Crime

State looking into alleged drunk and high group home van crash

Michael Edward Rahja Jr. DULUTH, Min. – The court case is moving forward against the group home employee accused of crashing a group home vehicle while drunk and high.  The state is also looking into what happened. Court documents say Michael Edward Rahja, Jr told law enforcement that he had been puffing on a 80% THC vape all night prior…

Warrant issued for Personal Care Assistant accused of stealing credit card from client

DULUTH, Min. – A personal care assistant is accused of stealing the credit card of one of his clients and changing thousands of dollars to it. Court documents allege Henry Opoku Ware Jr. visited his client’s home in late July, 2025.  The same day he visited the the client, Ware used their credit card to pay bills for the College…

Man charged with murder in shooting of Oakland football coach and ‘Last Chance U’ star John Beam

Crime scene tapes ropes off an area one day after a shooting at Laney College in Oakland, Calif., Friday, Nov. 14 2025. OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — A 27-year-old man was charged Monday with murder in the shooting death of celebrated former football coach John Beam, who died Friday after being shot in the head on the junior college campus in Oakland where…

Deputy shot in Cass County released from hospital

Cass County Sheriff Bryan Welk WALKER, Min. – Cass County Sheriff Bryan Welk says the deputy injured in a Turtle Lake Township shooting has been released from the hospital. It happened on Sunday, November 16th, 2025, In a news release Welk said deputy was shot during the exchange of gunfire and treated at a Fargo hospital. The deputy sustained a gunshot…

Staff member accused of taking narcotics from patients at skilled nursing facility

DEER RIVER, Min. – A staff member at Essentia Health – Deer River, 24-hour skilled nursing facility, is accused of taking “narcotic pain medications from the resident’s medication supply for personal use”.  The investigation revolved around medicine intended for three patients. One patient had been receiving medication because they “experienced almost constant pain”.  The investigation report from the Minnesota Department…

Former Viking and current Jet critically injured in New York City shooting

FILE – Houston Texans cornerback Kris Boyd, currently a player with the New York Jets, looks on prior to an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Nov 24, 2024, in Houston. (AP) – New York Jets cornerback and special teams standout Kris Boyd was critically injured in a shooting in midtown Manhattan early Sunday, according to Mayor Eric Adams’ office….

Caregiver accused of stealing $10,000+ from vulnerable adult they were caring for

DULUTH, Min. – A Minnesota Department of Health report say a caregiver with a Duluth comprehensive home care agency stole money from one of their clients. The report say the, “The stole the client’s bank card the first day the worked in the client’s home and fraudulently used the bank card to pay tuition expenses and order online items.” The…

Judge says he’ll approve a $7 billion opioid settlement

FILE – Several 5-mg pills of Oxycodone NEW YORK (AP) — A federal bankruptcy court judge on Friday said he will approve OxyContin-maker Purdue Pharma’s latest deal to settle thousands of lawsuits over the toll of opioids that includes some money for thousands of victims of the epidemic. The deal overseen by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Sean Lane would require members…

Attorney for group suing Duluth Vineyard Church reacts to pastor leaving church

Spencer T. Kuvin DULUTH, Min, – Pastor John Kliewer lead Duluth Vineyard’s congregation following a sex scandal from their youth pastor and his family. After being put on leave for a number of months, Kliewer left the Duluth Vineyard. Kliewer led the effort to uncover what happened within church walls when Jackson Gaitlin was sexually assaulting children. Vineyard USA and…

Superior man caught in on-line vigilante child porn sting sentenced to three years in prison

Joey Edward Scott SUPERIOR, Wis. – Joey Edward Scott, 62, Superior plead guilty to two counts of Possession of Child Pornography. He was sentenced to three years in prison, follow by seven years of “Extended Supervision”. For his guilty pleas on the two charges, the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office allowed two other charges of Possession of Child Pornography to…

Pastor tasked with leading Duluth Vineyard following sex scandal leaves church; Church apologizes to pastor

John Kliewer DULUTH, Minn. – Pastor John Kliewer was tasked by the Duluth Vineyard’s congregation to lead their flock following a sex scandal from their youth pastor and his family.  Kliewer has now left the Duluth Vineyard. In March of 2025, the Duluth Vineyard placed Kliewer on leave to investigate him.  That investigation was focusing on allegations that Kliewer’s management created…

Adult foster care employee, 19, charged in drunken high-speed crash

DULUTH, Minn. — A 19-year-old adult foster care employee was driving drunk on a revoked license and reaching speeds of 100 mph with passengers on board when he caused a multi-vehicle crash in Duluth on Nov. 6, according to the criminal complaint. Michael Edward Rahja, 19, of Duluth, is charged with one count of Criminal Vehicular Operation and one count…

Two Harbors man charged with possesion of child porn

TWO HARBORS, Minn — A man in Two Harbors has been charged with possession of child porn. According to court documents, 36-year-old Keith Richard Udenberg is being charged with 7 felony counts of possession of child pornography. Undercover law enforcement with the Department of Homeland Security was in contact with an online user who was later found to be Udenberg…

Armed gunman on the run After Taco John’s robbery in West Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. –- An armed gunman remained on the loose Sunday evening after targeting Taco John’s in West Duluth. The crime happened around 7:50 p.m. Friday on the 4600 block of Grand Avenue. The suspect is described as a white male, around 6 feet tall and wearing dark clothing. Police said the suspect entered the business, displayed a handgun and…

MMIR office asking hunters to keep an eye out for clues

Hunting Season Generic ST. PAUL, Min. & DULUTH, Min. – The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) Office is asking hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts to stay alert and report anything unusual they might encounter in the woods. They say discoveries could help uncover new clues in missing persons cases. Law enforcement urges the public to…

Man cited for starting Camp House Fire pleas guilty

DULUTH, Min. – Court records show Parker John Wilson has been convicted of “Forestry-Failure to Extinguish a Fire”. He paid $190 in a fine and fees for the conviction. He was originally cited on September 9th for starting the fire. The fire broke out on May 11, 2025 near Brimson. The $190 was made up of a $100 fine, a…

DUI arrest following multi-vehicle crash, rollover in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — A driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI and Criminal Vehicular Operation Thursday evening after a multi-vehicle crash and rollover in Duluth. According to police, the crash was reported around 6 p.m. at the intersection of Jean Duluth Road and Martin Road. One person was trapped in the vehicle that rolled and caught on fire, according to…

Charges: Killer Returned to Party After Shooting Hibbing Man 3 Times

HIBBING, Minn. — A murder charge has been handed down against a Hoyt Lakes man who is accused of shooting a man to death in Hibbing during an after-bar party. Daniel Dale, 30, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Parker Johnson, 24, just hours before being killed in the parking lot of Meadowview Apartments around 2:15 a.m….

Whistleblower Lawsuit filed against Hermantown School District

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — A Whistleblower Lawsuit has been filed against the Hermantown School District on behalf of a former employee of the schools. According to the lawsuit which was filed on Nov. 2, Emily Bellamy, a former speech-language pathologist at the schools, was retaliated against by the district after she reported to the district that Individualized Education Program services for…

Two men accused of plotting terror attacks at LGBTQ+ bars in the Detroit area

An FBI agent stands by an Evidence Response Team truck outside a home in a Dearborn, Mich., neighborhood on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. DETROIT (AP) — Two 20-year-old men who had acquired high-powered weapons and practiced at gun ranges were scouting LGBTQ+ bars in suburban Detroit in September for a possible Halloween attack, authorities said Monday in filing terrorism-related charges….

Indictment filed for drug case tied to immigration raid in Hibbing

DULUTH, Min. – Arcadio Carrera Flores made is first appearance in Minnesota state court on October 31, 2025. He is facing charges of Felony 3rd Degree Sale of Narcotics and Gross Misdemeanor Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Alien. It appears thought statements and timing, the investigation into Flores is tied to immigration raids in Northern Minnesota on October…

Vandals Strike Northland Country Club — Again

DULUTH, Minn. — Vandals have struck again, for the third time, at Northland Country Club in Duluth. This time, a pick-up truck tore up the 14th green. A Ford truck was caught on surveillance video before or after heading onto the green Wednesday night and tearing it up with the truck’s tires. Northland Country Club is now offering a $1,000…

What we know about the Northern Minnesota immigration raids

Two people detained at El Charro Mexican Bar and Grill in Hibbing, Minnesota (10/29/2025) DULUTH, Min.- There were at least three likely immigration-related actions around Northern Minnesota on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. Here is what we know about them at this point. El Charro Mexican Bar and Grill, 2520 E Beltline, Hibbing: A FOX21 photographer happened to be getting lunch…

ICE Raids 2 Mexican Restaurants in Hibbing, Detains Multiple People

The St. Louis County Sheriff's Office says a cocaine investigation alerted ICE to undocumented aliens

HIBBING, Minn. — New information was released Wednesday evening about two ICE raids in Hibbing earlier in the day involving two Mexican restaurants. A law enforcement official close to the investigation told FOX 21 that federal agents detained eight undocumented people, including the owner of the two restaurants. And the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office said it all came to…

SNAP Text scams showing up in Minnesota

COOK COUNTY, Min. – The Cook County Public Health department says there are SNAP text message scams going around. They say the Minnesota Department of Children Youth and Families has been alerted of the scam. This scam claims that all Minnesota residents qualify for emergency food relief. The text asks recipients to click a link to claim funds. Cook County…

Former Minnesota Viking star Adrian Peterson arrested on DWI and gun charges

Former Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson stands on the field before an NFL football game between the Vikings and the Chicago Bears, Nov. 27, 2023, in Minneapolis. SUGAR LAND, Texas (AP) — Former NFL running back Adrian Peterson has been arrested in a Houston suburb on charges of driving while intoxicated and unlawfully carrying a weapon, records show. Peterson…

Former Timberwolves player Chauncey Billups charged in sports betting and Mafia-backed poker schemes

Chauncey Billups NEW YORK (AP) — Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier were arrested Thursday along with more than 30 other people accused of participating in schemes involving illegal sports betting and rigged poker games backed by the Mafia, authorities said. Rozier is accused in participating in an illegal sports betting scheme using…

Man that escaped from NERCC has initial appearance in court

Michael Todd Hart GRAND RAPIDS, Min. – Michael Todd Hart made his initial appearance in Itasca County Court on charges after his alleged escaped from Northeast Regional Corrections Center. His initial appearance was on October 22, 2025. He is still remanded in custody. All the charges he’s facing in Itasca County are from his actions following the alleged escape. In…

Northland Country Club Asks For Public’s Help After Vandals Strike Twice

DULUTH, Minn. — Vandals have struck the Northland Country Club two times in one week. The people, who appear on surveillance video to be in their younger years, trespassed the property during the early morning hours of Oct. 16 and 18. Management says carts and green were damaged, doors were kicked in, locks were cut, and storage areas were broken…

Man charged with stalking, accused of sending Wisconsin’s chief justice intimidating emails

Jill Karofsky MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Prosecutors have charged a Wisconsin man with stalking after he allegedly sent liberal state Supreme Court Justice Jill Karofsky a series of intimidating emails. Ryan Thornton, 37, of Racine was charged Monday with one felony count of stalking. He faces up to 3 1/2 years in prison if convicted. His attorney, listed in court…

Business dealings listed within Hog Wild BBQ and Smokehouse Restaurant arson case

Steven W Kastern Covering Surveillance Camera SUPERIOR, Wis. & SOLON SPRINGS, Wis. – In the indictment of Steven and Kimberly Kastern for the fire at Hog Wild BBQ and Smokehouse Restaurant, there were a number of business dealings mentioned.  The was a fire at the establishment on June 10, 2025. The couple were arrested on October 17, 2025 and were…

Owner of Hog Wild BBQ covered surveillance camera prior to fire at the business: Indictment

  SUPERIOR, Wis. & SOLON SPRINGS, Wis. – Surveillance video allegedly shows Steven W. Kastern taking steps to cover-up the alleged arson of the Hog Wild BBQ and Smokehouse Restaurant on June 10, 2025. A DVR system in the office stored surveillance recordings from, “approximately 14 cameras throughout the establishment” was key in the indictment. The indictment claims, “DVR footage showed…

Sheriff: Arson Investigation at Hog Wild BBQ in Solon Springs Leads to Arrest of Owners

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis. — An arson investigation is underway after a June fire at Hog Wild BBQ & Smokehouse in Solon Springs.  And the suspects are the owners. On Friday, Douglas County Sheriff Matt Izzard told FOX 21 that Steven and Kimberly Kastern, the owners of How Wild, were arrested for the fire at their establishment.  Also on Friday, Dist….

Pumpkin Train Forced to Strike Vehicle at Duluth Crossing

DULUTH, Minn. — The North Shore Scenic Railroad’s (NSSR) last Pumpkin Train of the season got an unexpected delay Sunday after a driver ignored safety signals and ultimately got clipped by the train in Duluth’s Lakeside neighborhood, according to train officials. “Always assume that there is a train coming. Stop fully. Don’t go to a soft stop, stop fully. Look…

Trump says he has commuted sentence of former US Rep. George Santos in federal fraud case

George Santos WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Friday he had commuted the sentence of former U.S. Rep. George Santos, who is serving more than seven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to fraud and identity theft charges. The New York Republican was sentenced in April after admitting last year to deceiving donors and stealing the identities of…

Man accused of assaulting Essentia nurses has history of nurse assault

Joseph Minowanigogezhig Legarde DULUTH, Min. – The man accused of assaulting two nurses at Essentia’s St. Mary’s Emergency Department had previously been convicted of assaulting Emergency Department staff. The recent assault allegedly happened at approximately 3a.m on Thursday, October 16, 2025. Duluth Police tell FOX21 he is accused of assaulting two female nurses. In November of 2017, Legarde was arrested…

New information on assault in Essentia Emergency Department

Joseph Minowanigogezhig Legarde DULUTH, Min. – Joseph Minowanigogezhig Legarde has officially been charged with two counts of assault from his alleged action in the Essentia St. Mary’s Emergency Department.  It happened on October 16, 2025. According to charging documents Legarde was in a emergency room and activated his call light. When a nurse responded to the call light, Legarde allegedly…

New District Court Judge named for Duluth

Nathan Lacoursiere DULUTH, Min. – Governor Tim Walz has announced the appointment of Nathan LaCoursiere as District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Sixth Judicial District. LaCoursiere will replace the Honorable Eric L. Hylden and will be chambered in Duluth in St. Louis County. In making the announcement Gov. Walz said, “Nathan LaCoursiere will be a remarkable judge… What makes him so…

Lake Nebagamon man charged with possession of child pornography

Jackson Dallas Rabold SUPERIOR, Wis. – A Lake Nebagamon man is facing five counts of Possession of Child Pornography. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 19-year-old Jackson Dallas Rabold. The charging documents say investigators were initially tipped off to Rebold when Google detected, “258 files of suspected child pornography, stored on the google photos infrastructure.”  The indictment continues to…

Man taunts Troopers after 100-mile-per-hour chase, later leaving note calling self ‘Undefeated driver #1’

Matthew Dean Irgang NEAR CHISHOLM, Min. – Charging documents say a man drove from Minnesota Highway Patrol Trooper at more than 100-miles per hour leading them on a chase, and later left a note taunting them. The report alleges a Trooper clocked Matthew Irgang, 43, Eveleth driving 101-miles per hour the evening of December 8, 2024. He was allegedly driving…

Cellphones, Facebook Chats & A Tip: How deputies found the escaped NERCC prisoner

Michael Todd Hart DULUTH, Min. – Court documents are showing how deputies say they tracked down Michael Hart after he escaped from from Northeast Regional Corrections Center (NERCC) and stayed on the run for about 2-weeks. The information was found in the charging documents for Devone Shackelton, Michael Hart’s girlfriend. Shackelton was charged with one count of Felony Aiding an…

Investigator suing the City of Superior resigns

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Mikayla LeRette, the Investigator suing the city of Superior, has resigned. She resigned in good standing about the same time both LeRette’s legal team and the City of Superior’s legal team agreed to some confidentiality terms in her federal lawsuit. On October 2, 2025 an agreement was made to keep some parts of evidence in the lawsuit…