Duluth Police Department

Duluth Police Officer Found Not Guilty of Shooting Unarmed Man Through Apartment Door in 2020

Leibfried was found not guilty of second-degree assault and intentional discharge of a firearm

DULUTH, Minn.- A St. Louis County jury found Duluth Police Officer Tyler Leibfried not guilty of second-degree assault and intentional discharge of a firearm Friday, regarding an incident in September 2020 when he shot unarmed Jared Fyle through the closed door of his apartment. According to a representative of the St. Louis County Attorney’s office, they do not agree with…

Two Duluth Men Arrested, 52g of Heroin/Fentanyl Seized in Ongoing Drug Investigation

Investigators also seized $1,685 in cash, drug packaging, and other evidence of drug sales. 

DULUTH, Minn.- A 33-year-old and 29-year-old, both from Duluth, were arrested in a home in Central Hillside by Duluth Police Officers and the Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crime Task Force (LSDVCTF), as part of an ongoing drug investigation. According to a spokesperson with the Duluth Police Department, around 1:42 p.m. Friday, the Task Force executed a search warrant of…

Gov. Walz Visits Duluth to Discuss what $300 Million Public Safety Proposal Could Mean for City

Duluth would receive about $1.5 million per year from the budget surplus for public safety improvements.

DULUTH, Minn.- Governor Tim Walz stopped in Duluth, as part of his statewide public safety tour to discuss what his $300 million public safety plan could mean for the city. Duluth would receive about $1.5 million per year from the budget surplus for public safety improvements. The Governor says it’s important these measures address not only crime and arrests, but…

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…

Local Law Enforcement Officers Awarded For ‘Hat Trick’ Of 3 DUI Arrests in Each’s Single Shift

The Duluth Police Department had 278 DUI arrests in 2021, up from 2020, but down overall from 314 in 2018.

DULUTH, Minn.- Many have heard about hat tricks in the game of hockey when a player scores 3 goals in one game. But 3 local law enforcement officials scored a hat trick of their own while also protecting their communities. Duluth Police Officer Todd Simmons, St. Louis County Deputy Sheriff Matt Sobczak, and Minnesota State Patrol Officer Jacob Christopherson were…

Input Wanted: Duluth Police Department Releases Community Survey

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is asking residents to take its first independently released community survey. The nine-question survey looks to gauge how the community feels when it comes to safety, security, and the overall performance of the DPD. Chief Mike Tusken says the department is committed to continuous improvement, and this survey will help his team better…

Duluth Police Welcomes First Mother-Daughter Duo Officers in Department’s History

Officer Angela Robertson got to pin the badge on her daughter, Maddyson.

DULUTH, Minn.- Friday’s pinning ceremony at the Duluth Police Department was a special one for two officers with a special bond. Officer Angela Robertson got to pin the badge on her daughter, Maddyson. It’s the first mother-daughter duo in the department’s history. Ever since she was a child going on ride-alongs with Officer Angela Robertson, Maddyson knew she wanted to…

DPD Advising Extra Caution on The Roads This Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. — With four big events looking to attract large crowds this weekend, the Duluth Police Department wants to remind people to take extra precautions while out on the roads. Minnesota Ballet’s Nutcracker and the Arrowhead Ice Fishing and Winter Show both at the DECC, Bulldog Hockey games at Amsoil Arena, and Bentleyville at Bayfront are all happening this…

Minnesota on Track for Most Traffic Deaths Since 2007 If Driving Doesn’t Improve, Officials Say

There have been 401 traffic-related fatalities since Jan. 1, the earliest the state's reached 400 since 2007.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota Department of Safety reporting a scary milestone on Minnesota highways — 401 deaths as of Monday. They’re calling for drivers to shape up, as this year is on track to be the deadliest on the state’s roads in 14 years. “There are some people who are afraid to go out and use that roadway because of…

West Duluth Standoff Suspect Facing 21 Charges in Day-Long Crime Spree in Duluth, Superior

The 21 charges he faces include third-degree burglary, first-degree aggravated robbery, fleeing police, and reckless discharge of a firearm.

DULUTH/SUPERIOR- A wild day Friday in the Northland, as police charged Cody Lee Walker-Nelson, 30 with 21 counts in a day-long crime spree leading to a six-hour standoff. According to court documents, the 30-year-old started the string of crimes Friday morning, allegedly burglarizing a house on the 3800 Block of Karky Road in Superior, and stealing 12 firearms. Later that…

Duluth Police: Standoff Suspect Surrenders After Attempted Bank Robbery, Car Theft, Vehicle Pursuit

According to authorities, there were no injuries reported during the call.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 30-year-old male suspect who kept Duluth Police in a standoff for hours in an apartment building on Central Avenue was finally taken into custody after committing multiple crimes, according to authorities. Police say at 8:30 p.m. the man eventually surrendered and was apprehended. He was transported to a local hospital for minor injuries and then the St….

Duluth Police Department Participating in ‘Red Ribbon Campaign’

The chief of police says it's all to spread awareness to community members about illicit drug use.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Police Department, and other departments across the country in connection with the DEA are participating in the “Red Ribbon Campaign” throughout all of October. This week, magnets are on each squad card to honor a fallen DEA who was killed by drug traffickers in 1985. The chief of police says it’s all to spread awareness…

Duluth Police Struggling With Recruitment, Officer Shortage

The Duluth Police Department is about 5 officers short of being fully staffed. But up to 16 are set to retire in the next year totaling 30 retirees in the next three years.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Police Department is among the labor forces experiencing a dry spell. The number of applications this year to date is at its lowest in 3 years, as they work to overcome the growing number of retirees and some negative feelings towards police officers statewide. Right now the Duluth Police Department is about 5 officers short of…

Area Police Departments Raise Funds for Special Olympics

Law enforcement in the area are also part of the Minnesota Law Enforcement Torch Run.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Police Department was out in full force today helping support the Special Olympics. The Coffee of Champions event at Dunkin Donuts is geared towards raising funds and awareness for Special Olympics in Minnesota. It also helps families with costs for sporting events. Anyone who made a contribution received a free donut with the hopes of…

Law Enforcement Paws Take to the Field for Operation K-9

The dogs showed off what they would do in the field like finding explosives, searching a vehicle for drugs, and taking down suspects.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The community was able to get a front-row seat to the amazing talents and skills of the Northland’s top dogs, who showed how they help serve and protect at this year’s Operation K-9 at UWS. 14 K-9s and their handlers from St. Louis and Douglas County Sheriff’s Offices and the Duluth, Superior, and Hermantown Police Departments took part…

National Night Out Brings Neighborhoods, Police Back Together After COVID

The Piedmont neighborhood was full of music and the smell of food as everyone celebrated what they call the return to events bringing the neighborhood together.

DULUTH, Minn.- National Night Out was celebrated once again across the Northland Tuesday, serving as a way to bring people together while also promoting police and community partnerships. The Piedmont neighborhood was full of music and the smell of food as everyone celebrated what they call the return to events bringing the neighborhood together. Organizers at Piedmont Dental said they’re…

Duluth Police Arrest Suspect in Superior Drive-By Shooting

The arrest happened in Duluth during traffic stop at 2 p.m. Superior Police say that same car fled a traffic stop with their officers and detectives earlier in the afternoon.

DULUTH, Minn.- A suspect in a June drive-by shooting incident in Superior was arrested by Duluth Police Officers Friday. The arrest happened in Duluth during traffic stop at 2 p.m. Superior Police say that same car fled a traffic stop with their officers and detectives earlier in the afternoon. Officers stopped the car to serve a search warrant related to…

Duluth Police Stress Safe, Sober Driving Ahead Of Summer Events

Last month there were 30 recorded DWI incidents in Duluth compared to 17 last May during the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Police are urging people to be smart before getting behind the wheel this summer after a drunken driver went airborne in downtown Duluth over the weekend. Just before 3 a.m. Saturday a car speeding in the Pickwick parking lot hit a grassy area and went into the air before crashing into a light pole along the sidewalk….

Duluth Police, Fire Call 2021 Grandma’s Marathon a Breeze

Due in large part to 2021 changes to Grandma's Marathon, Duluth Police and firefighters say that this year's race was one of the safest in years.

DULUTH, Minn.- Due in large part to 2021 changes to Grandma’s Marathon, Duluth Police and firefighters say that this year’s race was one of the safest in years. Officers tell us there was little to no crime or civil disorder as the smaller crowds of people spread out in Canal and Bayfront were well behaved and excited to get back…

Duluth Police Share Safety Tips on Driving in Foggy Conditions

Officers say in any type of inclement weather where visibility is low, slow down and make sure your lights are working properly.

DULUTH, Minn.- Local law enforcement is reminding people about driving safely in low visibility. The Duluth Police Department today responded to five car crashes before noon, and while officials don’t know if fog was the only factor, they say it definitely could have contributed. Officers say in any type of inclement weather where visibility is low, slow down and make…

Duluth Boxer Among 2 Additional Suspects Charged with Gunfire After Fatal Shooting

The homicide victim has also been identified as Juamada Anderson Jr., 22, of Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- The search is on for two suspects Tuesday – one a well-known Duluth boxer — who police say were involved in return gunfire following this past weekend’s fatal shooting downtown. Homicide Victim 22-year-old Juamada Anderson “There was a shooting and the tragic death of Juamada,” said Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken. “And then as the suspect is fleeing…

Northland Law Enforcement Remembers Officers, K9s Who Made Ultimate Sacrifice

For the first time since 2019, law enforcement agencies came together to honor the fallen, in-person

DULUTH, Minn.- For the first time since 2019 law enforcement agencies from across the Northland came together in-person to honor those who died in the line of duty, at the Law Enforcement Memorial Luncheon downtown. Across the country this week, law enforcement chaplains are honoring the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice serving and protecting. “When a law…

Duluth P.D, Mayor Talk Transparency

Back in March, the Duluth chapter of the NAACP called for more engagement between police and the public. 

DULUTH, Minn. — On Friday, city leaders provided an update on how area law enforcement will provide more transparency in several areas of their department. Back in March, the Duluth chapter of the NAACP called for more engagement between police and the public. They asked for bi-annual reports on traffic stops, use of force, and arrest rates more proportionate to…

Duluth Man Arrested in Lincoln Park Home Invasion, Assault

A felony warrant was also issued to the victim for violating his supervised release for a separate criminal court case -- days before this latest crime.

  DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth man was arrested on Saturday after breaking into a home in the Lincoln Park neighborhood and assaulting the 92-year-old female resident. According to the criminal complaint, officers responded to a burglary in the 700 block of North 20th Avenue West around 4:00 p.m. Saturday. When officers arrived at the residence they learned that the…

Duluth Police Dept. Names Steve Stracek to Fill Third Deputy Chief Position

His seleciton is part a department restructuring to focus on better policies and community engagement.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Police Department this week announced the selection of Steve Stracek to serve as Deputy Chief, as part of an ordinance change by Duluth City Council allowing the department to hire a third, tasked with leading the department to be more accountable. Stracek joined the department in 1993, and over 23 years served as commander of the…

BCA: Emergency Response Team Fatally Shot Man Who Killed K-9 Luna

The Midwest Medical Examiner's Office has identified the man as David Joseph Wayne Conwell, 37, of Duluth. 

  ST. PAUL, Minn.- The man who held Duluth Police and St. Louis County Sheriff’s crews in a 20-hour standoff from Thursday night to Friday evening was fatally shot, according to the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office. The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the man as David Joseph Wayne Conwell, 37, of Duluth. According to Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension,…

Phase 4 Lakewalk Reconstruction, Police Opioid Officer on Duluth Council Agenda Monday

The tail end of Lakewalk Reconstruction and new initiatives to combat the opioid epidemic are on the docket.

DULUTH, Minn.- The end is in sight for Duluth’s Lakewalk Reconstruction Project as Duluth City Council will look at designs for Phase 4. They’ll also vote on changes to the Duluth Police Department, including adding a civilian opioid officer position. On Monday Council will look at design work for Phase 4 of rebuilding Duluth’s Lakewalk primarily behind the DECC, after…

DPD K-9 Receives Bulletproof Vest Embroidered with Tribute to Fallen K-9 Haas

It's made by the charity "Vested Interest in K-9's."

DULUTH, Minn.- Another K-9 with the Duluth Police Department has its own protective gear, carrying a special tribute to a Duluth K-9 shot and killed in the line of duty. K-9 Villi received a ballistic and stab protective vest. It’s made by the charity “Vested Interest in K-9’s.” with the help of tax-deductible donations from across the country the company…

Two Arrested After Friday Night Shooting in Duluth’s Lincoln Park

Two males in their 20s were arrested, no injuries were reported and all parties were known to each other.

  DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Police officers arrested two suspects, responding to a shooting at an apartment in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood Friday, and according to authorities those suspects are previous violent offenders. According to a spokesperson with the department, officers responded to a report of shots fired at an apartment in the 2400 Block of West 3rd Street around 7:45…

Duluth Police Investigate Two Separate Shootings in One Night

One shooting left a female with three gunshot wounds, the other with no reported injuries.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Police Department responded to two separate shootings Friday night — bringing the city’s total this year to 40. One of Friday’s shootings left a female with three non-life threatening gunshot wounds. In the first, according to a department spokesperson, shortly after 10 p.m. officers responded to a report of the sound of gunshots at a residence…

Police Investigate 35th Shooting in Duluth of 2020, This Time in Gary-New Duluth

There were no injuries reported at the shooting in the 1200 Block of 104th Ave W.  

DULUTH, Minn.- No one was injured in a reported shooting in Duluth’s Gary-New Duluth neighborhood Saturday evening. According to a Duluth Police Department spokesperson, at 6:30 p.m. Saturday officers responded to the report of shots fired on the 1200 Block of 104th Ave West. Investigating officers learned that the victim, who was not injured, found a hole in a window…

Bentleyville Modifying Drive-Thru Tour After Vehicles Turned Away Opening Night

Volunteers and Duluth Police had to work though traffic hiccups with the new setup, but said all-in-all it was a successful start.

DULUTH, Minn.-Bentleyville Tour of Lights kicked off its new 2020 drive-thru season Saturday night, and before getting to the Christmas lights — vehicle headlights decorated the streets around Bayfront Festival Park, as crews worked through some challenges with the new setup. “When it’s the very first time you’re attempting to do a drive-thru and it’s opening night there’s always gonna…

Duluth Police Department Helping Setup Bentleyville

Bentleyville is set to open November 21st and run through December 27th. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Several members of the Duluth Police Department were out helping setup Bentleyville Friday afternoon. It’s a yearly tradition where members of the command staff take time out of their days to come down and help set up some of the larger displays for the tour of lights. The chief of the department says engaging like this with…

Duluth Police Advise Slow, Cautious Driving Ahead of More Snow

Police also remind drivers to leave room behind other to provide enough distance to brake in slippery conditions.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the Northland prepares for another blast of snow officials with the Duluth Police Department want to remind people that driving is going to have to change with the road conditions. They say that when there’s snow, drive slow. Many road accidents can be avoided just by doing that, they say, especially with Duluth’s hilly terrain. Police also…

Central Hillside Hit-and-Run Leaves 60-Year-Old Injured

A 20-year-old has been arrested for colliding with a 60-year-old pedestrian, who's injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

DULUTH, Minn.- A 20-year-old suspect has been arrested for striking a 60-year-old pedestrian with her vehicle in Duluth’s Central Hillside neighborhood leaving him injured Saturday, according to a spokesperson with the Duluth Police Department. At about 12:04 p.m. Duluth Police received report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle at the intersection of 4th Street and 2nd Avenue West, the…

Attorney for Man Shot by Duluth Police Calls for Officer’s Firing, More Transparency by City

"The only conclusion you can possibly glean from the facts is that that officer intended to kill Mr. Fyle," Attorney Andrew Poole said. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The attorney for an unarmed man shot by Duluth Police one month ago during a domestic assault call is calling for the officer to be fired, and for the city to be more transparent. This comes as the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has not yet concluded its independent investigation into the case. In pictures provided by Duluth…

Duluth Police: Man Pulled Gun During Argument at Dunkin Donuts

According to Police two males got into a verbal argument inside Dunkin Donuts, and one man left to get a firearm from his car before leaving.

DULUTH, Minn.- One man is in custody, according to the Duluth Police Department, after pulling a firearm on another man during an argument at a Dunkin Donuts. A spokesperson with the Department said around 11 a.m. Saturday officers responded to a report of a person with a gun at the Dunkin Donuts on Central Entrance Road. According to the spokesperson,…

Police: Person of Interest Identified in Recent Central Hillside Shooting Incident

Duluth Police Responded to the 500 Block of West 3rd Street Shortly Before 5:00 a.m. Sunday

DULUTH, Minn. – Three people were hospitalized Sunday for injuries Duluth police believe are related to a shooting incident in Duluth’s Central Hillside neighborhood. Shortly after receiving the report, authorities said Essentia ER reported three gunshot wound victims; a 23-year-old male, a 28-year-old male, and a 32-year-old female. All have non-life threatening injuries. Police believe their wounds are a result…

One Dead, Two Injured in Two Vehicle Crash On Mesaba Avenue

DULUTH, Minn.- One person is dead and two others sustain non-life threatening injuries after a fatal car crash in Duluth Saturday. Duluth police officers were dispatched to the area of Mesaba Ave and 7th St at 4:30 p.m, for a two vehicle crash with injuries, according to a spokesperson with the department. Upon arrival officers learned that an SUV traveling…

Duluth Police Respond to Shots Fired in Lincoln Park Saturday Morning

Authorities say they received reports of shots fired in the area of the 500 Block of 27th Ave W at 7:30 Saturday morning.  

DULUTH, Minn.- According to the Duluth Police Department, officers responded to shots fired in the Lincoln Park Neighborhood Saturday — the 30th shooting incident this year, and 20th since July. Authorities say they received reports of shots fired in the area of the 500 Block of 27th Ave W at 7:30 Saturday morning. Upon arrival officers located evidence consistent with…

DECC Stage Set for Donald Trump Jr.’s Visit — With COVID-19 Restrictions

The Trump Campaign and Secret Service conducted a site visit and agreed to all rules in place.

DULUTH, Minn.- The stage is set in Duluth to welcome Donald Trump Jr. to the DECC Wednesday for a “Make America Great Again” event. In the ballroom where the President’s son will speak, a maximum of 250 people are allowed inside including campaign staff per Governor Tim Walz’s order during the pandemic. Seats are six feet apart, masks are required,…

Chief Tusken Responds to Duluth Police Officer’s Viral Facebook Post About Downtown Shooting Incident

In the post the Sergeant recounts the events, and his own thoughts, surrounding a call he responded to Wednesday, where he "almost shot an 'unarmed black man,'."

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth Police officer’s recent Facebook post has gone viral, along with Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken’s subsequent response after sharing the post, regarding a call Police responded to Wednesday. Both are included below, and can be found on FOX 21’s Facebook Page.  The officer originally wrote on the Duluth Police Local 807 Facebook Page Thursday, signing as…

Duluth Police Investigate Two Weekend Shootings

Police Chief Mike Tusken: "...we have guns in the hands of people who shouldn’t have them..."

  DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Police are searching for suspects in two shootings hours apart Saturday night, including one downtown that sent a person to the hospital — and according to Chief Mike Tusken, guns owned by people who shouldn’t are to blame. The first shooting happened downtown in the 100 block of E. # 3 alley around 7 p.m. where…

As Duluth Curfew Ends, Police Chief Says “We Have to Find Equality for Everyone” Going Forward

Less arrests were made during a more peaceful Sunday night, leading Mayor Larson to lift the curfew.

DULUTH, Minn.- The city-wide curfew has been lifted in Duluth since Saturday night’s protest that turned violent in Lincoln Park– and that lift, said Mayor Emily Larson, is largely because people voluntarily complied Sunday night. “Because last night went so well, because the community stepped up and provided the kinds of support many of us have needed to feel, we…

One Protester Arrested, Car Set on Fire During Protest on Central Entrance Saturday

Car fire was ruled an arson, no arrest made yet.

DULUTH, Minn.- At times Saturday night, Duluth Police said it became difficult to respond to incidents of concern– even with about 100 officers out when normally around 20 patrol at night– because some protesters got in cars to head up Central Entrance at one point. A long line of protesters blocked traffic on both sides of the street, eventually stopping…

Duluth PD Makes 11 Arrests During Saturday Night Protest; 9 p.m. Curfew Still in Effect Sunday

Police say they expect a peaceful Sunday evening; they will seek voluntary compliance for those out past curfew.

DULUTH, Minn.- According to the Duluth Police Department, 11 people were arrested during the protest between 2:45 Saturday afternoon and 4:16 a.m. Sunday. Four arrests were of juveniles which consisted of Unlawful Assembly, Felony 3rd Degree Riot, Misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct, Damage to Property, Unlawful Assembly, and warrant arrests. Additionally, so far eight reports of property damage are listed: from spray…

Duluth Police, Fire Hold Surprise Easter Parade in Harbor Highlands

Kids ran out to wave as the firetrucks and police cars drove past.

DULUTH, Minn.- The sounds of sirens, some very excited kids, filled the Harbor Highlands neighborhood Sunday. Members of the Duluth Police and Fire Departments pulled together a surprise Easter Parade for everyone there. “Break up the monotony for all the ids up here, probably have had their routines with what they’re used to doing: playing with their friends, going to…

Local Liquor Stores Taking Extreme Measures to Keep Customers Social Distancing, Avoid Closing

If customers crowd liquor stores as time goes on, they could be forced to close.

Many people stuck at home in both Minnesota and Wisconsin are heading to liquor stores. But when those stores become crowded, business owners have to choose between serving customers, an following the law of public health by maintaining social distance. One sign in front of Shanty Bottle Shop in Duluth’s Hillside neighborhood says it best: “Do not rush into the…

Six-Year-Old’s Birthday Party Becomes Personal Birthday Parade Thanks to Community

Josie Ulvestad was surprised with a parade filled with her friends, and Duluth Police and Fire Department.

DULUTH, Minn.- As gatherings and parties have to be cancelled to maintain social distance, one Duluth community couldn’t let one six-year-old birthday girl go without having some type of celebration. Car honks, sirens, and waves greeted a very happy Josie Ulvestad, as she got her own personal birthday parade. Her mother told the other parents of her classmates over social…