For Further Information:
Media Contact: Sheriff Steve Pott
Contact Number: 651-439-9381 Date:
Time:
ICR Number:

**Correction to last release sent out regarding Shooting Incident. City Location is in West Lakeland Township. News Conference will be at the intersection of 10th Street North and Midwest Avenue in West Lakeland Township

Press Release Prepared By: Sheriff Steve Pott rcj

On 10-28-2006 at approximately 1120 AM, the Washington County Sheriff's office Dispatch center received a call of a possible airplane accident on Forest Lake. Washington County Sheriff's Deputies and Forest Lake Police and Fire Department personnel responded to the scene. At the scene witnesses described seeing a float plane flying somewhat erratically and at one point the planes floats hit the water at which time the floats broke free of the plane and two female passengers where ejected and landed in the lake. A nearby resident who witnessed the accident was able to rescue both adult female victims, who in turn where transported to North Memorial Hospital by ambulance.

The pilot of the plane was able to regain altitude and enough control to fly it to a nearby field in Anoka County and land it safely. Neither the pilot or his other passenger where injured in the incident.
At this time there is no indication of what may have caused the incident. The Sheriff's office and the FAA will be continuing the investigation.

The names of all persons involved are not available at this time.

Press Release Prepared By: Sgt. Brent Olson

At approximately 7pm, the Washington County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call of a possible drowning at Lake Elmo Park Reserve. We were told that lifeguards were performing CPR on 1 child. Shortly after the 1rst Deputy arrived on scene, we were advised on another child in the water, that was not accounted for. Soon after, a 2nd child was pulled from the water, CPR was being performed on him. Lakeview EMS responded and transported both victims to St Paul Children's Hospital. Both children were approximately 10 & 12 years old, they were related but not brothers. The children's conditions are not known at this time.

Press Release Prepared By: Communications Supervisor

UPDATE - August 7, 2006:

The two children in the earlier press release have been described as a 11 year old boy from St. Paul, who was the first child taken out of the water. He is in critical condition at Gillette's Children's Hospital. The 2nd boy, a 12 year old from North Branch, was the last one taken out of the water and he died at the hospital last night.

The annual "Gone Fishing" event for disabled children will be held this Saturday, July 29, 2006 at 9:00 am at the Veterans Rest Camp on Big Marine Lake. The event began in 1990 and was arranged by Blackie Vruno, an avid fisherman who thought it was important for all children to enjoy the sport of fishing. He originally worked with a group home in West St. Paul, but the event has since been expanded to include other group homes, primarily from Washington County.

The annual event continues to be very successful, and this year will allow (35) disabled children to fish on Big Marine Lake. The event is funded by generous donations from area businesses, nonprofit organizations, and individuals. Many of the volunteers are from the St. Paul Park VFW. Several boat owners donate their equipment and time to provide a safe and enjoyable time for the kids. The Washington County Sheriff's Office Reserve Deputies also donate their time to ensure the safety of the kids.

The donations provide fishing gear, life jackets, a t-shirt, baseball cap and wind jacket, as well as a lunch and refreshments following the event.

Press Contact: Steve Pott 430-7601.
 

WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF STEVE POTT
HOSTS VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DINNER

On Thursday, June 8th, Washington County Sheriff Steve Pott hosted the annual Sheriff’s Office Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. Honored were volunteers from the mounted patrol, water recovery unit, chaplain’s corps, explorer scouts and reserve deputies. The volunteers who provide educational, religious and alcoholics anonymous services to the inmates in the Washington County Jail were also honored.

There are over 200 Sheriff’s Office volunteers and combined they gave nearly 14,000 hours of service to the Sheriff’s Office in 2005. Sheriff Pott thanked all of the volunteers in attendance at the dinner and also thanked the family and friends who have supported the work of the volunteers. Sheriff Pott gave special recognition to the 64 volunteers who met the hourly requirements for receiving Presidential Service Awards.

Clockwise From Left: Nev Crowther, Crist Langelett, Norma Langelett, Robert Beck, Ruth Beck and Betty Crowther.

Press Release Prepared By: John Haugen
 

>June 6, 2006:  Drowning Accident - Fatality in Stillwater Township
 

For Further Information: Media Contact: Shift Sergeant  Contact Number: 651-439-9381

Date: June 06, 2006 Time: 03:09 PM ICR Number: 106019113

On June 06, 2006 at approximately 1329 hrs, the Washington County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call of a medical situation, at a residential address in Stillwater Township, where it was reported that a victim had possibly drowned. The Washington County Sheriff's Office, Lakeview Ambulance, Stillwater Fire and Rescue, and Lifelink Air Care responded to the scene at 14814 102nd St Cir N in Stillwater Township. The juvenile victim, who was not breathing, was transported by air ambulance to Regions Hospital in St. Paul. The 5 year old girl was pronounced dead at Regions Hospital. The investigation is currently being conducted by the Washington County Sheriff's Office. No further information is available at this time and the victim's name is not being released until notification of family.

Press Release Prepared By: Sgt Dan Starryp>

>May 17, 2006: Washington County Sheriff’s Office Will Get a PAW Up on Crime
 

For Further Information: Media Contact: Sheriff Steve Pott   Contact Number: 651-430-7601

Date: May 17, 2006 Time: 0p:39 AM ICR Number:

WHAT

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office Canine Unit will accept a $5,000 donation from Cub Foods and Milk-Bone® to be used towards the purchase of a new police dog. This ceremony will also include a K-9 unit demonstration.
 

WHO

Washington County Sheriff Steve Pott
Washington County Sheriff’s Department Police K-9 Unit
Representatives from Washington County Sheriff’s Department
Representatives from Washington County Government
Representatives from Milk-Bone
Representatives from Cub Foods
 

WHERE

Cub Foods
1801 Market Dr
Stillwater, MN 55082
(651) 430.2350
 

WHEN

Friday, May 19, 2006
10:00 AM
 

WHY

As part of the Milk-Bone Canine Heroes Program TM, Cub Foods and Milk-Bone have teamed up to co-sponsor this donation. From the initiation of this partnership in 2003, six dogs have been donated to Cub Foods communities. Since the first donation in 1997, Milk-Bone has donated over 500 police and service dogs.

The media and public are invited to attend the event, meet the Washington County Sheriff’s Department K-9 unit and view the dog demonstration.

>May 16, 2006:  Single Car Fatal Accident in City of Hugo

On May 15th 2006 at 2356 hrs the Washington County Sheriff's Office was dispatched to a report of a car vs tree accident near the inspection of 140th street and Fondant Ave in the city of Hugo. Deputies from Washington Sheriff's Office, along with members of the Hugo rescue and White Bear Lake Ambulance responded to the scene. Upon arrival the responding deputies found that a vehicle driven by 18 yr old Ryan Joseph Hegg of Forest Lake had left the roadway while traveling west on 140th st. It appears that the vehicle that Hegg was driving left the roadway and first struck a light pole before striking a tree. As a result of the collision with the tree Hegg had to be extracted from the vehicle by Hugo rescue and was flown by helicopter to Regions Hospital. The injuries that Hegg received from the accident were life threatening and he later passed away at the hospital as a result of those injuries. The accident is under investigation by the Washington County Sheriff's Office and the MN State Patrol.

Press Release Prepared By: Sgt Doug Anschutz

WASHINGTON COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMORIAL DAY

Sheriff Steve Pott has announced the 12th Annual Local Law Enforcement Memorial Day Ceremony will be held on Monday, May 15, 2006. The ceremony will begin promptly at 12:00 noon in front of the Washington County Law Enforcement Center in Stillwater.

Last year, citizens, Washington County Board Members, 10th District Judges, and local government officials witnessed the event along with representatives from law enforcement agencies throughout Washington County and the State of Minnesota.

The annual ceremony is held in recognition of National Correctional Officers’ Week, May 7 – 13th, and National Police Week is May 14–20th. Ceremonies will also be held at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C. Local observance will also be held on the State Capitol grounds, in the evening, to honor officers from Minnesota who have given their lives in the line of duty.

The public is encouraged to attend the ceremony at the Law Enforcement Center, 15015 62nd Street No. in Stillwater and share in fellowship, including cake and refreshments, following the event.

On 03-25-2006 the Washington County Sheriff's Office received a report of a plane that had crashed near the Lake Elmo Airport. The Washington County Sheriff's Office, Lakeview Ambulance and the Lake Elmo Fire Department responded to the scene. Upon arrival, responding units found a single plane that was in the corn field west of the Lake Elmo Airport in the city of Lake Elmo. The pilot of the plane, who was the lone occupant, stated he was not injured. The pilot advised he had mechanical issues with the plane and set the plane in the cornfield. The pilot was checked by Lakeview Ambulance and released at the scene. The pilot was identified as Ray Lundgren of Mendota Heights. The cause of the incident is under investigation by the Washington County Sheriff's Office and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Press Release Prepared By: Sgt Dan Starry

>February 16, 2006:  Fatal Accident in City of Hugo - Farm Equipment

On February 16th, 2006 at 18:50 hours, the Washington Co. Sheriff's Office and Hugo Fire and Rescue were called to the scene of a medical situation at 16345 Everton Av. in Hugo. Washington Co. Sheriff's Deputies and Hugo Fire/Rescue personnel arrived and found a male subject that appeared to be pinned in a piece of farm equipment. The subject was examined by Rescue personnel and was determined to have died from the injuries sustained in the accident. The Ramsey County Medical Examiners Office was notified and responded to the scene. The subject was identified as 27 year old Peter James Leroux of Hugo, MN.

Press Release Prepared By: Sgt. Marv Stutz

Due to the unseasonably warm weather that we have experienced this winter, ice on area bodies of water has not had an opportunity to grow to a safe depth.

This has created a hazard to the public. Considering all factors, the Washington County Sheriff announces that bodies of water in Washington County are CLOSED to motor vehicle traffic.

At this time this does not include ATV's and snowmobiles.

On January 24, 2006 at approximately 0713 hrs., the Washington County Sheriff's Office responded to a two vehicle accident in the area of Manning Ave. No. and 30th St. N. in the city of Lake Elmo, which resulted in a single fatality. A Lincoln Aviator SUV was traveling southbound on Manning Ave. when a Dodge Stratus, traveling northbound, appeared to cross into the southbound lane and was struck on the passenger side door by the Lincoln Aviator.

The driver of the Lincoln Aviator was identified as a 52 year old male who resides in Baytown Township. There was one passenger in the Lincoln Aviator, neither party received serious injury. The driver of the Dodge Stratus was a 17 year old female who resides in the city of Woodbury. She was transported to Regions Hospital and was considered to be in stable condition. The front seat passenger was also transported to Regions Hospital where she later died of her injuries. The victim of the accident was a 17 year old female who resided in the city of Lake Elmo.

The Minnesota State Patrol responded to assist in conducting a reconstruction of the accident while Lake Elmo Fire and Lakeview Ambulance arrived to assist with rescue and care of patients. The accident is under investigation by the Washington County Sheriff's Office and State Patrol. The victims identity is not available for release at this time pending family notification.

Press Release Prepared By: Cmdr.Tim Tuthill

The fatal victim, from yesterday's two vehicle accident on Manning Ave. No. and 30th St. No. in Lake Elmo, has been identified as Angela Marie Klover, DOB: 12/16/88. Angela was a resident of Lake Elmo.

Press Release Prepared By: Cmdr. Tim Tuthill

The driver of the vehicle, in which the fatal victim was traveling in on 1-24-06 at approximately 0713 hrs. on Manning Ave., has been identified as 17 year old Jennifer Lynn Reimers of Woodbury. The driver of the second vehicle involved, which was a Lincoln Aviator, has been identified as 52 year old Steven Garvin Brady of Baytown Township. There were no signs of alcohol or drug use at the scene of the accident. The roadway conditions at the time of the accident appeared to be a mix of frozen rain and snow. The cause of the accident is still under investigation by the Washington County Sheriff's Office and Minnesota State Patrol.

Press Release Prepared By: Cmdr. Tim Tuthill

On 1/11/06 at approximately 2257 hrs., the Washington County Sheriff's Office responded to an armed robbery call from the 61 Stop Conoco gas station located at 14797 Forest Blvd. north in the city of Hugo, where we were assisted by Forest Lake Police Department. A single gunman entered the store, pointed a black colored handgun at the 3 employees in the store and ordered them to the ground and demanded money. The suspect was identified as being a white male approximately 6 ft. tall, wearing a ski mask with hooded sweatshirt. The suspect obtained an undisclosed amount of cash and fled on foot through the rear of the store. A subsequent K-9 search lead south to the rear area of local businesses approximately a quarter mile away from the robbery location, where the track ended in a parking lot. There are no known suspects identified at this time but the investigation is ongoing. If you have information related to this incident, please contact the Washington County Sheriff's Office at 651-439-9381.

Three adult males were arrested on Saturday, January 7th at the address 9797 202nd Street North in Forest Lake, Washington County Sheriff Steve Pott announced today. The arrests were the result of a narcotics search warrant executed at the residence, stemming from an investigation conducted by members of the Washington County Coordinated Narcotics Task Force. Found inside the home was an extensive marijuana grow operation, which included automated watering, fertilizing and lighting sources. More than 650 marijuana plants were seized from the residence along with extensive mechanical equipment associated with the grow. The street value of the seized plants is estimated to be approximately $500,000. The Forest Lake grow operation was larger than any of the single marijuana grow operations discovered in St. Paul Park three weeks ago, according to Sheriff Pott. There is no known connection to the St. Paul Park grow operations discovered in December 2005.

Arrested at the scene were John Gregory Payton, DOB/06301969, of Woodbury, Antonio Ray Okeefe, DOB/02211967 and Emmanuel Pierre Margreth, DOB/12041968 both of Coon Rapids. All three individuals were arrested for 1st degree Controlled Substance violations. The case was developed based on information received by the Narcotics Task Force from the Minneapolis Police Department. In addition to the Washington County Sheriff's Office, the Forest Lake Police Department, Minnesota State Patrol and Woodbury Police Department participated in the investigation and search warrant. A second search warrant was conducted at the Woodbury residence of Payton where supporting documentation was found. All three arrestees are currently in the Washington County Jail.

>December 20, 2005:  Narcotics Arrests - Marijuana Grow Operations in St Paul Park
 

Washington County Sheriff Steve Pott announced today, the arrest of 4 individuals for narcotics related charges on December 12th and December 13th. The arrests were made at 3 separate locations in the city of St. Paul Park and involved the combined efforts of the Washington County Coordinated Narcotics Task Force, the Washington County Sheriff's Office, the St. Paul Park Police Department, and the Cottage Grove Police Department. The arrests were the result of an investigation conducted by members of the Washington County Coordinated Narcotics Task Force after receiving an anonymous tip of a marijuana grow operation in St. Paul Park.

On Monday, December 12th, police officers executed a search warrant at 1335 3rd Street in St. Paul Park. Arrested at the scene was James Robert Super, DOB/122172. Found inside the home was an extensive grow operation consisting of over 300 marijuana plants and elaborate growing equipment, including grow lights, watering systems and environmental controls. A handgun was also recovered at the scene. The search warrant was based partially on information provided by the anonymous tipster and extensive follow-up investigation by the narcotics task force.

On Tuesday, December 13th, police officers, with the assistance of the Washington County Special Response Team, executed two search warrants simultaneously at two separate St. Paul Park addresses, as a result of the continuing investigation. Jennifer Leigh Rolfing, DOB/020779 and Jeremiah Allen Hirman, DOB/102678, were arrested at 8084 Grey Cloud Island Drive, where a second marijuana grow operation was discovered. It appeared that the operation was in the process of being dismantled.

Nicholas Anthony Lebow, DOB/061977 was arrested at 1190 Main Street in St. Paul Park, where a third marijuana grow operation was in progress. More than 170 actively growing plants were seized from the home. Between the three marijuana grow operations, more than 2,100 plants in various stages of development were seized. The investigation remains ongoing at this time.