SNOWMOBILE CRASH CLAIMS THE LIFE OF BEMIDJI MAN

 

                On Saturday, December 28, 2013, at 4:46 AM, the Beltrami County Sheriff's 911 Center received a 911 call reporting a crashed snowmobile along the roadside of the 4900 block of Sherman Dr NE, located on the east side of Lake Bemidji , within the Bemidji city limits.

 

Responding to the scene were Bemidji Police Department officers and Beltrami County Sheriff's deputies.  Despite life saving measures taken by emergency responders, the driver of the snowmobile, Seth Ryan, age 23 of Bemidji, was pronounced dead at the scene.  Mr. Ryan had struck a mailbox, telephone pedestal and several trees before coming to rest in the north ditch of Sherman Dr NE.  It appears that Mr. Ryan was riding solo.

 

                Assisting with the accident were the Bemidji Fire Department, Bemidji Ambulance and Minnesota State Patrol. No further information is available at this time.

 

 

James Marcotte, Captain

Bemidji Police Department

 

SCAM INVOLVING FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF WALKER

The Beltrami County Sheriff's 911 Dispatch Center is receiving numerous phone calls regarding text messages that have been sent to cell phone owners that say:  "Your bank account has been compromised. Please contact First National Bank of Walker at 218-252-8142 or 218-296-7222."

THIS IS A SCAM.  Do not text a reply to this or call the numbers listed.  Instead see your banker in person at the bank in Walker or call their business line on Monday which is (218) 547-1160.  In addition, this is NOT the First National Bank of Bemidji. The bank in Walker is taking steps to attempt to identify who perpetrated this scam. Be advised that even those who are not customers of the bank are getting these messages.   We also ask that you not call the Law Enforcement Center in Bemidji regarding this scam.  Our Dispatch Center has received over a 100 calls and it is flooding our lines.  We are experiencing a typically busy pre-holiday weekend with domestic violence incidents and other crimes.

Deer Survey in City of Bemidji

Pursuant to the City's Deer Management Plan, roadside deer surveys will be conducted in the Northeast Lake Bemidji Area in an effort to assess deer population levels. The survey area is described as the area generally bounded by Lake Avenue, Elliot Road, Tyler Avenue and Mill Street.

 

Bemidji State University professor, Dr. Hiller, and his students will be conducting the survey, which is expected to be conducted between October 14th and November 6th, weather permitting. The surveys will include the use of a BSU van and spotlighting equipment to detect and record information.

 

Since residents will most likely witness the survey activity, we ask they refrain from calling 218-333-9111, the Bemidji Police Department or Beltrami County Sheriff's Office regarding this activity, which would normally be perceived as illegal.

 

If you have questions, please contact Teresa Hanson at (218) 759-3562 or Officer Charboneau at (218) 333-8374. However, specific questions regarding the survey should be directed to Shelley Gorham, DNR Bemidji Area Wildlife Supervisor, at (218) 308-2332.

BELTRAMI COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE SEEKING INFORMATON ON STABBING SUSPECT

 

On Sunday, September 29, 2013 at 12:46 AM, Beltrami County Deputies were called to investigate the stabbing of Jace Jeffrey Ugrich, 18 of Bovey.  This crime occurred at a large party on property owned by Theta Tau Epsilon Fraternity Alumni on Hensel Dr.NE.  Ugrich was attempting to intervene in a brawl between two males when an unknown suspect came from behind and stabbed Ugrich in the back.

 

Sheriff's Investigators request help from the public to identify the suspect in this assault.  Investigators are also seeking to interview two persons of interest; a white male 5-11 to 6-01 in height with a skinny build, wearing a dark sweatshirt and a black baseball cap on backwards with the word " Dope "in a light color on the front and a white male approximately 5-11 to 6-01 in height with light colored hair wearing a red hoodie sweatshirt.

 

If you have any information about this incident please call the Beltrami County Dispatch center at (218) 333-9111.  If you wish to remain anonymous please submit information to Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477, text message by texting "Tip674" plus your tip to 274637, or by their website http://crimestoppersmn.org/. If your tip leads to the capture and conviction of the suspect you are eligible for a reward up to $1,000.

 

Beltrami County Sheriff Seeking Information on Stabbing Suspect

On Sunday, September 29, 2013 at 12:46 AM, Beltrami County Deputies were dispatched to intercept a vehicle transporting an18 year old male stabbing victim to the Sanford Hospital. Deputies intercepted the vehicle and rendered aid until Bemidji Ambulance arrived on scene. Bemidji Ambulance transported the victim to the Sanford Bemidji Medical Center.

Deputies learned Jace Jeffrey Ugrich, 18 of Bovey, had been stabbed at a large party on property owned by a fraternity on Hensel Dr.NE.  Ugrich was attempting to intervene in a brawl between two males when an unknown suspect came from behind and stabbed Ugrich in the back.

Sheriff's Investigators are requesting help from the public to identify the suspect.  Investigators are also seeking to interview two persons of interest; a white male 5-11 to 6-01 in height with a skinny build, wearing a dark sweatshirt and a black baseball cap on backwards with the word " Dope "in a light color on the front and a white male approximately 5-11 to 6-01 in height with light colored hair wearing a red hoodie sweatshirt.

Anyone with information regarding this stabbing is asked to call the Beltrami County Dispatch center at (218) 333-9111.

Fire at the Oak Hills College in Bemidji

Bemidji, Cass Lake and Solway Fire Departments responded to a fire on the 

campus of Oak Hills Bible College on Wednesday afternoon. The fire, which was 

reported at 3:26 PM by college staff members, was located in a dining hall on Oak

Hills RD SW. Upon arrival Bemidji Firefighters found a large fire on the first floor 

engulfing approximately 50% of the building. Firefighters were able to contain the fire 

to the kitchen and storage rooms of the building. Thirty four firefighters used five Fire

Engine, three Water Tenders, and a Ladder Truck on the scene. Approximately 

15,000 gallons of water was used on the fire with a nearby pond and dry hydrant 

used as water supply sources. No injuries were reported and the fire departments

were on scene approximately three hours. The cause of the fire is under

investigation; however appears to be accidental in nature. The fire departments were

assisted at the scene by the Beltrami County Sheriff's Department, MN DNR 

Firefighters, State Fire Marshal's Office, Beltrami Electric and the Bemidji Ambulance 

Service.

Teen sustains non-life-threatening injuries in an apparent wolf bite at Lake Winnie Campground

Teen sustains non-life-threatening injuries in an apparent wolf bite A 16-year-old boy was injured in an apparent wolf bite early Saturday morning, Aug. 24, near the lakeshore of the West Winnie Campground on Lake Winnibigoshish in north-central Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The boy sustained multiple puncture wounds and a laceration to his head of about 11 centimeters long. The wolf ran into the woods after the boy kicked it. After receiving local first-aid, the boy was transported to a hospital in Bemidji. The wound required multiple staples to close, but was not life-threatening. Officers from the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, U.S. Forest Service and the DNR collected reports from the boy and the boy's father, as well as others at the camp. Statements from other campers indicated there were other incidents at the U.S. Forest Service campground where an animal bit through tents, one resulting in the puncturing of an air mattress. Another camper indicated that he witnessed a wolf near his campsite with coloration and markings matching the description of the animal involved in the attack on the boy. "This is an extremely rare incident and not normal wolf behavior," said Tom Provost, regional manager of the DNR's Enforcement Division. "Because wolf bites or attacks on humans are so rare, they are poorly understood. These rare incidents have usually involved food-habituated wolves and have led to minor injuries, but no fatalities." Before this incident, a serious injury or fatal attack on a human had never been documented in Minnesota. There have been two wolf attack fatalities in North America in the last decade. One was in northern Canada and another was in Alaska. Enforcement officers from the U.S. Forest Service, Leech Lake and the DNR briefly located the animal matching the description in the wooded area adjacent to the campground, but were unable to immediately kill it. U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services was called for assistance in locating and capturing the wolf. On early Monday morning, an average-sized male wolf of about 75 pounds, matching the description of the wolf in the attack, was trapped and killed in the campground. The wolf is being taken to the University of Minnesota veterinary diagnostic lab to be tested for rabies. Also, the lab will collect samples for DNA analyses and complete a thorough medical examination to determine the health of the animal.  Traps will be left in place for one more night to be sure another wolf is not present in the area. The Forest Service has closed the campground until further notice. Wolf safety tips Always be alert in the outdoors. Wild animals biting or attacking humans is a rare occurrence but people should be aware of the possibility and know how to react.  Animals are attracted to campgrounds due to food/cooking smells.  It is important not to feed wild animals.  Don't make homes or camps attractive to wild animals: Keep a clean camp; don't dispose of food by dumping into the campfire. Don't leave unwashed cooking utensils around your camp. Don't leave garbage unsecured. Don't cook food near your tent or sleeping area. Don't allow pets to freely roam away from your home or camp. Don't leave pet food or other food attractants out near your home or camp. Don't bury garbage, pack it out. In the rare event that you do have an encounter with an aggressive wolf: Don't run, but act aggressively, stepping toward the wolf and yelling or clapping your hands if it tries to approach. Do not turn your back toward an aggressive wolf, but continue to stare directly at it. If you are with a companion and more than one wolf is present place yourselves back to back and slowly move away from the wolves. Retreat slowly while facing the wolf and act aggressively. Stand your ground if a wolf attacks and fight with any means possible (use sticks, rocks, ski poles, fishing rods or whatever you can find). Use air horns or other noise makers. Use bear spray or firearms if necessary. Climb a tree if necessary, wolves cannot climb trees.                                                         -30- NOTE TO MEDIA: An image of the wolf carcass is available at ftp://mediaroom.dnr.state.mn.us in folder named "news release resources," then in folder named "8-26-13 wolf carcass."   ENF-wolf 8-26-13.docx Minnesota Department of Natural Resources info.dnr@state.mn.us STAY CONNECTED: SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Manage Preferences  |  Unsubscribe  |  Help | Sign-up for other Minnesota DNR notifications This email was sent to kaxeboard@kaxe.org on behalf of: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources · 500 Lafayette Road · Saint Paul, MN 55155 · 1-888-MINNDNR

Lane closures on Highway 210 in Brainerd scheduled Aug. 21

Baxter, Minn. – Motorists travelling Highway 210/Washington Street in Brainerd may experience delays as both directions of the road are intermittently reduced to a single lane near the Mississippi River bridge beginning at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21.

 

All lanes of Highway 210 will reopen by 4:30 p.m.

 

The closures are needed as crews complete the routine biannual inspection of the bridge.

 

Motorists may also encounter work crews, lane closures and possible delays near other bridges throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area and central Minnesota as crews complete routine inspections and maintenance on other local bridges.

 

Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop as they approach the daily work zone, and must obey flaggers and signs as they navigate any work zone.

 

For real-time travel information anywhere in Minnesota, visit www.511mn.org.

Arrest Made in Beltrami County Fatal Hit and Run

On August 6 at approximately 8PM, the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office
arrested Martin Erwin Ubert, 58 of Bemidji as the driver of the
vehicle which struck and killed Christopher Lee Strong, 25 of
Bemidji, MN on 07/31/2013 on Grange Road NW just east of Nature Road.
Ubert is currently being held in the Beltrami County Jail pending
review of the case for charges by the Beltrami County Attorney's
Office.

This arrest is the result of an intensive investigation by Beltrami
County Deputies assisted by the Minnesota State Patrol, MN Bureau of
Criminal Apprehension, Red Lake Tribal Police, Leech Lake Tribal
Police and the Ramsey County Medical Examiner's Office.

FATAL HIT AND RUN DRIVER TURNS HIMSELF IN- VEHICLE LOCATED

8/02/2013

 

A 58 year old male contacted Beltrami County Sheriff's investigators this morning and identified himself as the driver of the hit and run vehicle involved in the fatal crash on July 31^st on Grange Road in Beltrami County.  Investigators from the sheriff's office and the MN Bureau of Criminal Apprehension met with the individual who admitted to being the driver of the car which struck Christopher Strong.  Investigators obtained a statement from the individual.  The red Monte Carlo believed to have struck Mr. Strong was seized by investigators from the individual and transported to a law enforcement facility for a forensic examination. 

 

The Sheriff's Office appreciates all the help received from the public in this investigation.

 

No further information will be released at this time as  Investigators and are continuing to investigate the case and the circumstances surrounding Mr. Strong's death. 

 

Agencies involved in this investigation are the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office,  the Minnesota State Patrol, MN Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Red Lake Tribal Police, Leech Lake Tribal Police and the Ramsey County Medical Examiner's Office.

 

 

Beltrami Sheriff Releases Color Swatch from Fatal Hit and Run Vehicle

The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office is investigating a fatal hit and run reported at 4:24 am on 07/31/2013 on Grange Road NW just east of Nature Road.   Responding deputies found the deceased , Christopher Lee Strong, 25 of Bemidji, MN,  lying in the road at the scene.  Skid marks and vehicle parts were also located on the road.

 

Investigators are looking for a red vehicle with front end damage.  The color swatch below represents the color of the vehicle being sought.

 

The Sheriff's Office is asking the public's help in identifying the vehicle and driver involved in this hit and run.  Anyone with information regarding Mr. Strong's whereabouts during the last day  and any information about the driver of the  vehicle which struck Mr. Strong  is asked to call the Sheriff's Office immediately at 218-333-9111. 

 

The Minnesota State Patrol is assisting with the investigation.

 

Sheriff Phil Hodapp

 

 

COLOR OF THE CAR

 

 

Red Car Sought in Fatal Hit and Run in Beltrami County

07/31/2013

The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office is investigating a fatal hit and run reported at 4:24 am on 07/31/2013 on Grange Road NW just east of Nature Road.  Two passerby's reported to Beltrami County Dispatch a body was lying on the road.  Responding deputies found the deceased body of a 25 year old male pedestrian at the scene.  Skid marks and vehicle parts were also located on the road.

Investigators are looking for a red vehicle with front end damage.  The Sheriff's Office is asking the public's help in identifying the vehicle and driver involved in this hit and run. 

Anyone with information regarding this hit and run is asked to call the Sheriff's Office immediately at 218-333-9111.
The victim's identity is being withheld pending notification of relatives.
Minnesota State Patrol is assisting with the investigation.

No further information is available at this time.  More information will be released after 4 pm today.

Sheriff Phil Hodapp

James Schummer arrested and in custody

    The Beltrami County Sheriffs Office, with assistance from the Paul Bunyan and Safe Trails Task Forces, arrested James Schummer at a residence west of Bemidji without incident this evening at 7:20 PM.  The Sheriff's Office thanks our citizens, and especially the media who did a great job of getting the word out in our area, for assistance in capturing Schummer.  Schummer is presently housed at the Beltrami County Jail. 

 

BELTRAMI SHERIFF SEEKS MAN ON FOOT IN WILTON AREA

The Beltrami County Sheriffs Office is looking for James Adam Schummer, age 28, last seen in the area of Wilton (located 5 miles west of Bemidji) south of Spirit Lk Rd NE.  Schummer has numerous tattos, is a white male, 5'10", 150 lbs, wearing a grey plaid shirt, jeans and no shoes and is on parole. He is wanted on a felony parole violation warrant as well as failing to stop and subsequently fleeing police officers earlier this morning at 7:30 AM.  Numerous officers are on foot and in squad cars in the area as well as a State Patrol helicopter. Please call 911 if you see this man.

Be advised the Beltrami County Sheriffs Office is in the Wilton area this morning looking for a white male, age 28, 5'10" 150 lbs numerous tattoos, short dark hair and brown eyes wearing a grey plaid shirt, jeans, no shoes who was last seen in the area of Honeysuckle Ln S and Melby Ln SE in the southeast area of Wilton.  Male failed to stop for Deputy after a complaint was received of a reckless ATV driver and a pursuit ensued. Male is also wanted on a felony Department of Corrections warrant for a parole violation.  If anyone sees a male matching this description they should call 911 or 333-9111.  Do not approach or attempt to stop.

SUSPECT IDENTIFIED IN BELTRAMI COUNTY STANDOFF

ST. PAUL — The Ramsey County Medical Examiner today identified a man who died late Wednesday following a standoff with police at a residence in rural Beltrami County. Miquell David Deppa, 34, of 9203 Spencer Rd NW in Liberty Township, died of blood loss due to a gunshot wound.

The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call Wednesday afternoon from the home reporting that Deppa was under mental duress, was armed with a loaded rifle and was making threats about killing himself or law enforcement.

According to the preliminary investigation, deputies responding to the home heard gunshots and witnessed Deppa run into the residence armed with a rifle. Two females who were inside the home fled to safety, then a standoff ensued during which Deppa threatened to shoot the officers and fired several shots from the residence toward the officers. Deppa emerged from the residence around 8:15 p.m. armed with a rifle. A Beltrami County SWAT Team sniper fired one round, injuring Deppa, who then crawled back into the residence. Several minutes later, Deppa broke out a window and emerged from the home. Officers immediately took him into custody and emergency medical personnel began treating his injuries.

Deppa was taken by AirMed helicopter to Sanford Fargo Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota where he was pronounced dead. No officers were injured during the incident.

The BCA is investigating the shooting with assistance from the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office. Once the investigation is complete, the BCA will present its findings to the Beltrami County Attorney's Office for review.

Other responding agencies include the Minnesota State Patrol, the DNR, the US Border Patrol, Headwaters SWAT Team, Bemidji Police Department, Paul Bunyan Task Force and the Red Lake Tribal Police Department.

Beltrami County Officer Involved in Shooting

ST. PAUL — A Beltrami County man has died following a standoff with police at a residence in rural Beltrami County. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is investigating the incident at the request of the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office.

The Sheriff's Office received a 911 call at 4:38 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26, from a home on the 9200 block of Spencer Road in Liberty Township reporting that a male who lived there was under mental duress, was armed with a loaded rifle and was making threats about killing himself or law enforcement.

According to the preliminary investigation, deputies approaching the scene on foot reported hearing gunshots and witnessed a male armed with a rifle run into the residence. The Headwaters SWAT Team, the Minnesota State Patrol and the Minnesota DNR responded to assist. Law enforcement provided cover as two females who were inside the home fled to safety. A standoff ensued during which the individual threatened to shoot the officers and fired several shots from the residence toward the officers. The individual emerged from the residence around 8:15 p.m. armed with a rifle which he pointed in the officers' direction. A Beltrami County SWAT Team sniper fired one round, injuring the individual, who then crawled back into the residence. Several minutes later, the individual broke out a window and emerged from the home. Officers immediately took him into custody and emergency medical personnel began treating his injuries.

He was taken by Sanford AirMed helicopter to Sanford Fargo Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota where he was pronounced dead. He was transported today to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner's Office. An autopsy and formal identification are scheduled for tomorrow. No officers were injured during the incident.

SWAT Team member and Beltrami County Sheriff's Deputy Jeff Roberts was the only officer to fire his weapon. Deputy Roberts has been with the sheriff's office for 8 years. He is on standard administrative leave.

Bureau of Criminal Apprehension agents are conducting interviews with responding law enforcement officers and witnesses. BCA crime scene personnel are gathering information at the scene. Once its investigation is complete, the BCA will present its findings to the Beltrami County Attorney's Office for review.

The BCA is investigating the shooting with assistance from the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office. Other responding agencies include the Minnesota State Patrol, the DNR, the US Border Patrol, Headwaters SWAT Team, Bemidji Police Department, Paul Bunyan Task Force and the Red Lake Tribal Police Department.

Robbery and Assault Suspect Arrested June 8, 2013

On June 8th, 2013 at approximately 8:30 pm Bemidji Police Officers responded to a report of an assault that occurred near the Mississippi river trail bridge.  The victims reported that they were walking south on the paved trail.  An unknown male stood on the bridge holding his arms out, blocking the victims passage. The suspect stated to the victims that they needed to pay "the street tax". When the victims refused, one was struck in the face and the other was grabbed as they fled the area for help.

Upon investigation, Bemidji Police Officers located and arrested the suspect, Aaron John Jones, age 35, of Cass Lake for robbery.

 

Sirens and spring roads

Beltrami County Emergency Management will resume outdoor warning siren testing across Beltrami County in April. Outdoor warning sirens are tested at 1pm the first Wednesday of each month from April through October. 

Outdoor warning sirens are intended to provide persons outdoors warning where they may be away from commercial radio or television to seek additional information on hazards that may be a threat to public safety. Sirens will sound for approximately four minutes before timing out. 
 

Sirens will also be used during Severe Weather Awareness Week, being held the third week of April, additional information on Severe Weather Awareness Week will be provided in the coming weeks. 

  

Spring Forest Access Roads and Trails

 

Bemidji, MN, April 2, 2013  Due to spring ground conditions; we urge the public to be careful using forest access roads and trails during this time of year. While under the spring thaw, ground conditions are such that severe damage to roads and trails can occur from improper use.    Please respect any closure signs, barricades, gates or poor trail conditions and refrain from using these areas at this time. Funding to build and maintain these areas is provided by public land managers, loggers, and user groups.  Please use common sense and do not damage our local forest roads and trails.

 

 

Mrs. Beryl Wernberg, 911 Supervisor/Emergency Management Director

Beltrami County Sheriff's Office

613 Minnesota Ave NW

Bemidji, mn 56601

(218) 333-8320  (Office)

(218) 759-7560  (Pager)

(218) 333-9111   (Dispatch)

(218) 755-9322  (Fax)

 

beryl.wernberg@co.beltrami.mn.us

 

TEN LAKES BRAWL RESULTS IN ONE DEATH AND TWO SERIOUSLY INJURED

At 6:36 PM on Thursday, March 21, 2013, the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office was notified of a fight involving a number of individuals at a residence located in the 1300 block of Quill Ln SE, Ten Lakes Township, approximately 13 miles east of Bemidji.  Deputies and Leech Lake Tribal Police Officers responding to the scene found a large group of extremely intoxicated individuals who were bleeding and in various states of distress.  

Emergency efforts were undertaken in an attempt to revive Leslie Headbird, age 44, of Quill Ln SE at the residence.  Unfortunately, Headbird was beaten so severely that he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at the Cass Lake Hospital.  Two other victims, a male and female were also taken to the hospital with possible life threatening injuries.

A short time later, a suspect was identified as Damion John Gullickson, Jr. 19, of Cass Lake, MN.  He was found in Cass Lake after he attempted to break into a residence and stopped a car on the street attempting to jack the car and driver.  He was arrested by responding Cass County Deputies and taken to the Cass Lake IHS Hospital, later transferring to Sanford Bemidji Medical Center where he was treated for minor injuries.   A second suspect, Dora Jean Keezer, 29, of Cass Lake, MN, was also arrested.  Both suspects are lodged in the Beltrami County Jail for 2nd degree murder and assault charges pending review of the case by the Beltrami County Attorney's Office.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Crime Scene Team responded to process the scene for evidence.  The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Leech Lake Tribal Police, Cass County Sheriff's Office, BCA Special agents, Minnesota State Patrol, Paul Bunyan Task Force, Bemidji Ambulance and Leech Lake Ambulance.  

Sheriff Phil Hodapp

Bemidji Police Arrest Police Officer Impersonator

On March 18th, 2013, the Bemidji Police Department located the person who was suspected of calling local businesses and identifying himself as a Bemidji Police Officer. Arron Robert Weatherspoon, age 45 of Bemidji, was located and admitted to making the phone calls and Impersonating a Police Officer. Weatherspoon was issued a citation for the misdemeanor violation. Weatherspoon was arrested on a Probation Violation Warrant and booked at the Beltrami County Jail.

On March 10th and 11th, 2013, the Bemidji Police Department had received numerous complaints in which a male subject called local businesses and identified himself a police officer. Each time the subject spoke with female employees and asked for personal information such as an address, phone number and their physical descriptions.


Captain James Marcotte
Bemidji Police Department
613 Minnesota Ave NW
Bemidji, MN  56601

Bemidji Police Investigates Police Officer Impersonation Scam

The Bemidji Police Department is currently investigating suspicious phone calls made by an unknown male subject. The Bemidji Police Department received 5 complaints on March 10^th, 2013 in which a male subject called local businesses and identified himself a police officer. Each time the subject spoke with female employees and asked for personal information such as an address, phone number and their physical descriptions.

 

The Bemidji Police Department recommends not providing personal information to people over the phone. If someone identifies themselves as a police officer, their questions will be of a professional nature and the officer will be able to provide identifying information. If you have doubts about an officer's identity, contact your local law enforcement agency.

 

 

Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the Bemidji Police Department at 218-333-9111.

 

Captain James Marcotte

Bemidji Police Department

613 Minnesota Ave NW

Bemidji, MN  56601

 

 

City of Bemidji Public Works Snow Removal Scheduled This Week

At midnight tonight, Tuesday February 19, 2013, the City of Bemidji will be removing snow from the curbs starting on Irvine Ave NW at 6^th St NW north to 30^th St NW and Irvine Ave NW.   Tomorrow night, Wednesday, February 20, 2013, the same will occur on 15^th St NW and all of Birchmont Dr NW.  Snow will be hauled to a holding site on 15^th St NW.   Please make sure your vehicles are not parked in tow zones or the wrong side of calendar parking.  Watch for trucks and equipment removing and hauling snow as well.

Bemdiji Police Respond to Possible Suicide

On February 9^th, 2013 at approximately 1921 hours the Bemidji Police Department responded to the 400 block of Central Avenue SE on a request to check the welfare of a male who was possibly suicidal. Officers were informed that the male had several loaded handguns and a rifle, along with extra ammunition.

 

Bemidji Police Officers attempted to make contact and began evacuating the neighbors. The Headwaters SWAT Team was requested to assist. During the evacuation process Bemidji Police Officers heard a single gunshot from inside the residence. The SWAT Team was able to approach the residence and observed a male lying on a bed. Entry to the residence was made by the Headwaters SWAT Team where they confirmed that Ryan George Nelson, age 34, of Bemidji had sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Ryan Nelson was pronounced dead on scene by the Bemidji Ambulance Service.

 

The Bemidji Police Department was assisted by the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office, Beltrami Office of Emergency Management, Headwaters Safe Trails Taskforce, Bemidji Fire Department and Bemidji Ambulance Service.

Sheriff Seeks Help with Blackduck Motel Robbery Investigation

The investigation continues into the armed robbery that occurred on New Year's Eve at 7:20 PM in Beltrami County.  We are asking for the public's assistance in locating and identifying the suspect.  If you were in Blackduck on this particular evening please think back to that time frame and examine anything you might have seen or heard that night.  Any vehicle or suspicious characters that were in the area of the Motel that night that you may have seen could be the catalyst to solving this crime. 

If you have any ideas, please contact the Blackduck Police Department at 218-835-4802 or stop any officer on the street and talk with them. You can also call the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office at 218-333-9111 or long distance, 1-888-449-9111 or Sheriff's Investigator Danelle Haugen at 218-333-8451.

You can also contact Crimestoppers at  (1-800-222-TIPS [8477]), online at www.crimestoppersmn.org, or by texting TIP674 plus a message to CRIMES [274637].  Tips to Crimestoppers that lead to the arrest and conviction of a suspect are eligible for a cash reward.

PUBLIC’S HELP STILL NEEDED IN LOCATING MATTHEW PULIS

Matthew Charles Pulis, age 31, of Bemidji, was last seen during the early morning hours of Saturday, October 20, 2012 in the downtown area of Bemidji. Mr. Pulis is described as a Caucasian male, 5'7", 165 lbs., blue eyes with longer light brown hair wearing a zip type dark blue hooded sweatshirt. 

 

Since that time the Bemidji Police Department has been investigating and following up all leads and information in an attempt to locate Mr. Pulis.  Efforts to include searching a 200 block, door to door, area where Mr. Pulis was last seen, as well as his residence, and an aerial search of Lake Bemidji and Lake Irvine have occurred. Numerous interviews have been conducted with those who might have knowledge of his activities.  His bank account has not been accessed since before his disappearance nor has anyone, to include his family, had contact with him.

 

The Bemidji Police Department continues to request the public's help in locating Matthew Pulis.   An updated picture, taken before his disappearance, is attached to this press release.

 

Bemidji Police Department Detective Mike Solheim is the lead contact for this case. He can be reached at 218-333-8373 or email msolheim@ci.bemidji.mn.us.  Citizens can also call the Bemidji/Beltrami Law Enforcement Center at 218-333-9111 or, if long distance, 1-888-449-9111.

 

His family would especially appreciate any information.  This continues to be a very difficult and trying time for them.

 

Blackduck Americinn Motel Robbery New Year's Eve

                On December 31, 2012, Monday, at 7:22 PM, the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call reporting a robbery  had just occurred at the Americinn Motel in Blackduck.  The motel is located on Brandl Dr NW in the City of Blackduck approximately 25 miles north of Bemidji in Beltrami County.

                A male subject, approximately 6' tall, possibly in his early 20's with a deep voice,  wearing a light grey hooded sweatshirt, dark pants and a bright orange mask of some type covering his face entered the motel through the front lobby and demanded cash.  The suspect kept his hands in his sweatshirt pockets while observing the clerk.  After obtaining an undetermined amount of money he left immediately and was seen headed west on foot towards the American Legion.
                Beltrami County Investigators were able to obtain footage from surveillance cameras today (see photo) .
                The Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's assistance in locating and identifying the subject.  Please call 218-333-9111 with any information that may help to solve this case.  The investigation continues.  Thank you.