Crime

UPDATE: Standoff with Armed Person at Kwik Trip Ends Peacefully, Duluth Police Say

The Tactical Response Team and the Crisis Negotiation Team responded to provide resources to resolve the incident quickly and safely.

DULUTH, Minn.- After nearly two hours of police surrounding the evacuated Kwik Trip on 27th Ave. W, an armed individual was arrested without incident outside the store Saturday. According to a spokesperson with the Duluth Police Department, Officers responded to an armed individual at the Kwik Trip. They blocked off Michigan Street and evacuated the store. The Tactical Response Team…

‘Tiger King’ Joe Exotic Resentenced to 21 Years in Prison

(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File) OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A federal judge resentenced “Tiger King” Joe Exotic to 21 years in prison on Friday, reducing his punishment by just a year after an appeals court ordered a new sentence. Joe Exotic — whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage — was convicted in a murder-for-hire case involving animal welfare activist Carole Baskin….

21 People Charged in Multi-State Drug Trafficking Investigation

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police say 21 people have been charged following a multi-state drug trafficking investigation that uncovered the transportation of fentanyl and heroin from Chicago to Duluth. Authorities say the criminal activity was uncovered by members of the Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crime Task Force who started conducting their investigation in June 2021. “I am very proud…

Virginia Man Arrested, Charged With Felony Domestic Assault

VIRGINIA, Minn. – A Virginia man arrested over the weekend for fleeing police following an alleged domestic assault incident with his girlfriend has now been formally charged. According to cour documents, 37-year-old Matthew James Jefferson has been charged with two felony counts of domestic assault, one count of domestic assault by strangulation, one count of stalking, and one count of…

Human Smuggling Suspect From Florida Released Without Bond

(John Woods/The Canadian Press via AP) FARGO, N.D. (AP) – A Florida man arrested for human smuggling after the bodies of four people were found near the Canada and U.S. border during a blizzard has been released from jail without having to pay the bond. Steve Shand is charged with the transport or attempted transport of illegal immigrants after the…

Trial To Begin for Cops Accused of Violating Floyd’s Rights

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The federal trial for three former Minneapolis police officers charged with violating George Floyd’s civil rights as Derek Chauvin pinned the Black man’s neck to the street is set to begin Monday with opening statements. J. Kueng, Thomas Lane, and Tou Thao are broadly charged with depriving Floyd of his civil rights while acting under…

Access Again An Issue At Federal Trial In Floyd’s Killing

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A closed hearing in the federal trial of three former Minneapolis police officers in George Floyd’s killing was canceled Friday after prosecutors and the media objected. It’s the second time in just days that access to the proceedings became an issue. U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson scheduled the conference on the admissibility of some evidence…

EXPLAINER: Will Chauvin Testify At Trial Of 3 Other Cops?

(from left, Derek Chauvin, Tuo Thao, Thomas Lane, and J. Alexander Kueng) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – As the federal trial for three former Minneapolis officers charged with violating George Floyd’s civil rights is set to begin Monday, some wonder whether Derek Chauvin will take the stand. Many legal experts say they don’t anticipate the jury will hear from Chauvin,…

Access Again an Issue at Federal Trial in Floyd’s Killing

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A closed hearing in the federal trial of three former Minneapolis police officers in George Floyd’s killing was canceled Friday after prosecutors and the media objected. It’s the second time in just days that access to the proceedings became an issue. U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson scheduled the conference on the admissibility of some evidence…

FBI: Laundrie Admitted Killing Gabby Petito in Notebook

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) — The boyfriend of slain cross-country traveler Gabby Petito admitted killing her in a notebook discovered near his body in a Florida swamp, the FBI announced Friday. It was the first time authorities squarely pinned the blame for Petito’s death on Brian Laundrie, though he was the prime suspect all along. Investigators meanwhile announced that Laundrie,…

Florida Man Charged After 4 Found Dead at Canada-US Border

(John Woods/The Canadian Press via AP) WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) – A Florida man has been charged with human smuggling after the bodies of four people, including a baby and a teen, were found in Canada near the U.S. border. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota says 47-year-old Steve Shand has been charged with human smuggling after seven…

Jury Selection To Start in Federal Trial Over Floyd’s Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Jury selection is scheduled to begin in the federal case against three former Minneapolis police officers who were with Derek Chauvin when he pinned George Floyd to the street. J. Kueng, Thomas Lane, and Tou Thao are charged with depriving Floyd of his constitutional rights while acting under government authority. Starting Thursday, jurors will be questioned by…

June 13 Date Set for State Trial for 3 Ex-Cops in Floyd’s Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A state court trial for three former Minneapolis police officers charged with the death of George Floyd has been rescheduled for June 13, after both the defense and prosecutors requested a postponement. Thomas Lane, J. Kueng, and Tou Thao face charges of aiding and abetting both murder and manslaughter. Their trial was supposed to start on March…

Group Delivers Whistleblower Documents on Clergy Abuse

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — An advocacy group working to end clergy abuse in Wisconsin has delivered thousands of documents from Wisconsin’s five Catholic dioceses to the state attorney general, documents it says show a systemic coverup of abuse. The documents were provided to Nate’s Mission by whistleblowers within the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and the Diocese of Madison, La Crosse, Green…

Update: Victim Identified in Duluth’s First Homicide in 2022

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police have identified the victim in Duluth’s first homicide in 2022. On Saturday, authorities were dispatched to the 100 block of N 54th Avenue East around 12:50 a.m. for a medical/assault call. Dispatchers told responding officers a male was punched in the head and unconscious. At the scene, the unconscious 42-year-old man, now identified as Ryan…

Daughter Accused Of Shooting Mother, Then Driving Away

ST. LOUIS CO., Minn. — A juvenile-aged girl allegedly shot her mother on Sunday afternoon in the Cook area, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities were sent over after a 911 call was made while the 40-year-old mother was brought to the hospital around 4:30 p.m. While law enforcement was on the way, the daughter got into…

Man Takes Hostages at Texas Synagogue, Demands Prisoner Be Freed

The Colleyville Police Department said the male hostage was released shortly after 5 p.m. Saturday.

Jessika Harkay/Star-Telegram via AP COLLEYVILLE, Texas (AP) – Police say one hostage has been released uninjured from a Texas synagogue where a man had been holding four people. The Colleyville Police Department said the male hostage was released shortly after 5 p.m. Saturday. He was expected to be reunited with his family soon and did not require medical attention. FBI…

Fight Turns into Duluth’s First Homicide of 2022

Investigators learned a 46-year-old man got in a physical altercation with the 42-year-old after arguing.

DULUTH, Minn.- One man has died and another arrested pending manslaughter charges after an altercation in Duluth’s Lester Park neighborhood — the city’s first homicide of 2022, according to Duluth Police. According to a spokesperson with the Department, around 12:50 a.m. Saturday officers responded to a medical/assault call in the 100 block of N 54th Ave E. Dispatchers told responding…

Proctor Teen Charged With Criminal Sexual Conduct

PROCTOR, Minn. – A Proctor teen has been officially charged in connection to the “sexual misconduct” allegations made in September against members of the Rails football team. According to the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office, a 17-year-old male has been charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct. According to the criminal complaint, on September 16 the Proctor Police Department received an…

Waukesha Parade Suspect To Stand Trial for Murder

(Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department via AP)   MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A Wisconsin court commissioner has ordered a Milwaukee man accused of plowing his SUV through a suburban Christmas parade, killing six people and injuring dozens more, to stand trial. Waukesha County Court Commissioner Kevin Costello ordered Darrell Brooks Jr. bound over for trial on more than 70 charges, including…

Grand Rapids Attorney Arrested, Arraigned on Charges of Sexual Criminal Conduct

DULUTH, Minn. – A Grand Rapids attorney charged with five counts of criminal sexual conduct was arrested and arraigned today on five counts of criminal sexual conduct. According to court records, Jesse Powell, 32, missed his initial court appearance on Monday resulting in a warrant being issued for his arrest. An email from the judge filed with the case states,…

Judge Agrees To Delay State Trial for 3 Cops in Floyd Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A Minnesota judge has agreed to delay a state court trial for three former Minneapolis police officers charged in George Floyd’s death, though he didn’t immediately set a date. Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill told attorneys to agree on a new date that’s within one year. They must inform the court by Sunday. Cahill said if they…

Man Who Bought Gun for Kyle Rittenhouse Pleads No Contest

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The man who bought an AR-15-style rifle for Kyle Rittenhouse has pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor in a deal with prosecutors to avoid prison. A Wisconsin judge accepted Dominick Black’s plea on Monday. Prosecutors dropped two felony counts of intent to deliver a dangerous weapon to…

Man Charged With Buying Gun For Rittenhouse Takes Plea Deal

MILWAUKEE (AP) – The man who bought Kyle Rittenhouse a rifle when he was only 17 has taken a plea deal to avoid criminal conviction. Dominick Black was charged with delivering a dangerous weapon to a minor, resulting in death. The charges relate to the two protesters Rittenhouse fatally shot in Kenosha. Prosecutors filed a proposed plea agreement that suggested…

Parents in Michigan School Shooting Lose Bid To Reduce Bail

(Oakland County Sheriff’s Office via AP, File) DETROIT (AP) — A judge has denied a request to lower a $500,000 bail set for two parents who are charged with their son in a fatal Michigan school shooting. Judge Julie Nicholson said James and Jennifer Crumbley failed to turn themselves in when they were charged with involuntary manslaughter on Dec. 3…

Teen in Michigan School Shooting Waives Key Court Hearing

DETROIT (AP) – A teenager charged with killing four students at their Michigan high school has waived a key court hearing. The decision means Ethan Crumbley’s case moves straight to a trial court in suburban Detroit. Prosecutors in Michigan typically must present some evidence to show there’s probable cause to send people to trial on felony charges. It’s a low…

Trial Opens for Wisconsin Man Accused of Killing Parents

(Dane County Sheriff’s Office via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Opening statements were scheduled for Tuesday in the trial of a 23-year-old Wisconsin man charged with killing and dismembering his parents. A jury was selected Monday in Dane County Circuit Court to hear the case against Chandler Halderson, who faces charges of first-degree intentional homicide and mutilating and hiding a…

Duluth Man Arrested For DWI, Hitting Almost A Dozen Cars

When police caught up to the driver, the 41-year-old suspect ditched his car and ran near Redeemer Lutheran Church.

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth police arrested a man on Sunday who was suspected of hitting almost a dozen cars while driving under the influence of a controlled substance. Police say they arrived on-scene at 9:15 a.m. on the 9400-block of Grand Avenue after multiple people called in about a man driving recklessly and hitting several cars. When police caught up…

Man Arrested After Allegedly Driving Denfeld Boys Basketball Team Bus Drunk, Coach Says

In an interview with FOX 21, Head Coach Homere identified the 47-year-old driver from the St. Louis County Jail roster.

DULUTH, Minn.- A frightening ride back home for the Denfeld Boys Basketball team Thursday night, who discovered on the road back from Hibbing that their coach bus driver was allegedly driving them drunk, according to coaches. “He just kept repeating everything he was saying and we were like it’s clear that something is not right and having these kids on…

Police: Mall of America Shooting Leaves 2 People Injured

Photo: FOX9   MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Two people have been shot and wounded following an apparent altercation at the Mall of America, sending New Year’s Eve shoppers scrambling for safety and placing the Minneapolis mall on temporary lockdown. Bloomington Police Department officials say the shooting happened about 4:30 p.m. Friday. One man suffered a gunshot wound to the leg during…

3 Arrested, More Expected In Hayward-Area Burglaries, Thefts

HAYWARD, Wis. – Authorities have arrested three Hayward men after “multiple burglaries and thefts” in the Hayward area. The Sawyer Count Sheriff’s Office said the weeks-long investigation in conjunction with the LCO Police Department and Town of Hayward Police Department. The men range from 25 to 32 years old. Charges have not been filed yet. Sheriff Doug Mrotek said he…

Man Gets 100 Months In Prison For Damage In Minneapolis Protest

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A federal judge has sentenced a St. Paul man to more than eight years in prison for burning, looting and damaging businesses during a 2020 protest against police brutality in Minneapolis. U.S. District Judge Patrick Schlitz sentenced 32-year-old Victor Devon Edwards on Wednesday to 100 months in prison and two years of supervised. A jury convicted Edwards…

Man Shot Through Living Room Window In Virginia; Suspect On The Run

VIRGINIA, Minn. –  A suspect was on the run Wednesday evening after a shooting in Virginia that injured a man. According to the Virginia Police Department, someone shot multiple times through the victim’s living room window from outside at about 5 a.m. Wednesday on the 500 block of 12th Street South. The victim was struck once by a bullet while…

Pennsylvania Man Charged In Christmas Eve Murder In Gogebic County

Nicholas Millard MARENISCO TOWNSHIP, MI. — A Spring Hills, Pennsylvania man is accused of shooting a man to death and wounding another at a cabin in Marenisco Township, Michigan on Christmas Eve. According to the Gogebic County Sheriff’s Office, Nicholas Millard, 30, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder, among other charges. Authorities say Millard killed Thomas Fletcher, 49, of Marenisco…

Iron County Sheriff’s Deputies Respond to Domestic Disturbance Involving Alcohol, Fully-Loaded Rifle

Deputies repeatedly commanded the man to drop his weapon but he refused, and told them to "just shoot me."

OMA, Wis.- A late-night domestic disturbance call for the Iron County Sheriff’s Office in Wisconsin resulted in a man in custody pending charges including Endangering Safety by Use of a Dangerous Weapon While Intoxicated. According to a press release from the sheriff, around 11:30 Thursday night deputies responded to a call for a domestic disturbance in the town of Oma…

Kim Potter Trial Verdict: Guilty on All Counts

(Court TV, via AP, Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The jury found former Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter guilty on all counts in the deadly traffic stop shooting of Daunte Wright. The 12 jurors deliberated for around 26 hours before deciding to convict Potter of first-degree and second-degree manslaughter.   The jury began deliberating around 12:45 p.m. CT on Monday after a…

Former Gannucci’s Owner Charged With Sexually Assaulting 2 Children

DULUTH, Minn. – The longtime owner of Gannucci’s Italian Market in West Duluth is charged with sexually assaulting two children. William Kalligher, 61, is facing seven felonies, including one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. This comes after numerous allegations came to light this summer. Court documents say a 25-year-old man told police that Kalligher forced oral sex on him…

Jury at Kim Potter Trial in Wright Death Returns Tuesday

(Court TV, via AP, Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A jury will resume deliberations in the trial of a suburban Minneapolis police officer who says she meant to use her Taser instead of her gun when she shot and killed Daunte Wright. The jury returns Tuesday after meeting for about a half-day Monday following closing arguments. Prosecutors accused Kim Potter of…