Crime

Woodbury Father Charged in Death of his Baby son

Hoisser is Charged With Second-Degree Murder

STILLWATER, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota prosecutors say a Woodbury father intentionally dropped his 5-month-old son headfirst on the floor because the baby was crying and fussy. Thirty-five-year-old Matthew Hoisser is charged with second-degree murder in the April death of his son, Gus. Hoisser’s bail was set at $350,000 on Friday. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports a Washington County judge…

Two Arrested After Duluth Drug Bust

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police say two people were arrested after investigators seized methamphetamine during a search warrant on July 24. Investigators with the Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crime Task Force conducted the search warrant on the 200 Block of East 2nd Street around 12:20 p.m. July 24. During the search officers seized methamphetamine, a digital scale, drug packaging,…

One Arrested in Duluth After Fleeing Police

Officers Observed Walbridge Discard What Appeared to be a Handgun

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crime Task Force say a 35-year-old male has been arrested on multiple charges and a felony domestic assault warrant. According to authorities, investigators conducted an Attempt to Pick Up for Erik Mark Walbridge, 35, on July 30 around 2:15 p.m. in the vicinity of 27th Avenue West and Michigan Street when Walbridge…

Bloomington man Charged With Fatally Stabbing Wife

Prosecutors are Seeking $1 Million Bail

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (AP) – A Bloomington man is charged with fatally stabbing his wife. Fifty-six-year-old John Lawler is facing a second-degree murder charge and is expected in court Wednesday. Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman says prosecutors are seeking bail of $1 million. A criminal complaint says Lawler and his 47-year-old wife, Darla King, returned their townhome about 6 p.m. Sunday…

Woman Arrested in Fatal Stabbing in Little Canada

Authorities do not Believe There is a Threat to the Public

LITTLE CANADA, Minn. (AP) – Authorities have made an arrest in a fatal stabbing in Little Canada. Ramsey County sheriff’s officials say a 30-year-old woman, found covered in blood at her residence, was arrested early Monday. A woman about the same age was found dead outside the home about 10 p.m. Sunday. Authorities believe the suspect and victim knew each…

R. Kelly Faces two new Charges in Minnesota in 2001 Allegation

Robert Kelly is Charged in an Incident Involving a Girl he met at a Concert

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota authorities are charging singer R. Kelly with two counts of prostitution and solicitation involving a girl under 18 for an alleged incident in 2001. Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman says Robert Kelly is charged in an incident involving a girl he met at a concert. Freeman says the girl was trying to get an autograph from…

Three People Arrested At McDonald’s In Duluth

On Saturday night around 10 p.m., Duluth Police responded to a call of one person threatening another with what appeared to be a gun on the 2200-block of London Road. Duluth Police found the car the suspect was driving pulling into the McDonald’s on London Road a short time later, and removed five people from the vehicle. Officers found an…

The Latest On The Deadly Mass Shooting In Dayton, Ohio

(AP Photo/John Minchillo) DAYTON, Ohio (AP)  – The Latest on a deadly mass shooting in Dayton, Ohio (all times local): 5:05 p.m. The popular nightlife area where a gunman killed nine people and injured dozens of others has reopened to the public. The Oregon District was reopened Sunday afternoon, hours after the second mass shooting in the U.S. within 24…

Two-Year-Old Boy Killed in Nashwauk Fatal Hit-and-Run

NASHWAUK, Minn. – Stuffed bears and flowers are what’s left at the scene of a fatal hit-and-run accident that killed a young boy. 16-year-old girl Lexi Carroll was pushing two-year-old Logan Dean Klennert on Thursday at about 1 p.m. on the shoulder of Highway 65 at milepost 188 when a pickup truck swerved and hit them from behind. 38-year-old Jake…

Update: 2-Year-Old Boy Killed in Hit and Run, Suspect Charged

16-year-old girl also injured in incident; suspect in custody

Jake Place ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – A fatal hit and run killed a two-year-old boy Thursday afternoon in Northeast Itasca Township, about fifteen miles north of Nashwauk. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, officers learned a 16-year-old pedestrian, identified as Alexia Carroll, was struck while pushing a 2-year-old, identified as Logan Klennert, in a stroller. The 2-year-old died at the…

Two Arrested for Shots Fired in Cascade Park Area

No Injuries Were Reported

DULUTH, Minn. – Two individuals were arrested Wednesday night for firing shots in the Cascade Park area in Duluth. According to reports, officers responded to the scene and were provided “excellent descriptions of three individuals” by witnesses in the park at the time of the incident. Officers located the three suspects at 5th Avenue East and 4th Street where two…

Remains Found in Missing Wisconsin Brothers Case

The Remains Have not Been Officially Identified

SHAWANO, Wis. (AP) -Authorities say human remains have been found on a northwest Missouri farm that has been the focus of a search for two missing Wisconsin brothers. Clinton County Sheriff Larry Fish announced Wednesday the remains were found on a farm near Braymer. He says the remains have not been officially identified. No cause of death has been determined….

Charges Filed Against Individuals Arrested in Hermantown Drug Bust

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The four individuals arrested in connection to a drug bust Monday morning in Hermantown have now been formally charged. According to court records, Walter Charles Johnson, 48, has been charged with Fifth Degree Possession of a Controlled Substance while the other three suspects Bobbi Sue Nesgoda, 35, Sidney Spendler, 30, and Alex Leskey, 31, all face one…

Douglas Co. Dist. Atty. Reviewing Auto Theft Case Against Ashland Police Officer

ASHLAND, Wis. – The case against a longtime Ashland police officer accused of auto theft is now in the hands of Douglas County District Attorney Mark Fruehauf for possible charges. The 18-year veteran of the Ashland Police Department retired in May – the same month Ashland Police Chief Jim Gregoire sent out a press release about the allegations against the…

Wisconsin Sheriff Draws Parallel With Closs Case

German Killed Three of his Family Members and a 24-Year-old Woman

CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (AP) – Authorities in Wisconsin say a man suspected of killing four people may have been imitating the abduction last year of teenager Jayme Closs. Sheriff Jim Kowalczyk said Tuesday that investigators may never know exactly what led to the Sunday attacks. He says Ritchie German Jr. killed three of his family members and later killed a…

Suspect in Virginia Shooting Charged With Attempted Murder

The Victim Remains Hospitalized for his Injuries

VIRGINIA, Minn. – 30-year-old Luke Mathias Erkkila has been formally charged with attempted murder for his involvement in a shooting that happened on Friday in Virginia. According to court documents, Virginia police responded to the report of a shooting on the 800 Block of 6th Avenue South shortly after 7:00 p.m. on Friday. When officers arrived on the scene they…

Two Duluth Men Sentenced for Trafficking Teenage Girl For Sex

Mathis Took the Girl After she ran Away From a Treatment House in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. –Two Duluth men were sentenced on Monday for trafficking a 15-year-old girl for sex. A jury found 44-year-old Amos Kiprop Koech guilty of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor and sex trafficking of a minor on January 24. Koech’s alleged co-conspirator, 33-year-old Andre Mathis Jr., pleaded guilty to sex trafficking of a minor on January 10….

Five Dead, Two Injured in Residential Shootings in Wisconsin

The Suspect in Both Shooting is Among the Dead

CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (AP) – Authorities in northwestern Wisconsin say shootings at two homes have left five people dead, including the suspected shooter, and two others injured. Chippewa County sheriff’s officials say deputies responded to a 911 call about a shooting at a residence in Lake Hallie about 10:30 p.m. Sunday and found a man and woman dead. Two other…

Three Killed in Garlic Festival Shooting, Including 6-Year-old

Police Have Killed the Suspect

GILROY, Calif. (AP) — A 6-year-old boy described by his grandmother as always kind and happy was one of three people killed and at least 15 others injured when a gunman heard to be “really angry” opened fire during the closing moments of a popular weekend garlic festival in Northern California. Gilroy Police Chief Scot Smithee said the gunman was…

Update: Suspect in Custody After Shooting in Virginia

Victim air-lifted to Duluth, his condition unknown at this time

VIRGINIA, Minn. – 30-year-old Luke Mathias Erkkila was taken into custody by the Eveleth Police Department early Saturday morning without incident. He is being held at the St. Louis County Virginia Jail on First Degree Attempted Murder. Erkkila was arrested in connection to a Friday night shooting in Virginia. Just after 7:00 p.m. Friday night, the Virginia Police Department responded…

Charges: Father set Fatal Fire After Arguing With Daughter

Newport Posted on Facebook That he Intended to Burn Down the Home

(Dave Schwarz/St. Cloud Times via AP) PAYNESVILLE, Minn. (AP) – Prosecutors say a Minnesota man set a fire that killed his 22-year-old daughter after the two argued about her plans to move out. Forty-six-year-old John Newport of Paynesville was charged Thursday with second-degree murder in the death of Jamey Newport. His bail was set at $2 million. Jamey Newport called…

Man who Kidnapped Jayme Closs Moved To Prison In New Mexico

Patterson is Listed on the National sex Offender Registry

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The man who kidnapped Jayme Closs and killed her parents in northern Wisconsin has been moved to a prison in New Mexico. Press-Gazette Media reports the New Mexico Corrections Department has confirmed Jake Patterson has been transferred to one of its prisons from Dodge Correctional Institution in Waupun. Wisconsin corrections officials recommended Patterson be sent to…

Jayme Closs Kidnapper Erased From Prison Records

Patterson Also Doesn't Appear on the State sex Offender Registry

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Wisconsin Department of Corrections has erased any record of the man who kidnapped Jayme Closs and killing her parents from its inmate locator database. Twenty-two-year-old Jake Patterson was moved to an out-of-state facility on July 15. DOC officials declined to reveal where out of concern for his safety. The agency has declined to elaborate. The…

Suspect in Lincoln Park Home Robbery and Assault Pleads Guilty

Sentencing is Scheduled for September 9

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth man has pleaded guilty for his involvement in a home robbery and assault that took place in the Lincoln Park neighborhood earlier this year. Authorities say the robbery and assault happened in a home on the 600 Block of Atlantic Avenue around 5:15 a.m. March 13. Christian Hamzah Coleman, 19, turned himself into authorities on…

Police: 50-Plus Complaints Against Hermantown Lumber Co. Totaling $290K In Unfulfilled Work

HERMANTOWN, Minn. (Press Release) – The Hermantown Police Department has received numerous calls from victims who have ordered products such as windows or lumber packages from the Hermantown Lumber Company, which was located at 3707 Lavaque Road, Hermantown, Minn. The Hermantown Lumber Company ceased operations on June 28, 2019, and many orders that were fully or partially paid have gone…

Superior Intersection Painted Green Following Hit and Run

After 11-year-old boy hit and survived, City of Superior changes intersection to slow drivers down.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The City of Superior has implemented safety changes at an intersection on Hammond Avenue after Police say an 11-year-old boy on his bicycle was struck by a driver, who then took off, last Friday. 11-year-old Cassius Carey is out of the hospital, his mother saying he suffered a concussion but no internal injuries. The woman who Superior Police…

Two Arrested for Drug Sales in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the Duluth Police Department, two individuals were arrested Thursday following a drug bust in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. Authorities say a search warrant was obtained for a residence at 3101 West 3rd Street but due to a known presence of firearms at the location officers waited for the suspects to leave the home. Matthew Hanson,…

Duluth Police: Suspect Takes Officer’s Taser in Arrest, Limited Forced Used

Video courtesy: Facebook/Tiffany Mason DULUTH, Minn. – A suspect took a Duluth Police Officer’s taser and pointed at another officer’s face during an arrest on Friday afternoon. The incident happened just after 2:00 p.m. at Tri Towers on the 200 Block of 2nd Avenue East. According to police, officers responded to a report of an unwanted 32-year-old male who has…

Epstein Denied Bail in sex Trafficking Case

The Judge Announced the Decision Thursday Morning

NEW YORK (AP) – A federal judge has denied bail for jailed financier Jeffrey Epstein on sex trafficking charges involving underage girls. The judge’s decision Thursday comes after prosecutors argued Epstein should remain behind bars in New York City because he has the means to flee and is a danger to the public. Prosecutors fear Epstein also might try to…

Ex-Officer who Fatally Shot 911 Caller Appeals Convictions

Noor was Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Prison

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Attorneys for the former Minneapolis police officer who fatally shot an unarmed woman after she called 911 about a possible assault have filed an appeal. Mohamed Noor was convicted of third-degree murder and manslaughter in the July 2017 death of Justine Ruszczyk Damond, a 40-year-old dual citizen of the U.S. and Australia. He was sentenced to more…

Authorities Searching for Stolen Dump Truck in Pine County

(photo: Facebook/Pine County Sheriff’s Office) PINE COUNTY, Minn. – The Pine County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a stolen dump truck. According to the Minnesota BCA, Pine County Deputies were called to a Shafer Contracting construction site on reports of a vehicle prowl Monday evening. Authorities say an employee reported one of the dump trucks…

Man who Kidnapped Jayme Closs Moved out of Wisconsin

It is Unclear why Patterson was Transferred

(T’xer Zhon Kha/The Post-Crescent via AP, Pool) BARRON, Wis. (AP) – A man who admitted to kidnapping Jayme Closs and killing her parents has been moved to a facility outside of Wisconsin. Twenty-two-year-old Jake Patterson is serving life without parole for the October deaths of James and Denise Closs. State records say he was moved Monday, but they do not…

Update: Male Arrested for Assault in Lincoln Park Stabbing

Authorities Continue to Investigate the Incident

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police are continuing to investigate a stabbing that happened Monday night in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. According to the Duluth Police Department, officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance around 6:15 p.m. on the 500 Block of 22nd Avenue West. When officers arrived they located a 33-year-old female with significant injuries. Authorities say they…

Minnesota Trooper Charged With Sexually Assaulting Girl

Barta Posted $150,00 Bond

HASTINGS, Minn. (AP) – A Minnesota state trooper is charged with repeatedly sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. The Dakota County Attorney’s Office has charged 36-year-old Shawn Barta with first- and second-degree criminal sexual conduct involving the girl who authorities say is “cognitively delayed.” The State Patrol has placed Barta on leave pending the outcome of the case and an internal…

Three Convicted Sex Offenders to be Released in Superior

All three men will live at the Transitional Living Place at 1620 North 16th Street

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Three registered sex offenders will be released in Superior over the next three weeks. All three men will live at a halfway house near the Superior Public Library. The State of Wisconsin issued a Special Bulletin Notice for two of the three offenders, meaning they have some extremely serious convictions, including violations when they’ve been released in…

Murders Decline in Minnesota in 2018, but Rapes Increase

The Report is Based on Data by Local law Enforcement Agencies

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A new report finds that murders decreased in Minnesota last year but rapes increased. The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension released the 2018 crime report Monday. The report says violent crimes – including murder, rape, robbery, human trafficking and aggravated assault – decreased by nearly 7% in 2018. Murders in Minnesota decreased from 114 in 2017…

Two Shot in Michigan After man Fires on Crowd During Fireworks

Neither Victim Suffered Life-Threatening Injuries

ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. (AP) – Authorities and witnesses say a man fired gunshots hurting at least two people in a suburban Detroit neighborhood as fireworks were being set off, leading to a hours-long standoff with police. Police and residents in St. Clair Shores say the man fired into a crowd Thursday evening and hit a 12-year-old in the arm…

Domestic Assault Suspect Dead After Police Standoff

Police Will Hold a News Conference Wednesday Morning

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) – A domestic assault suspect has been fatally shot following a standoff with police in a St. Paul suburb. The Star Tribune reports the man fled on foot after assaulting a woman in a car in Eagan about 6 p.m. Tuesday. Eagan police spokesman Aaron Machtemes says officers tracked the man down to a commercial area and…

Wisconsin’s ‘Serial Toilet Clogger’ Gets 150 Days Behind Bars

He Also Received Three Years Probation

(courtesy: Fox 9) FOX NEWS – A Wisconsin man dubbed “the serial toilet clogger” was sentenced to a 150-day jail term and three years of probation on Monday after being convicted of five counts of criminal damage to property for repeatedly plugging plastic bottles down toilets in the women’s restroom at his workplace, causing them to overflow. Patrick D. Beeman,…

Man who Stole Jayme Closs’ Clothing Sentenced to Probation

BARRON, Wis. (AP) – A man who broke into the home of Jayme Closs after her parents were killed and she went missing has been sentenced to two years of probation. Thirty-three-year-old Kyle Jaenke-Annis earlier pleaded guilty to misdemeanor theft for stealing some of Closs’ clothing during the break-in. Jaenke-Annis was initially charged with felony burglary. Investigators found the theft…