Sheriffs’ Association Announces Scholarship Opportunity

The Minnesota Sheriffs' Association (MSA) announced today the commencement of the Law Enforcement Scholarship Program for 2014. THE MSA Board of Directors have established a scholarship fund for the awarding of up to 15- $600 scholarships for this year. These scholarships are due to the coordinated efforts of the 87 Sheriffs of the State of Minnesota.

MSA gives special recognition to the financial needs of students attending the peace officer skills course, or one of the two or four year law enforcement degree colleges. "The Board of Directors feel peace officers in our democratic society have complex duties to perform" said Jim Franklin. MSA recognizes the importance of pre-entry training for people considering law enforcement as their career choice. MSA recognizes some students need outside help in meeting the costs of such training, even though they excel academically.

The Scholarship Committee, in making its selection of awards, intends on achieving representation from all geographical areas of the state. Scholarship awards will be announced at the 2014 MSA winter conference. Application forms and a statement of procedures are available at the student's local county sheriff's office. Scholarships are only available to students currently enrolled in one of the following three categories:

1. Mandated POST Skills Program

2. In their second year of a two year law enforcement program.

3. In their third or fourth year of a four year college criminal justice program.

In order to qualify, students must have completed at least one year of the two year program or two years of a four year program. Students meeting these criteria are invited to obtain a scholarship application form from their local sheriff's office or online at www.mnsheriffs.org .

 

Suspect in Custody After High Speed Pursuit

Timothy Lance Scott 33, of Grygla, MN, was arrested at approximately 10PM on August 19^th, 2014, after leading authorities approximately 30 miles on a high speed chase reaching speeds of around 90 miles per hour. 

 

A Minnesota State Trooper patrolling west of Wilton on Hwy 2, spotted Scott's pickup driving east bound at 84 MPH in a 65 MPH zone.  When the trooper attempted to stop the vehicle, Scott increased his speed and began fleeing east toward Wilton.  Scott turned his vehicle north on HWY 89 and continued driving at speeds over 90 MPH.  The Trooper reported Scott was swerving at oncoming vehicles –causing citizens to dodge to avoid colliding with Scott.

 

Beltrami County Deputies and Bemidji Police officers maneuvered into position to assist the Trooper.  Scott continued driving at a high rate of speed and in a reckless manner northbound on HWY 89 toward Red Lake.  The Trooper was able to confirm that Scott's vehicle contained only the driver and no other occupants were in the truck.  As Scott drove onto the Red Lake Reservation, Tribal Police Officers deployed stop-sticks and took over the chase from the State Patrol Trooper and Beltrami County Deputies. 

 

Scott continued to HWY 1 where he turned eastbound and drove into the western edge of the Town of Red Lake.  At that point, Scott's left front tire deflated but he continued to drive on the rim.  He lost control of the vehicle and drove into the north ditch of HWY 1 near the Tribal police Department.  As tribal officers and deputies pulled their vehicles around Scott's truck, Scott accelerated his truck and drove right at a Beltrami County Deputy who had just stepped from his patrol car in an attempt to strike the officer.  Two gun shots were fired at Scott's vehicle by the deputy as he moved to get out of the path of Scott's oncoming vehicle when another deputy crashed Scott's truck with his squad car to stop him.  Scott got out of his vehicle and grabbed a logging chain when he was subdued by officers. Scott was taken into custody by Beltrami County Deputies and Red Lake Officers.  Fortunately no officers or citizens were injured and Scott suffered minor scrapes and abrasions during his apprehension.

 

Scott was taken to Bemidji Sanford Medical Center where he was treated for his injuries and processed for Driving While Impaired.  He was then transported to Beltrami County Jail where he is being held on potential charges of 1st Degree Assault, Felony Fleeing of a Peace Officer and DWI.  The case will be reviewed the Beltrami County Attorney's Office for formal charges once the investigation has been completed.

 

The Minnesota State Patrol was assisted by the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office, Bemidji Police and Red Lake Tribal Police.

 

Sheriff Phil Hodapp

 

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