Police Chief Mike Tusken Archives

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.

February 26, 2022

Arman Rahman,

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…

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.

August 29, 2021

Arman Rahman,

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…

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.

August 3, 2021

Arman Rahman,

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 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.

May 25, 2021

Arman Rahman,

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

May 13, 2021

Arman Rahman,

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 East Student In Custody After Ammunition Found in Locker, 90-Minute Lockdown

Duluth East went into lockdown Tuesday morning after a loaded magazine with 9 mm ammunition was discovered in a student's locker.

April 13, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Authorities said the situation at Duluth East High School is safe and the lockdown has been lifted after ammunition was found Tuesday morning in a student’s locker. “I was scared because most of my friends are in that building right now and I don’t know how they’re doing,” Junior Katie Higgins said. Duluth East went into lockdown Tuesday…

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.

March 6, 2021

Arman Rahman,

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…

Duluth Police Investigate Two Separate Shootings in One Night

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

December 19, 2020

Arman Rahman,

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…

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,'."

August 29, 2020

Arman Rahman,

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..."

July 12, 2020

Dan Hanger,

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.

June 1, 2020

Arman Rahman,

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.

May 31, 2020

Arman Rahman,

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…

Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial Vandalized During Protests; Duluth NAACP Pres. Reacts

"They're frustrated so they need an outlet, so let's make better outlets for them," said NAACP Pres. Stephan Witherspoon.

May 31, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.-Clean-up began Sunday morning for one of Duluth’s most treasured memorials, the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial on East First Street. An anti-police message was spray-painted on the brick floor of the memorial during protests on Saturday. “I was hurt. I was hurt that we have to see that,” said Stephan Witherspoon, Co-Chair of the Memorial Board. The statues of…

Council Unanimously Approves New Police Protective Gear Policy

Councilors praised the policy as a great product of a lot of hard work.

February 24, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council unanimously approved a new policy for the use of newly purchased protective gear by the Duluth Police Department. This effectively puts an end to public discussions on the policy, which began back in 2017 when Police Chief Mike Tusken proposed purchasing the gear to replace outdated ones. Many councilors spoke on their reasons for…

Officials Present New Protective Gear Policy with Police Chief, Community

Policy born out of nearly one year of meetings, and over 30 hours of discussion.

February 3, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- After 10 months of 12 meetings, the Duluth Police Policy Working Group presented its Protective Gear Policy to Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken, with the public having the chance to share their questions and concerns. The Policy Working Group consisted of 20 members from groups including the Duluth Citizen Review Board, Duluth NAACP, Homeless Persons Bill of Rights,…

St. Louis County Designated High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area

HIDTA Designation means substantial funding boost, which authorities say they need.

November 5, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Police Department and St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office announced the county has officially been designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area by the White House. It means the county receives substantial additional funding, at a time when authorities say they need it. “Extra resources are gonna provide extra dividends,” said Commander of the Lake Superior…

Arrest Made in Synagogue Fire, No Evidence of Hate Crime Yet

36-year-old Matthew James Amiot of Duluth arrested for arson.

September 15, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- At a press conference Sunday Duluth Police and Fire announced that a suspect has been arrested for starting the Adas Israel Synagogue Fire. 36-year-old Matthew James Amiot of Duluth was arrested for Arson Friday afternoon, Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken said. Charges are imminent, meanwhile authorities recommended charging Amiot with arson in the first degree. Despite being arrested…

Vigil Held for Missing Northland Woman Sheila St. Clair

Indigenous woman missing since 2015 still being looked for by Police, family.

September 13, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s been four years since 48-year-old Sheila St. Clair of Duluth went missing, and Duluth Police say the case is still open. Today the members of the indigenous community and the Duluth Police Department met for a press conference at One Roof Community Housing to hear any possible tips into the woman’s whereabouts. They also met to keep…

Authorities Still Not Ruling Out Crime in Adas Israel Fire, Investigation Continues

Police are interviewing two people of interest and those living around the synagogue.

September 10, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Police Chief Mike Tusken has ordered nearly two dozen officers and detectives with the Duluth Police Department to find out if anybody started the fire at the Adas Israel Synagogue, a place of worship for more than a century. The Chief said his department is following up interviews with two people of interest who were at the scene…

No Cause Known for Adas Israel Fire, Police Chief Not Ruling Out Arson

Police and Fire Chief updated the public in a press conference on Monday.

September 9, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The charred remains are all that stands of the historic Adas Israel Synagogue in Duluth. At a press conference at City Hall, officials said while it is early in the investigation, arson has not been ruled out, and they are interviewing people of interest. “We have today interviewed a couple of people of interest and we will see…

Duluth Authorities Make ‘Historic’ Drug Bust

Police and Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crime Task Force make largest seizure in city's history.

June 3, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Police Department and the Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crime Task Force are hot off a massive drug bust, that’s being called the largest in the city’s history. After a two-month long investigation, two suspects–39-year-old Otis Weaver of St. Paul and 36-year-old Eric Black–are behind bars. Eric Black recently moved to Duluth from Chicago, where he…

Police Chief, ISD 709 Superintendent Debrief After School Shooting Threat

Chief Tusken and Superintendent Gronseth Proud of Teams' responses.

April 10, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth’s top cop Chief Mike Tusken, and Superintendent of District 709 Schools Bill Gronseth are reflecting on last week’s active shooter threat at Duluth East High School. The incident involved 36-year-old Travis Busch, who was accused of threatening to shoot officers and others in the school. Authorities also found guns in his car in the school parking lot, and…

Check Donated in Memory of K-9 Haas

Harbor Pointe Credit Union Donates $2K to DPD

February 4, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s been almost a month since Duluth Police K-9 Haas was shot and killed in the line of duty. The community is continuing to give financial support toward the K-9 Unit’s efforts. On Monday, that included Harbor Pointe Credit Union. They presented Duluth Police with a check worth $2,211.72, bringing the total community donations to roughly $23,000. Police…

Community Voices Heard One Last Time for Riot Gear

Issue with Comments from Meetings Now Goes to City Council

October 17, 2018

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- “…we stop being oppositional and look for ways to make our community safe.” The tired plea from one concerned citizen at a third community meeting discussing whether the Duluth Police Department should purchase new riot gear. The Citizens Review Board held its final community meeting about the proposed purchase of riot gear. The feedback along the way will…

Police Chief Mike Tusken

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

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.

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.

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

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

Duluth East went into lockdown Tuesday morning after a loaded magazine with 9 mm ammunition was discovered in a student's locker.

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

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

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,'."

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

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

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

"They're frustrated so they need an outlet, so let's make better outlets for them," said NAACP Pres. Stephan Witherspoon.

Councilors praised the policy as a great product of a lot of hard work.

Policy born out of nearly one year of meetings, and over 30 hours of discussion.

HIDTA Designation means substantial funding boost, which authorities say they need.

36-year-old Matthew James Amiot of Duluth arrested for arson.

Indigenous woman missing since 2015 still being looked for by Police, family.

Police are interviewing two people of interest and those living around the synagogue.

Police and Fire Chief updated the public in a press conference on Monday.

Police and Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crime Task Force make largest seizure in city's history.

Chief Tusken and Superintendent Gronseth Proud of Teams' responses.

Harbor Pointe Credit Union Donates $2K to DPD

Issue with Comments from Meetings Now Goes to City Council

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