police city of Hopkins cruiser

U.S. Humane Society brings reward to $6,000 for tips on Hopkins dog poisonings

The reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the possible poisonings of three dogs in Hopkins climbed to $6,000 with the addition of $5,000 from the Humane Society of the United States.

Hopkins Police announced last week a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the death of Bruno, a golden retriever, and the liver damage to his housemate Fred. Both dogs are believed to have eaten food left under the porch of their home that had been soaked in antifreeze. Rat poisoning also was found in the yard, Hopkins Police Sgt. Michael Glassberg said.

A third dog in the same neighborhood also became ill and suffered similar permanent liver damage. No source of poison was found in that dog’s yard but the symptoms and condition were similar to the poisoned animals, Glassberg said. “People unfortunately need to be vigilant when their dogs are outside,” the sergeant added.

Bruno died in early October. Police don’t believe his death is related to the owner’s behavior. “We have no evidence or any information of him being targeted. He’s not involved in any feuds,” Glassberg said. He requested that owners who believe a pet has eaten poison, mention that to their veterinarians so police can follow-up.

The incidents thus far have occurred in the 200-300 blocks of 9th and 10th avenues N. in Hopkins. Police would like information about recent potential poisonings or connected activity. Unfortunately, they cannot investigate older dog poisonings. To report a possible tip, use the Tip 411 app to send an anonymous text, photo or video. Tipsters can also call 952-938-8885 and ask for Investigator Denny during regular business hours.

Read the story from the Star Tribune.

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tip411 Program Assists in Theft Arrest

A 36-year-old Deerwood man was arrested Saturday for receiving stolen property following the recovery of a stolen all-terrain vehicle on the 22000 block of Cottontail Drive in Cuyuna.

Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office was called at 12:39 p.m. about a recovery of a stolen 2013 Polaris Razor ATV from the Cottontail Drive residence, which was originally stolen a few days prior at a residence on Placid Lake Drive in rural Deerwood. While deputies were at the residence, they also located additional stolen property from other residences including four-wheeler, and a boat and trailer that had not been reported stolen yet as the owner didn’t know it was missing until deputies contacted them.

The 36-year-old Deerwood man, who was arrested for having the stolen property and is in jail awaiting formal charges, also is on probation for third-degree sale of a controlled substance and has a lengthy criminal history, the sheriff’s office reported.

Sheriff Todd Dahl reports the recovery was the direct result of the TIP411 program which was implemented about four months ago.

“The program works exactly as it was designed to do,” Dahl stated in a news release. “It allows people to submit anonymous tips through their phones or computers directly to our investigators. It’s a great tool.”

Read the full story from the Brainerd Dispatch

tip411 on Officer.com

Did you see tip411 on Officer.com?

“tip411, a web-based toolset that helps law enforcement engage community members of all ages, has announced the introduction of its tip411 Mobile app as part of its newtip411 Pro subscription option for customers.”

See the full post and visit tip411 at Booth 3433 this week at the IACP Conference to learn more about how tip411 Mobile can help your department connect with residents and engage the public to fight crime.

Following overnight shootings, city leaders, law enforcement announce plan to curb downtown violence

Minneapolis city and law enforcement leaders announced plans on Monday to add more police officers and expand the city’s youth intervention program, in an effort to reach the relatively small percentage of young people they say are responsible for the majority of the violence.

The announcement came a few hours after a pair of early-morning shootings Monday in the downtown Minneapolis Warehouse District that police say left six people wounded.

The shootings occurred between about 1:13 and 1:30 a.m., police said.

“Gun violence anywhere in this city is unacceptable and I am sick of it,” Mayor Betsy Hodges said at an afternoon news conference at First Precinct headquarters downtown. She said that if passed, her 2017 budget would increase the department’s authorized strength by 15 officers next year…

… “Investigators believe that both shootings are gang-related,” Michal said. “Officers continue to look at footage from cameras in the area to try to determine who else is involved. They will also be canvassing in the area in the coming days talking with business owners.”

Anyone with information is encouraged to text their tip in to 847411 (TIP411). Enter MPD, a space, and then the information. These text messages are assigned a tip number and the police department has no way of identifying the source of the information. All texts are anonymous. People may also call the MPD TIP Line at 612-692-TIPS (8477).

Read the full story from the Star Tribune.