Public Safety

MISSING: Dennis Jesh, of St. Cloud

Last seen on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017

Dennis Jesh (BCA) Dennis Jesh (BCA) ST. CLOUD, Minn. – The Minnesota BCA and St. Cloud VA Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a 65-year-old veteran who was last seen on the St. Cloud VA Hospital campus. Dennis Anton Jesh was last seen Wednesday, Dec. 20 at approximately 3 p.m. wearing a black leather jacket and work…

Authorities Continue Search for Missing Redwood Falls Man

LAST SEEN OCT. 13

Mato Dow (BCA) UPDATE 12/20: The Redwood Falls Police Department and Minnesota BCA are still seeking assistance in locating 26-year-old Mato Dow of Redwood Falls. Authorities have provided a photo (above) of Mato shortly before he went missing. He was wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, gray long shorts, and black/dark shoes. Mato was last seen on Oct 13. Anyone with…

LOCATED: Alyssa Leonardis, of Lauderdale

UPDATE: Alyssa Leonardis was located safe and uninjured, according to the BCA. Alyssa Leonardis LAUDERDALE, Minn. – The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a vulnerable adult that walked away from her group home on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Alyssa Leonardis, 21 is described as 5’2″, 220 pounds, short brown hair. Last seen wearing…

Level III Predatory Offender Relocating to Virginia

Adam Hart (Virginia PD) VIRGINIA, Minn. – The Virginia Police Department is notifying the public of a Level III Predatory Offender that has relocated to Virginia. Thirty-two-year-old Adam Samuel Hart has relocated to the 300 block of Chestnut Street. Hart has a history of sexual contact with adolescent females between the age of 13-17. Contact has included sexual touching and…

18 Year-Old Eveleth Woman Dies After Snowmobile Accident

ORR, Minn. – An 18-year-old Eveleth woman is dead after a snowmobile accident northwest of Orr, Minnesota, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. According to authorities, the incident happened around 6:42 a.m. at the intersection of Lost River Road and Ash Lake Camp Road. When authorities arrived on scene they found a single snowmobile with two occupants had…

Amtrak Train Hurtles Off Overpass; At Least 6 People Killed

RACHEL LA CORTE - AP

Courtesy: FOX NewsDUPONT, Wash. (AP) — An Amtrak train making the first-ever run along a faster new route hurtled off an overpass Monday near Tacoma and spilled some of its cars onto the highway below, killing at least six people, authorities said. The death toll was expected to rise. Seventy-eight passengers and five crew members were aboard when the train…

Plow Drivers Power Through To Clear the Snow

Operators plowed the shoulders in preparation for additional snow

DULUTH, Minn. – It was another busy day for plow drivers still cleaning up from this week’s snow storm. The biggest snowfall so far this season had trucks clearing 99 routes throughout the eight county district. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) crews applied a sand and salt mixture to try to keep the roads from getting too slippery. In Duluth the lake effect…

Heavy Snow, Poor Road Conditions Cause Blatnik to Close

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Northbound lanes of the Blatnik Bridge were closed Wednesday afternoon after numerous crashes. Authorities closed the bridge just after 4 p.m., after multiple traffic incidents were reported due to weather conditions and poor road conditions. The bridge reopened shortly after 4:30 p.m. Categories: News, News – Latest News, Public Safety, Road Construction/Traffic

Truck Breaks Through Ice on Grand Lake

SAGINAW, Minn. – Early Wednesday afternoon, the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a truck going through the ice on Grand Lake. According to authorities, the incident happened just after 12:33 p.m. The report indicated that a truck went through the ice and two occupants of the vehicle were able to exit the truck before it…

Ironton Man Dies When Snowmobile Goes Through Thin Lake Ice

CROSBY, Minn. (AP) – A northern Minnesota man has died after the snowmobile he was driving went through thin ice in Crosby. A Crosby police officer heard calls for help coming from Serpent Lake around 5:30 a.m. Monday. Law enforcement and first responders responded, and divers found the man’s body in about 45 feet of water. The Crow Wing County…

Drug Bust in Fayal Township

(St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office) FAYAL TWP, Minn. – Members of the Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crime Task Force executed a search warrant on December 8, in the 3600 block of Highway  53 in Fayal Township, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. During the search, investigators located 36 pounds of high-grade marijuana inside of the residence, along…

Train vs. Semi Crash in Kelsey Township

KELSEY TWP, Minn. – A 75-year-old man was left uninjured after his semi truck collided with a train, just west of Cotton, Minnesota in Kelsey Township. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office reports that the call came in around 5 p.m. Monday of a semi pulling a trailer had been struck by a train West of Highway 7 on Arkola…

2 Fall Through Ice on St. Mary’s Lake

EVELETH, Minn. – Two males from Iron, Minnesota fell through the ice on St. Mary’s Lake in Fayal Township, just south of Eveleth, late Monday morning, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. According to authorities, first responders arrived on scene, they found two men a 39-year-old, Paul Ollila, and 36-year-old Travis McDonald, clinging onto the ice in an…

Duluth Police Recruits Train For High-Speed Chase

Class Of 15 Recruits Is The Largest Ever For the Department

DULUTH, Minn. –  We’re taking you on the tarmac and behind the wheel as Duluth police recruits get tested during a mock high-speed chase. It’s all about learning to have full control of a police cruiser while facing so many distractions, especially on a 911 call. John Villa, 34, one of the 15 recruits – the largest class on record…

Superior Police Department Awarded Domestic, Sexual Violence Grant

(Superior Police Dept.) SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Police Department announced Thursday that it has been awarded a U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) grant totaling over $440,900 over the next three years. The “OVW Improving Criminal Justice Responses to Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking” grant is designed to encourage partnerships among our…

Two Arrested after Cloquet Drug Bust

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet Police Department with the assistance of other agencies, has been working to crack down on a large-scale marijuana distribution operation. The operation began in November, as investigators looked into large quantities of marijuana and hash oils being sold in the area. According to authorities, a search warrant was executed at a residence in Cloquet on…

Meeting Held on Preventing Future Fires

Multiple Federal Agencies Involved in Meeting

DULUTH, Minn.-Training to respond to unique fires all boils down to communication. Today, multiple federal organizations gathered at the Duluth Holiday Inn to determine how to better handle responding to situations like wildfires, chemical spills, and even tornadoes. Leaders at the meeting said much of the discussions are about predicting how the next fire season will go and how they…

Text-to-911 Now Available Statewide in Minnesota

Calling still the preferred method for 911 services

Text to 911 Banner ST. PAUL, Minn. – In an emergency, safely dialing 911 might not be an option, as one may need to remain quiet in a dangerous situation, or if an individual has hearing loss, it can make calling 911 near impossible. The Department of Public Safety Emergency Communication Networks (DPS-ECN) has been working with Minnesota to develop…

Coldest Air Of Season Creates Concern For Homeless

CHUM and Life House In Need Of Donations

DULUTH, Minn-  The coldest air of the season is settling in on the Northland, which has advocates concerned for homeless in the area. Typically, the CHUM homeless shelter in Duluth hosts about 50 people a warm night, according to CHUM support staff member Shawn Carr.  But he says that number can double when the deep freeze sets in. “During cold…

MnDOT Reminds Northlanders to Prepare for Winter Conditions

They Warn to Keep Up to Date with Weather Conditions and Check Tire Tread

DULUTH, Minn. – According to MnDOT officials, many of their ninety-one plows in Northeastern Minnesota are out and ready to begin clearing roadways. This year, they’re doing something different: using a more expensive but faster acting compound called potassium acidate bridges and tunnels. Plowing started during the afternoon hours in the International Falls area and is expected to continue throughout…

Dog Brings Home Human Skull, Remains Found in Barron, Wis.

BARRON, Wis. (KMSP) – Authorities in western Wisconsin are investigating a death after they discovered skeletal remains of a body in the woods near a house in the area. On Dec 3, the Barron County sheriff’s department received a call from a resident who said his dog brought home what looked like the partial remains of a human skull. Authorities later…

Difficult Driving Conditions Expected Late this Afternoon, Evening

DULUTH, Minn. – A large weather system is moving into northern Minnesota that is expected to create difficult driving conditions in the region. The Minnesota Department of Transportation is advising motorists to watch the weather carefully as road conditions often deteriorate quickly. Rain has been falling across the region, leaving roads wet, which can rapidly freeze when temperatures drop. Freezing…

Body Armor Donated to Duluth PD’s K9

(Duluth Police Dept.) DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department has announced their K9, Haas, will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a non-profit out of East Taunton, Massachusetts. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc, is a charity whose mission is to provide protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the…

DNR: Early Ice is Not Safe, Wear Life Jackets on Cold Water

MINNESOTA – With daytime temperatures still reaching above freezing, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding the public to stay clear of early ice and use extreme caution when venturing on dangerously cold waters. Some locations in northern and western regions of the state have been reporting ice formation, recent fluctuations in temperatures have led to degrading ice conditions…

Family Blames Red Lake Resort for Death of 2 Anglers

CHRISTINA PALLADINO - FOX 9

(FOX 9) – Two families are mourning the loss of their children after divers pulled the bodies of a young man and woman who were ice fishing on Red Lake. Now, family members say the resort should be held partly responsible for their son’s death. The Stacy, Minnesota family just celebrated their son Zeth’s 28th birthday on Thanksgiving when he…

MnDOT Invites Public to ‘Can of Worms’ Project Online Survey

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation is inviting the public to participate in an online survey regarding the Twin Ports Interchange “Can of Worms” reconstruction project, which will rebuild and modernize the highway infrastructure that serves the Port of Duluth/Superior and travelers. The project would replace three interchanges that operate together to provide access to the port and…

In Wake Of Two Ice Related ATV Deaths: Experts Give Early Season Ice Safety Tips

Deaths Stem From Two Falling Through The Ice

DULUTH, Minn- It’s a start to the winter season that experts are warning is very dangerous right now with up–and–down temperatures. Ice condition reports range from none at all to pretty solid. Experts warn to prepare, have a plan, and don’t chance it, ever. According to the Minnesota DNR, from 2012 to March of this year, Minnesota has seen 16…

Police: Two Bodies Recovered on Upper Red Lake

UPPER RED LAKE – Shortly after 3 p.m. on Monday, the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office recovered two bodies from upper Red Lake, one male, one female, as well as an ATV. Authorities confirmed, Tuesday that the individuals were those reported missing by a local resort. Rogers’ on RED reported on their Facebook page that the sheriff’s department was searching for…

Deer Carcasses Litter Highways as Removal Duty Changes

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Some vehicle-struck deer aren’t getting removed from Wisconsin highways as quickly as they’re being run down, as officials adjust to a new carcass pickup system. A provision in the state budget transferred responsibility for picking up dead deer from the Department of Natural Resources to the Department of Transportation. The change took effect in September. Transportation…

23 Year Old Dead After Snowmobile Accident

SWATARA, Minn. – A 23-year-old Swatara, Minnesota man is dead after a snowmobile accident that happened on Thursday, Nov. 23, according to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office. Officers responded to the call of a medical situation resulting from a snowmobile crash at a residence in rural Swatara, which is approximately 30 miles southwest of Grand Rapids. When Cass County Deputies…

Superior Police Spread Acts of Kindness For The Holidays

Superior police are issuing gift cards instead of tickets

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The Superior Police Department is getting in on the giving spirit. Between now and Christmas, police officers will be handing out gift cards instead of tickets. Superior’s police chief Nicholas Alexander tells Fox 21 it’s a great way to build positive relationships with the community. “It lightens the mood. When someone gets a gift card, it opens…

Pedestrian Struck in Crosswalk on 9th Ave E

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department and Fire Department, along with Gold Cross, responded to 9th Avenue East and 1st Street on the report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle just before 1 p.m. Thursday, according to the Duluth PD. Authorities report that a 29-year-old female was crossing 9th Avenue East on foot when she was struck by…

Body Found in East Hillside on East 5th St

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department has reported that a body was located in the 800 block of East 5th Street late, Thursday morning around 10:30. Authorities report that a 37-year-old male was confirmed deceased when first responders arrived on scene. Preliminary reports indicate the man may have slipped and fell and been outside all night. The investigation is…

State Patrol Gives Tips for Safe Winter Driving

Millions are Expected to Travel for the Holiday Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – Are you traveling for the holiday weekend? AAA predicts 55 million people will be driving 50 miles away from home on roads across America this weekend. The Minnesota State Patrol is expecting a very busy holiday travel season. Sgt. Neil Dickenson visited FOX 21 to give a few winter travel safety tips: Slow down on slick roads…

15-Year-Old Sexually Assaulted and Threatened with Knife in Ely

ELY, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office and Ely Police Department responded to the report of a sexual assault in the evening hours of Monday, Nov. 20, according to police. Authorities report that a 15-year-old female had been threatened with a knife and sexually assaulted by an adult acquaintance, who was identified as as a 35-year-old male of…

LOCATED: Todd Sarkela, of Duluth

Todd Sarkela (Facebook) UPDATE: Todd Sarkela has been found safe. DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating 55-year-old Todd Sarkela, of Duluth. Todd is described as a white male, 5’9″, 120 pounds, with hazel eyes and sandy hair; and typically walks with a cane. He was reported missing to police on Sunday, Nov….

Pedestrian Hit and Run in Duluth, Police Searching for Suspect

Incident happened Friday, Nov. 17

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police responded to the report of a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian at 13th Avenue East and London Road on Friday, Nov. 11 just before 8:30 p.m. According to police, officers arrived on scene and located a 49-year-old female who had been struck while crossing the street. She was transported to the hospital with non-life…

Five Taken to Hospital From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Buhl

Incident Occurred at Apartment Connected to Billy's Bar in Buhl

BUHL, Minn.-Iron Range fire officials are reporting that five people have been taken to area hospitals due to carbon monoxide poisoning in an apartment connected to Billy’s Bar in Buhl, Minnesota. According to authorities, the incident occurred around 9:15 a.m. Crews from Buhl, Chisholm, Hibbing and Virginia responded to the scene after the building owner, Gary Gamer received a disturbing…

Mounted Patrol Disbanded by Duluth Police Department

Officials Say This Will Allow the Department to Put More Resources into Other Areas

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department’s Mounted Patrol is no more. On Saturday, Police Department officials confirmed to Fox 21 that the unit has been disbanded. They say the decision was made so they could increase staff in other areas, like sexual assault, child abuse, and child pornography investigators. The Mounted Patrol had been around since 2014. Categories: Crime,…

Police: Firearm Recovered In Morgan Park Believed To Be Connected To Weekend Shootings

Woman Shows Up In Hospital Reported Being Shot

DULUTH, Minn- Duluth Police investigators told Fox 21 that two separate shooting incidents over the weekend are connected to a gun incident in Morgan Park on Tuesday night. Police responded this evening to the area of 89th Ave W and Edward St. on reports of people in the neighborhood with guns. Lt. Robert Shene said his officers did recover a…

Head On Collision Leaves One With Life-Threatening Injuries

GREENWAY TWP, Minn. – The Minnesota State Patrol has reported that a Deer River woman has suffered life-threatening injuries after a head-on collision on Highway 169 in Greenway Township. According to State Patrol, just after 8 a.m. Tuesday, a Chevy Impala was traveling westbound on Highway 169 when it crossed the center line into oncoming traffic, striking a Dodge Caravan…