehicle that had personnel inside. At one point, while Gooden was shooting out of an upstairs window, Jimenez returned fire with his sniper rifle. The standoff ended when Gooden took his own life. The SWAT team found his body when they cleared the house at 10&#58;15 a.m.</p><p>BCA crime scene personnel recovered several firearms and a large amount of ammunition at the scene. They also recovered numerous cartridge casings. Gooden fired more than 100 rifle rounds at law enforcement and first responders during the incident. There is body camera and squad car camera video of the incident. BCA agents are reviewing all available video as part of the active investigation. </p><p>The Burnsville Police Department asked the BCA to investigate this incident in its entirety, including what led to the 911 call, the incident itself and the officers' use-of-force. Once the investigation is complete, the BCA will present its findings without a charging recommendation to the Dakota County Attorney's Office for review.</p><p style="text-align&#58;center;">​###​​<br></p><p><br></p>2/22/2024 9:46:45 PMA Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety According to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner, officers Matthew Ruge and Paul Elmstrand and firefighter/paramedic Adam 11096https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspxhtmlFalseaspx
Missing and murdered Indigenous relatives license plate now available121972/14/2024 9:00:00 PM​​​​ST. PAUL – In the Ojibwe language, “Gaagige-Mikwendaagoziwag” (gah-GHEE-gay-MICK-when-da-go-ZEE-wahg) means, “They will be remembered forever.” That’s exactly what the&#160;<a href="/divisions/ojp/mmir/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank" title="MMIR Office website" rel="noopener">Minnesota Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) Office</a>&#160;and the Gaagige-Mikwendaagoziwag Reward Fund Board aim to do with the release of a special license plate on this MMIR Day of Remembrance.<br><br>The new MMIR plate features a red handprint, which symbolizes the historic silencing of the violence that Indigenous people have faced for generations and the dedication to hearing those voices moving forward. The ribbon skirt includes the sacred colors (red, white, yellow and black) of the four directions&#58; north, south east and west.​<br><br>“Our missing and murdered Indigenous relatives deserve more than just one day,” said MMIR Office Director Juliet Rudie. “Their cases, as well as their loved ones’ cries for justice, have gone silent for far too long.”<br><br>The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s Minnesota Crime Data Explorer&#160;shows that there were six reported Indigenous victims of homicide or non-negligent manslaughter in Minnesota last year. That accounts for 4.41 percent of all reported homicides or non-negligent manslaughters. In 2023 alone, the MMIR Office supported 13 cases with services and resources. Staff also conducted referrals or consults on eight additional cases.<br><br>Visibility is key. This license plate amplifies the stories of Minnesota’s missing and murdered relatives. On Feb. 14, Minnesotans bring visibility to MMIR cases in places like Minneapolis, Bemidji, Duluth and throughout Indian Country.<br><br>“Every year, families march while carrying signs with their loved one’s name and picture,” said Rudie. “Now they can also buy an MMIR plate to spread awareness every day, with each mile they travel.”<br><br>This new plate will be available for order on Feb. 14. It is made on demand so it can be customized. It will cost $15.50 and requires a minimum $25 annual contribution to the&#160;<a href="/divisions/ojp/mmir/Pages/reward-fund.aspx" target="_blank" title="Gaagige-Mikwendaagoziwag Reward Account webpage" rel="noopener">Gaagige-Mikwendaagoziwag Reward Account.</a><br><br>Funds from the reward account will bring awareness to cases, educate the public and prevent future cases. The reward fund board recently developed a policy that will consider rewards for tips that lead to a resolution with MMIR cases through an arrest, conviction or return of the individual.<br><br>This plate joins several tribal nations within Minnesota that also have special MMIR license plates. They include&#58; Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.<br><br>Visit drive.mn.gov to order an MMIR license plate online or find an office to buy them in person.<br><br><br><div style="text-align&#58;center;"><img src="https&#58;//content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/MNDPS/2024/02/8990833/mmir-license-plate_original.png" alt="MMIR License Plate" style="width&#58;570px;height&#58;auto;" />&#160;<br></div><div style="text-align&#58;center;">###</div><br><strong>About the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) Office</strong><br><br>In 2021, Gov. Tim Walz​​ signed into law the legislation that established the first-in-the-nation MMIR Office. Staff began its inaugural year of work in 2023.<br><br><ul><li>The MMIR Office is here to help if a loved one goes missing. Families must reach out after opening an active missing persons case with law enforcement.<ul><li>When a loved one is missing, time is critical! There is no required waiting period to​ report a loved one missing to law enforcement.</li><li><a href="https&#58;//forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=RrAU68QkGUWPJricIVmCjBC8psPjRlVPuDzgEiM0J-5UQ0hSSVcyVTJNUUlCOUtUSDJWM1JTSTFPWC4u" target="_blank" title="Request MMIR Office services" rel="noopener">Request MMIR Office services.</a></li></ul></li></ul>Staff are housed in the Department of Public Safety Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and will work to implement the recommendations of the 2019 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Task Force. ​​​<a href="/divisions/ojp/mmir/Documents/2023-mmir-annual-report-final.pdf" target="_blank" title="Read the MMIR Office’s 2023 annual report" rel="noopener">Read the MMIR O​ffice’s 2023 annual report.</a><br><br><strong>About the Minnesota Department of Public Safety</strong><br><br>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&#58; education, enforcement and prevention.<br><br><br><p>​<br><br></p>2/14/2024 9:28:58 PMA Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety . PAUL – In the Ojibwe language, “Gaagige-Mikwendaagoziwag” (gah-GHEE-gay-MICK-when-da-go-ZEE-wahg) means, “They will be 1909https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspxhtmlFalseaspx
Col. Matt Langer announces departure from Minnesota State Patrol121872/14/2024 5:00:00 PM<p>​<span style="font-size&#58;1em;">S</span><span style="font-size&#58;1em;">T. PAUL — After serving the Minnesota State Patrol for nearly 25 years, Col. Matt Langer announced today he is leaving the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to take a position as the director of global policing for the International Association of Chiefs of Police.&#160;&#160;</span></p><p>Col. Langer began his career with the State Patrol in 1999, where he developed an appreciation for the organization and discovered a passion for traffic safety. He worked his way through the ranks and has been the State Patrol's chief for the past 10 years.</p><p>Col. Langer's accomplishments include&#58;</p><ul style="list-style-type&#58;disc;"><li>Helping advocate for the passage of the state's hands-free bill in 2019.</li><li>Growing an internal peer support team and re-establishing a chaplaincy program.</li><li>Helping focus the State Patrol's education and enforcement efforts on preventing driving behaviors that cause fatal crashes. Minnesota's roads are now the third-safest in the nation.</li><li>Signing a pledge to increase the number of female troopers and support staff to 30 percent by 2030.</li><li>Langer said he's most proud of the work troopers do each day to keep the state's roads safe and make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.</li></ul><p>“Beginning my career with the State Patrol was an easy decision — deciding to leave has been the opposite,&quot; Langer said. “I am truly proud of the work our employees do every day and am honored to have been able to lead them for the past 10 years. Our greatest asset is the people within our organization and the millions of Minnesotans who support us in our work. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.&quot;</p><p>DPS Commissioner Bob Jacobson said the colonel's leadership over the past decade during some of the state's most challenging moments has helped build upon a foundation of stability in the State Patrol, Minnesota's largest law enforcement agency.</p><p>“Col. Langer embodies what we expect and need from a law enforcement leader. He has always put people first, whether it's the members of the State Patrol or families who are facing their worst day and grieving the loss of a loved one,&quot; Commissioner Jacobson said. “He not only believes in the State Patrol's core values, but he conducts every interaction with respect, integrity, courage, honor and excellence. Under Col. Langer's guidance, the State Patrol has continued to exemplify professionalism, integrity and a dedication to keeping our roads safe.&quot;</p><p>Commissioner Jacobson said he is proud of Col. Langer's work and excited his new role will keep him at the forefront of public safety.</p><p>“It's always hard to see a compassionate, strong and dedicated leader like Col. Langer leave for another opportunity but we know he will continue making an impact on public safety in his new role,&quot; Jacobson said. “Thanks to Col. Langer's leadership, the State Patrol is well positioned to continue serving the people in this state and supporting our law enforcement partners.&quot;</p><p>Col. Langer's last day will be April 2. Upon his departure, current Lt. Col. Christina Bogojevic will serve as interim chief.</p><p>Commissioner Jacobson will immediately begin the process to name a new colonel. &#160;​<br></p>2/14/2024 4:57:56 PMA Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety CONTACT: Jen Longaecker  612-283-1700 jen.longaecker@state.mn.us Nicole Roddy 1446https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspxhtmlFalseaspx
BCA identifies people involved in Willmar force incident32382/9/2024 8:45:00 PM<p>​ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has confirmed the identity of the man a Willmar police officer shot Feb. 4 during an incident in Willmar. Jerry Jones, 33, of Willmar was shot multiple times and is currently hospitalized in stable condition.</p><p>The BCA has also identified the Willmar police officer who shot Jones. </p><ul><li><p>Sgt. Michael Holme fired his department handgun. He has 17 years of law enforcement experience.</p></li></ul><p>According to the preliminary investigation, Holme was responding to a report Sunday morning of someone being threatened with a knife. After he arrived, Holme was speaking to the person who called 911 when Jones rapidly approached him, holding a utility knife. Holme backed away while ordering Jones to drop the knife, but Jones continued to run toward him brandishing the knife. Holme fell backwards onto the ground. Jones was standing over him, slashing at him with the knife when Holme fired his gun. Jones ran away after being shot and was arrested two blocks away. Officers provided medical care until Jones could be taken to the hospital for treatment. Holme suffered minor injuries during the incident.</p><p>BCA crime scene personnel recovered a utility knife at the scene. Holme was wearing a body camera that captured the incident. BCA agents are reviewing all available video as part of the active investigation.</p><p>The Willmar Police Department asked the BCA to investigate this incident. Once the investigation is complete, the BCA will present its findings without a charging recommendation to the Kandiyohi County Attorney's Office for review.</p><p style="text-align&#58;center;">​&#160;###​<br></p><p><br></p>2/9/2024 8:40:51 PMA Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Jerry Jones, 33, of Willmar was shot multiple times and is currently hospitalized in stable condition He has 17 years of law 456https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspxhtmlFalseaspx
State Fire Marshal Releases Lutsen Resort Lodge Inspection Details121152/7/2024 8:30:00 PM<p>​<span style="font-size&#58;1em;">​​​S</span><span style="font-size&#58;1em;">T. PAUL — Following a Feb. 6 fire that destroyed the Lutsen Resort Lodge, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety State Fire Marshal (SFM) division is releasing information regarding the property's most recent inspection. </span><a href="https&#58;//lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnJldmlzb3IubW4uZ292L3N0YXR1dGVzL2NpdGUvMjk5Ri40NiIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAyMDcuODk4NDU3ODEifQ.S4p79a1LEO01UZ5dJNvk9q9OFul8I_eg26Q8YaMLIX0/s/639116385/br/236704860337-l" target="_blank" title="Minnesota State Statute on Hotel Inspections" style="font-size&#58;1em;">By state statute</a><span style="font-size&#58;1em;">, hotels, motels and buildings used for lodging, with six or more guest rooms for short-term rentals, </span><a href="https&#58;//lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZHBzLm1uLmdvdi9kaXZpc2lvbnMvc2ZtL3Byb2dyYW1zLXNlcnZpY2VzL2luc3BlY3Rpb25zL1BhZ2VzL2hvdGVsLW1vdGVsLWluc3BlY3Rpb25zLmFzcHgiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMjA3Ljg5ODQ1NzgxIn0.K0PRgm0ftj4Er86X2opgLEQw7BIBfJbHruagRRS3nHg/s/639116385/br/236704860337-l" target="_blank" title="State Fire Marshal Inspections Webpage" style="font-size&#58;1em;">are inspected for fire safety once every three years.</a></p><p><a href="https&#58;//lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vY29udGVudC5nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeS5jb20vYXR0YWNobWVudHMvTU5EUFMvMjAyNC8wMi8wNy9maWxlX2F0dGFjaG1lbnRzLzI3NzY0OTgvTHV0c2VuJTIwUmVzb3J0LTU3MDAlMjBXZXN0JTIwSGlnaHdheSUyMDYxLUx1dHNlbi03LTYtMjMucGRmIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDIwNy44OTg0NTc4MSJ9.VqD-w_rmsfaIIJt90OwuS_MvZTaXB6MRdGlh2z0Uv8E/s/639116385/br/236704860337-l" target="_blank" title="Link to State Fire Marshal Inspection of Lutsen Resort Lodge">The last SFM inspection at the Lutsen Resort Lodge took place on July 6, 2023</a>, and found seven violations, four of which the property owner repaired. It is too early in the investigation to determine if the three outstanding violations played a role in the fire.&#160;</p><p>&quot;This fire had a significant impact to the local economy and community,&quot; said State Fire Marshal Daniel Krier. &quot;We are <a href="https&#58;//lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZHBzLm1uLmdvdi9kaXZpc2lvbnMvc2ZtL3Byb2dyYW1zLXNlcnZpY2VzL1BhZ2VzL2ZpcmUtaW52ZXN0aWdhdGlvbi5hc3B4IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDIwNy44OTg0NTc4MSJ9.f3gC53Djn_jASY-VC3KhI75Do1-dIc0NFgRfFGE0TKI/s/639116385/br/236704860337-l" target="_blank" title="State Fire Marshal Investigation Webpage">leading the investigation</a> into the fire's cause and appreciate the partnership of the <a href="https&#58;//lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmx1dHNlbnRvd25zaGlwLmNvbS9hYm91dDEiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMjA3Ljg5ODQ1NzgxIn0._GvDYGYfvpd3qldsmzbtDDQkilRNUrDepdlslB4nFF8/s/639116385/br/236704860337-l" target="_blank" title="Lutsen Fire Department Webpage">Lutsen Fire Department</a>.&quot;</p><p>Fourteen of the 15 volunteer firefighters at the department responded to the early morning fire call at the historic lodge. Some of those same firefighters will be suppressing hot spots at the property using sprinklers throughout the day on Feb. 7.</p><p>“There was great potential for a loss of life with this fire,&quot; said Lutsen Fire Chief Steve Duclos. “We are thankful that wasn't the case.&quot;</p><p>The SFM cannot predict how long the investigation will take due to the magnitude of this fire. Investigators take this responsibility very seriously. Specific details, including the daily investigative actions in this case, cannot be released per <a href="https&#58;//lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnJldmlzb3IubW4uZ292L3N0YXR1dGVzL2NpdGUvMTMuODIiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMjA3Ljg5ODQ1NzgxIn0.tgwnsritwLjpr7UtTqFhh1DQCdvzp13RcFoGxlTH_BI/s/639116385/br/236704860337-l" target="_blank" title="Minnesota State Statute 13.82">Minnesota Statute 13.82.</a></p><p>&quot;No two fires are alike, which means each investigation is also unique,&quot; said Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Amanda Swenson. &quot;Our investigators are highly trained to determine the origins and causes of fires across Minnesota.&quot;</p><p>SFM investigators are sifting through debris and ashes to review any physical evidence at the scene. They will also review paperwork, such as business and financial reports, and conduct a multitude of interviews.</p><p>&quot;We understand the public wants answers,&quot; said State Fire Marshal Chief Investigator Jim Iammatteo. &quot;However, it would be irresponsible to offer any insights until the conclusion of this investigation.&quot;</p><p style="text-align&#58;center;">###​<br></p>2/7/2024 8:55:55 PMA Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety By state statute, hotels, motels and buildings used for lodging, with six or more guest rooms for short-term rentals, are 1246https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspxhtmlFalseaspx
BCA shares new details on Fargo force incident19652/5/2024 10:20:00 PM<p>​<span style="font-size&#58;1em;">S</span><span style="font-size&#58;1em;">T.</span><span style="font-size&#58;1em;"> PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has identified the law enforcement officers who used force Jan. 30 while trying to arrest a man in Fargo. Tyler Merritt, 20, of Fargo, N.D., does not appear to have been injured during the arrest.</span></p><ul><li><p>North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) agent Scott Voeltz fired his handgun. He has 17 years of law enforcement experience.<br></p></li></ul><ul><li><p>A Cass County, N.D., sheriff's deputy deployed his Taser. According to the Cass County Sheriff, the deputy is assigned to the Metro Street Crime Unit and works in an undercover capacity. The BCA is prohibited from releasing the deputy's name in accordance with <a href="https&#58;//www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/13.82#stat.13.82.17">Minnesota Statute 13.82, subdivision 17 (a)</a> and <a href="https&#58;//ndlegis.gov/cencode/t44c04.pdf">North Dakota Century Code 44-04-18.3(2)</a>.​<br></p></li></ul><p>According to the preliminary investigation, on Jan. 30, officers with the Fargo Police Department were trying to arrest Merritt, who was wanted on numerous warrants. After Merritt fled from the officers in a vehicle with a stolen plate, they requested assistance from the Cass County Drug Task Force, which includes agents from the North Dakota BCI, and the Metro Area Street Crimes Unit. They found Merritt later the same day in Fargo and tried to pull over the vehicle he was driving. Merritt tried to flee again by ramming the squad cars. At one point, Voeltz fired one shot which appears to have gone through the fabric of Merritt's jacket but did not cause an injury. The undercover deputy also deployed his Taser trying to get Merritt into custody. Once detained, Merritt was evaluated by paramedics but refused medical treatment and was taken into custody.</p><p>BCA crime scene personnel recovered a cartridge casing, a Taser cartridge and a Taser probe at the scene. The BCA also took Merritt's clothing into evidence, including the jacket with what appears to be a bullet hole. North Dakota BCI agents do not wear body cameras but some of the other responding officers were wearing cameras that captured portions of the incident. BCA agents are reviewing all available video as part of their active investigation.</p><p>The North Dakota BCI asked the BCA to investigate this incident. Once the investigation is complete, the BCA will present its findings without a charging recommendation to the Cass County State Attorney's Office in North Dakota for review.<br></p><p style="text-align&#58;center;">###​<br><br></p><p><br></p>2/5/2024 10:18:43 PMA Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Tyler Merritt, 20, of Fargo, N.D., does not appear to have been injured during the arrest He has 17 years of law enforcement 268https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspxhtmlFalseaspx
State of Minnesota awards nearly $1.5 million to schools and transportation companies for school bus stop arm cameras117062/1/2024 8:00:00 PM<h4>​ST. PAUL — Most drivers understand they must stop for a school bus with red flashing lights and an extended stop arm. For drivers who don’t know the law or place their priorities ahead of student safety, the stop arm camera grant project will help prevent tragedy through education and enforcement.</h4><h4>Sixteen schools and transportation companies are receiving grants for stop arm camera systems. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) announced nearly $1.5 million in its seventh round of grants. Here is the <a href="/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Documents/phase-seven-grantees.xlsx" title="link to list of grantees" target="_blank">list of Phase 7 grantees</a>.&#160;</h4><h4>“As drivers, we need to stay patient, pay attention and not allow our hurried lives to jeopardize a child’s life,” said OTS Director Mike Hanson. “The near-misses and violations are so frightening and aggravating. The stop arm cameras are a welcome relief for bus drivers, parents, students and law enforcement in educating motorists, holding violators accountable and changing dangerous driving behaviors.”</h4><h4>Grant recipients recognize how valuable the project is to protecting Minnesota students.<br></h4><h4>“We are grateful for receiving additional grant funds because we have already seen the value of current stop arm cameras on half of our bus fleet,” said Anne Marie Leland, director, community education and strategic partnerships, Edina Public Schools. “The anxiety, frustration and stress over stop arm violations are very real for Edina parents and bus drivers. Equipping the remainder of our buses with cameras only improves our ability to work with residents and law enforcement to keep kids safe.”</h4><h4>OTS previously announced nearly $14.2 million in state-funded grant awards in phases 1 through 6 during 2022 and 2023. That funding equipped 6,998 school buses statewide with camera systems, representing about 59 percent of the eligible school bus fleet.</h4><h3>Violations captured with stop arm cameras</h3><h4>Stop arm <a href="https&#58;//mndeptpublicsafety.sharefile.com/d-s80057a5a49af494f8d387b5e00f6dfff" title="link to stop arm camera videos" target="_blank">camera videos from previous grantees</a> highlight the dangerous prevalence of drivers not stopping for flashing lights and extended stop arms. Reporting from some of the earlier phases shows the stop arm camera systems recorded 6,322 violations. This initially led to 1,281 citations from law enforcement.</h4><h3>Minnesota drivers risking students’ lives<br></h3><h4>Law enforcement agencies work with schools and transportation companies to educate and cite drivers failing to stop for school buses with flashing lights and stop arms extended. Prior to the grant project, law enforcement cited 4,652 drivers for stop arm violations from 2017 to 2021.<br></h4><h3>Stop arm camera grant project<br></h3><ul><li>The project is a partnership with the Minnesota State Patrol, police departments and sheriff’s offices statewide. Grant applicants provided support letters from local law enforcement agencies, an outreach plan and demonstrated need by sharing violation numbers.</li><li>The grants reimburse schools and transportation companies for purchasing and installing stop arm camera systems and supporting software programs.</li></ul><h3>Follow the law, keep children safe</h3><ul><li>On undivided roads, motorists traveling both directions must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus that is displaying red flashing lights and an extended stop arm.</li><li>Traffic traveling the opposite direction on a divided roadway with a separating median such as a cement wall or boulevard is not required to stop.</li><li>Motorists should slow down, pay attention and anticipate school children and buses, especially in neighborhoods and school zones.</li><li>The best way to be aware of your surroundings is to put the distractions away.</li><li>Drivers who violate the law face a $500 fine.</li><li>Drivers can face criminal charges for passing a school bus on the right, passing when a child is outside the bus, or injuring or killing a child.</li></ul><h3>Students</h3><ul><li>When getting off a bus, look to be sure no cars are passing on the shoulder.</li><li>Wait for the bus driver to signal that it’s safe to cross.</li><li>When crossing the street to get on the bus or to go home, make eye contact with motorists before proceeding.</li></ul><h3>About the Minnesota Department Public Safety</h3><h4>The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (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&#58; education, enforcement and prevention.​<br></h4><h3>About the Office of Traffic Safety<br></h3><h4>The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (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 <a href="https&#58;//www.minnesotatzd.org/" title="link to toward zero deaths traffic safety program info" target="_blank">Toward Zero Deaths</a> traffic safety program. OTS also administers state funds for the motorcycle safety program, child seats for needy families program and school bus stop arm camera project.<br></h4><h4 style="text-align&#58;center;">###<br></h4><h4><br><br><br></h4>2/2/2024 7:30:53 PMA Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety CONTACT: Dave Boxum  651-201-7569 dave.boxum@state.mn.us Nicole Roddy 166https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspxhtmlFalseaspx