Crime

Sheriff’s Office: Convincing phone scam going around

  ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office is warning people about a very convincing phone scam. They said there a “dangerous new scam going around”. The caller is pretending to represent a collection agency. They say the caller knows your name, Social Security number, current and past addresses, and even details about vehicles you’ve owned. The Sheriff’s…

Official: 2 Dead, 1 Injured In Domestic-Related Shooting in Chisholm

CHISHOLM, Minn. — A law enforcement source with close knowledge of the investigation told FOX 21 on Wednesday that a fatal domestic-related shooting in Chisholm Tuesday night was a result of murder-suicide. The shooting happened in the 100 block of 5th Street Northwest. The official said the killer shot the two victims before turning the gun on themselves. One victim…

Hermantown Police identify deceased couple found in Midway Road Home

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Officials identify a married couple as the two people found deceased from gunshot wounds in their home on Friday. Hermantown officials identified the two people who police found deceased from gunshot wounds in a Midway Road home on Friday. Lissette Joy Nelson, 62, was shot by her husband Bradley Duane Nelson, 63, before he took his own…

Man Suspected Of Shooting 2 Minnesota Lawmakers Caught

Courtesy: Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office BELLE PLAINE, Minn. (AP) — The man suspected of killing a Minnesota lawmaker and wounding another has been taken into custody, bringing an end to a massive, nearly two-day search that put the entire state on edge. Vance Boelter was arrested Sunday evening. Former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed…

Shootings of MN Lawmakers turn homes into Crime Scenes

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. – Shootings at the residences of two Minnesota lawmakers turn the homes into crime scenes. The homes of DFL Rep. Melissa Hortman in Brooklyn Park and Sen. John Hoffman in Champlin were turned into crime scenes after what authorities are calling targeted political shootings early Friday morning. Hortman, the former speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives,…

1 Dead, 2 Arrested After Overnight Shooting In Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that took place early Sunday morning in the city’s Central Hillside neighborhood. The call for help came in around 1:30 a.m. in the 100 block of East 3rd Street. When officers arrived, they located a male with multiple gunshot wounds.  He was taken to a local hospital where…

Search Continues for Suspect Connected to Shooting of 2 Minnesota Legislators

Senator John A. Hoffman and Rep. Melissa Hortman. This combo from photos provided by Minnesota Legislature shows from left, Senator John A. Hoffman and Rep. Melissa Hortman. (Minnesota Legislature via AP)Note: This is a developing news story. We will update as new information becomes available. BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. (AP) — A man posing as a police officer shot and killed…

Statements Reacting to Fatal Shooting of Former Minnesota House Speaker

Melissa Hortman (from her MN Legislature webpage)DULUTH, Minn: – A number of Northland elected officials, Minnesota government leaders, and various organizations have been releasing statements following the shooting death of former Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband. This shooting is currently under investigation, as well as the shooting of Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife,…

Hermantown PD find Two Deceased when responding to Domestic Violence Call

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Police find two people deceased inside a home, while responding to a domestic violence call. Two people were found deceased inside a home on the 4300 block of Midway Road Friday morning. A press release from the Hermantown Police Department said officers discovered the bodies when responding to the home for a “physical domestic violence call” around…

Pine City group home Employee Kidnapped Resident he claimed was his Son – Charges

  PINE CITY, Minn. – A group home employee kidnaps a resident, fleeing police at high-speeds, charges allege.  An employee at a Pine City group home for vulnerable adults is accused of kidnapping a resident Tuesday morning, according to the criminal complaint. Dean Michael Simonson, 58, of Cambridge, is charged with kidnapping, first-degree burglary, and fleeing police in a motor…

Man pleads guilty to Inappropriately touching Children at Duluth Waterpark

DULUTH, Minn. – A man from Alexandria pleads guilty to inappropriately touching children while at the Edgewater Waterpark in Duluth. Jackson Wichtendahl, 25, of Alexandria, was handed a deferred sentence on Friday that could see him avoid jail time for two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct. The case stems from a…

Superior Police Chief Notes Positive Trend with Addiction & Drug Related Crime

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Superior Mayor Jim Paine shared online that after years of addressing addiction and drug related crime, their hard work is paying off. Superior Police Chief Paul Wintersheidt also stated that Superior is not alone and said that this is a national trend. Reasons for this upward trend relates to programs such as ‘Pathways to Hope’, and diligent outreach…

Pine County Sheriffs Seize over 100 Pigeons at property with Decades of Animal Abuse Cases

The property owner faces two felony charges for 'animal torture'

PINE COUNTY, Minn. – Pine County sheriffs seize over 100 pigeons and other animals from a property with a history of animal abuse cases dating back decades. The Pine County Sheriff’s Office seized over 100 animals during a search warrant Friday at a property whose owner has a decades-long history of animal seizures and animal cruelty investigations. Records show 108…

Duluth Police Respond to Two Juveniles Making Knife Threats

  DULUTH, Minn. — Two juveniles are now in custody after threatening another kid with a knife. This happened Monday afternoon, around 3:30 p.m., at the Lawrence Klang Memorial Park near Proctor. According to the police report, a juvenile male was on a swing set when two other juveniles approached and threatened him with a knife. The victim wasn’t injured…

Governor Walz appoints new judge covering north central Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. & ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz today announced the appointment of Daniel Hawley as a District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District. Hawley’s chambers will be in Aitkin in Aitkin County. Hawley is replacing the Honorable Erik J. Askegaard. In a news release Governor Walz said, “(Hawley has had a) distinguished career, marked by a breadth…

Wildfire Arson Charges for Suspect in Eveleth Overlook Blaze

EVELETH, Minn. – A wildfire at the Leonidas Overlook in Eveleth was intentionally set, charges allege. ‘Wildfire arson’ charges were filed Wednesday against 59-year-old Daniel Dean Kruse, accused of starting a Jun. 3rd fire at the Leonidas Overlook in Eveleth. According to the criminal complaint, Eveleth police received a call around 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday for reports of a “large…

Iron Range Hells Angels Members’ Kidnapping Charges Dismissed by Prosecutor

The St. Louis County Attorney said "victims are either unwilling or unable to testify"

EVELETH, Minn. -The St. Louis County prosecutor dismisses charges against four Hells Angels members accused of kidnapping and assault in 2023. Four members of the Iron Range Hells Angels had their charges dismissed on Wednesday. Jerand Paul French, Eric Anthony Newman, Paul Anthony Debelak, and Jake Douglas Novaczyk were cleared of charges for a kidnapping and sexual assault that allegedly…

St Louis County Deputy Gave Alleged Attacker Ride Before Assault – Charges Claim

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A St. Louis County deputy was choked by a man after giving him a ride, charges say. Gideon Joseph Martin, 37 of Duluth, was charged with Monday’s assault on a St. Louis County deputy. Martin allegedly wrapped his arms around the deputy’s neck from behind during an assault that lasted around 20 seconds, according to the charges….

Grand Rapids Man Facing 20 Charges Related to Animal Torture & Improper Burial

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. — A Grand Rapids man is accused of animal torture and improper burial in Itasca County. 42-year-old Jacob Landeslag is facing 20 charges. According to the criminal complaint, 92 of his 140 goats dies while on a property in Bovey. Officers found three piles of dead goats on the property. The surviving goats were dehydrated and malnourished,…

Duluth Police Responds to Stabbing in Downtown

  3:18p.m. UPDATE: The suspect is currently lodged at St. Louis County Jail for pending charges of 2nd degree assault, misdemeanor criminal damage to property, and fleeting a police officer. Fox21 does not normally name suspects until they are formally charged in court. Original Article: DULUTH, Minn. — A victim is being treated for non-life threatening injuries after being stabbed…

Sexual assault case under investigation at Hibbing High School

  HIBBING, Minn. — Numerous juveniles at Hibbing High School were interviewed by Hibbing Police Officers in regards to a sexual assault case at the school. The police department and the school are currently investigating the incident. There are no criminal charges at this time. Hibbing Police confirmed that all parties involved are juveniles that attend Hibbing High School. The…

Jury Found Michigan Man Guilty in Chantel Moose Murder

DULUTH, Minn. — A jury has found a Michigan man guilty of killing a Duluth woman after bar close in downtown Duluth last year. And Tuesday night the victim’s family has released a video statement remembering their loved one. But first, Tuesday’s guilty verdict. 35-year-old Darrius Plummer of Canton Michigan is convicted of second-degree murder in the death of 25-year-old…

Regional Group To Take Over Minnesota Wildfire Fighting

DULUTH, Minn. – State and local fire teams have been leading the battle against the Camp House and Jenkins Creek fires since they broke out on Sunday and Monday respectively. Jenkins Creek fire in the distance. Camp House fire in the forefront. That will change the morning of Wednesday, May 14. The Eastern Area Complex Incident Management Team will assume…

80 Wildfires Around Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Interagency Fire Center in a news release says since Sunday (May 11), firefighters have responded to approximately 80 wildfires throughout Minnesota. Camp House Fire Monday (FOX 9) Three big wildfires are burning in Northeast Minnesota. As of Tuesday morning the information on the fires include: Camp House Fire Developed May 11, 2025. Currently 11,778  acres…

Activities Dir.: ‘Sexual Toy’ Is Center Of Hazing Investigation Involving Superior H.S. Boys Lacrosse Team

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A hazing investigation is underway by the Superior Police Department involving the Superior High School boys lacrosse team. In an email to the families of the team, Activities Director Ella Olson said she and the dean of students interviewed “many boys regarding the ‘sexual toy’ that was brought into the BLAX hotel and made its way into…

Hazing Investigation At Superior High School

UPDATE: The Wisconsin Dells Police Chief tells FOX 21 that his agency is investigating an “incident involving juveniles” that was referred to them by the Superior Police Department, but did not confirm the incident was regarding the Superior High School boys lacrosse team. SUPERIOR, Wis. – FOX 21 has received tips about possible hazing regarding the Superior High School boys…

Douglas County Humane Society Takes In Malnourished Horse, Needs Donations

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A severely malnourished horse is in need of financial support to get back to good health. The Douglas County Humane Society is organizing the fundraiser for Sunny the horse.  The staff members said Sunny is with a loving foster home right now while the long road to recovery begins. While the Humane Society did not give specifics…

Charges: Superior Teen Threatened Grandmother, Shot At Deputies Over Denial Of Video Game Purchase

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A teenager from Superior who is accused of shooting at Douglas County deputies Tuesday was charged as an adult Wednesday for five felonies, including first-degree attempted intentional homicide. According to the criminal complaint, Carsen Peterson, 13, was so out of control and angry that his grandmother was forced to call 911. The incident began around 4:30 p.m….

Sheriff: ‘Tragic Outcome’ Avoided After Boy Shoots At Douglas Co. Deputies

TOWN OF SUPERIOR, Wis. – A shooting investigation is underway in the Town of Superior after authorities said a teen shot at deputies multiple times during a standoff. The incident unfolded around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday at a home in the 5000 block of STH 35. Douglas County deputies responded there for a report of an out-of-control boy. When authorities arrived,…

Grand Rapids Man Arrested At Work After Stabbing Incident

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. — A Grand Rapids man was arrested at his work Sunday after investigators said he stabbed his friend in the hand. Seth Marshall Hanna, 23, was taken into custody at the Pickled Loon Sunday morning on second-degree assault charges. Authorities with the Itasca County Sheriff’s Office said the arrest came after responding to an address on Mishawaka…

Minneapolis Shooting Suspect Previously Convicted of Stabbing Outside Iron Range Bar

MINNEAPOLIS – The man accused of shooting five people inside a car last week in Minneapolis, was previously convicted of stabbing a man outside of a bar on the Iron Range, court documents show. James Ortley, the man charged with five counts of murder for a shooting in Minneapolis last week, was previously convicted of stabbing a man in the…

Gov. Evers Says He’s Not Afraid After Trump Official Suggests Possible Arrest

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers said Friday that every American should be concerned about “chilling” suggestions from President Donald Trump’s top border adviser that he could be arrested over guidance the Democrat issued to state employees about what to do if confronted by federal immigration agents. “I’m not afraid,” Evers said in the extraordinary video posted on…

Minneapolis Shooting Suspect Charged In 4 Homicides; Native American Community Shaken

AP MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Six people who all knew each other were inside a vehicle when one, a man with an alleged gang connection, shot each of them in the head before fleeing, according to newly unsealed criminal charges in this week’s mass shooting in Minneapolis. Three victims died at the scene early Tuesday. Another succumbed to his wounds Thursday….

5 Killed, 6 Injured In Minneapolis Shootings; Indigenous Communities On Edge

(FOX21/FOX9) Minneapolis police are investigating six shootings that left at least five people dead and another six injured within 24-hours. The six shootings happened between late Tuesday night and Wednesday evening. Police said some of the shootings may be tied to gang violence. While law enforcement search for the suspects in the shootings, officers are putting more resources in the…

Update: Missing Boy Found Safe In Douglas County

FOXBORO, Wis. – Douglas County Sheriff Matt Izzard confirmed to FOX 21 at 6:30 p.m. that the missing boy, Wayne Bixler, was located safe after an extensive search effort.  Izzard said more information would be released on Wednesday. FOXBORO, Wis. – The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a missing 12-year-old in Foxboro. In a Facebook post The Sheriff’s…

Man Threatened to ‘Kill Police’ During Armed Standoff in Sawyer – Charges

  SAWYER, Minn. – A man is charged with using deadly force on a peace officer in connection to the armed standoff at a property in Sawyer Township on Sunday, court documents show. According to a criminal complaint filed on Tuesday, 45-year-old William Joseph Wise Jr. is charged with 1st-degree use of deadly force on a peace officer and unlawful…

Weeks Before Armed Carlton County Standoff, Property was Site of Separate Reported Shooting

SAWYER, Minn. – Weeks before Sunday’s armed standoff, law enforcement responded to the same Carlton County address for reports that a man had been shot, court documents show. A man is in custody, after Sunday’s armed standoff at a residence in Carlton County involving multiple state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies. According to the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office, a…

Standoff In Carlton County After ‘Shots Fired’ Call

Courtesy: Dustin Soukkala 7:30 p.m. Update:   The Carlton County Sheriff’s Office said a suspect was safely taken into custody Sunday evening after shots were fired from a residence, which then created a standoff. The call for help came in around 4 p.m. Sunday about a man who said he shot himself while cleaning a gun, according to the sheriff’s office….

FBI Arrests Wisconsin Judge For Allegedly Obstructing Immigration Officials

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – A Wisconsin judge was arrested Friday morning on federal charges that allege she attempted to prevent immigration officials from executing an arrest.  FBI agents arrested Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan on Friday morning, for charges of obstructing immigration authorities and concealing an individual to prevent their arrest. That individual, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, is a Mexican national and is…

Mayor Paine Response To Breastfeeding Policy Claims In Lawsuit

SUPERIOR, WI – In a statement to FOX21 Superior Mayor Jim Paine said, “The City of Superior has both the facilities and policies necessary to fully support pregnant and breastfeeding mothers over and above the requirements imposed by law.” Superior Mayor Jim Paine His statement is following claims in a lawsuit from Superior Police Department Investigator Mikayla Marie LeRette. LeRette…

Search Continues for Missing Duluth Woman

DULUTH, Minn. – Authorities continue searching the waters near Rice’s Point for a missing Duluth woman. St. Louis County Sheriffs were back on the waters near Rice’s Point Monday afternoon, in the search for 61-year-old Sherri Monroe. Rice’s Point is a public boat launch and fishing area on Port Terminal Dr, that sits under the Blatnik Bridge. Authorities say Monroe’s…

Duluth Police Department releases its annual report

  DULUTH, Minn — The Duluth Police Department released its Annual Report for 2024. This report includes some of the facts and figures of 2024. It also gives and overview of their accomplishments and outlines the goals for 2025. One notable change is a significant decrease in both Opioid Related Overdoses and fatalities related to those overdoses. Chief Cenowa attributed…

Police Seize Drugs, Ammo with Search Warrant; Suspect in Custody

  DULUTH, Minn. — A search warrant conducted Tuesday morning lead to the seizure of over 100 grams of suspected meth and 100 grams of cocaine in Duluth. This happened around 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday, April 15. The Duluth Police Department, Hermantown Police, and the Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force collaborated together to execute a search warrant on the…

Online Predator Sting by Illinois Group Leads to Charges Against Superior Man

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Charges allege an unnamed citizen group from Illinois reported the man to Superior Police, after catching him in an online predator sting. On Tuesday, 62-year-old Joey Edward Scott was charged in a Douglas County courtroom with four counts of possession of child pornography. Superior Police originally responded to Scott’s apartment on Apr. 2, following a report from…

One Man Behind Bars After Making Threats of Violence to Ex-Wife & Kids

SUPERIOR, Wis. — One suspect is in custody after making threatening statements to his ex-wife and kids in Superior. The Superior Police Department received a call on Monday, April 14, right after 8:30 p.m. from a woman worried about the safety of herself and her kids. The woman told officers that her ex-husband was calling and texting her making threatening…