BEMIDJI POLICE DEPARTMENT UPDATES ROSE DOWNWIND MISSING PERSON CASE

            Over the last 50 days the Bemidji Police Department and Minnesota BCA have invested hundreds of hours into the disappearance of Rose Downwind. With the assistance of the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office, Lakes Area Dive Team, Leech Lake Tribal Police, Red Lake Tribal Police, Headwaters Safe Trails Task Force, Minnesota State Patrol, U.S. Border Patrol, FBI and other law enforcement agencies across Minnesota and adjacent states many leads and tips from the public were, and continue to be investigated.

          As a result of this collaborative effort a body has been located and exhumed from a shallow clandestine grave northwest of the City of Bemidji. The BCA Crime Scene Team was called to assist with the processing of the scene and recovery of the body. The body will be sent to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy and to confirm the identity.

          Marchello Anthony Cimmarusti, age 40 and Brandon Joseph Rossbach, age 31 have been arrested for their roles in this case. Christopher Davis remains a person of interest in this case. Although arrests have been made the investigative efforts will continue.

 

Mike Mastin, Chief of Police

Bemidji Police Department

218-333-9111

 

 

Bemdiji Police Identify Persons of Interest in Rose Downwind Disappearance

As a result of the continued investigation, the Bemidji Police Department and Minnesota BCA believe that foul play is involved in the disappearance of Rose Downwind. The investigation has been focused to an area north of the City of Bemidji to include; Lake Bemidji State Park and the Buena Vista State Forest. Specifically, the area between the north end of Lake Bemidji and Lindgren Road, between County Road 9 and County Road 23.

Marchello Anthony Cimmarusti, age 40 and Christopher John Davis, age 27 have been identified as persons of interest in this case along with a pewter colored 2002 GMC Yukon, MN plate #325MGP. If you saw these individuals or vehicle in this area during the period from October 19th to October 29th please contact the Bemidji Police Department immediately at 218-333-9111.

We are not looking for the vehicle or the persons of interest per se. We are trying to establish who may remember seeing the persons of interest or the vehicle during the time frame from October 19th to October 29th. We would like to hear from them.

Home and property owners in this area are requested to check structures and acreage for any signs of suspicious activity including: trespassing, recent fires or disturbed ground. Additionally, hunters are asked to check their trail cameras for suspicious activity, images of the persons of interest or vehicle.

We are asking for hunters and those out walking or inspecting their outbuildings to be vigilant for any suspicious signs, such as disturbed ground, recent fires or trespassing.  

ROSE DOWNWIND MISSING

 

 MISSING PERSON ROSE DOWNWIND 

 

 

The Bemidji Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in locating Rose Downwind. On Monday, October 26th,  City of Bemidji Police Detectives received information from an ex-boyfriend that he had last seen Rose Downwind leaving a residence on Stoner Ave. located in southeastern Bemidji on the morning of Wednesday, October 21st.  Downwind may have gotten into a blue vehicle (unknown make/model).  Downwind was last seen wearing a blue sweater and black pants.  Bemidji Police Detectives continue to investigate and follow up on leads provided by the public. Any assistance that the public can provide in locating Rose would be greatly appreciated. If you have any information regarding Rose Downwind's whereabouts please contact the Bemidji Police Department at 218-333-9111.

 

 

 

Accidental Death in Mississippi River

On Saturday, September 5, 2015, a citizen spotted clothing floating near the shoreline of the Mississippi River and contacted law enforcement requesting assistance.  Deputies drove to the scene identified by the complainant and there they located a deceased male in the Mississippi River between Lake Irvine and Lake 

Bemidji about ten feet from shore floating face down in the weeds.  The Bemidji Fire Department responded to assist in recovering the badly decomposed body.

The individual was identified as FRANCIS NORMEN SMITH age 65, of Bemidji.  An autopsy was conducted on Monday by the Beltrami County Coroner and his manner of death was ruled accidental.  Smith had no known  address and apparently had been camping nearby.

HOSTAGE SITUATION IN PUPOSKY

On 07/26/2015 at around 0630am the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call from a 76 year old male in Liberty Township requesting assistance with what sounded initially presenting  to be a medical.  Deputies arrived and found the male to be in a state exhaustion with reports from his girlfriend that he had not slept in days due to complications from Lyme's disease.  Arrangements were made for the girlfriend to leave and allow the male to sleep.

At around 1040am the 76 year old male contacted 911 and was speaking gibberish and not making sense.  In addition he was now talking about harming himself with a firearm.  To complicate matters his girlfriend had returned to the residence and she now was a hostage not being allowed to leave as she had made several documented attempts.   He refused to let her leave and was threatening her life.

Beltrami County Deputies and MN State Troopers responded once again and set up a perimeter near the residence.  Contact was made by telephone and negotiations began.  The 76 year old male reported having a Derringer pistol in his possession and this was confirmed by observation.

Members of the Headwater SWAT team responded to the scene along with Special Agents of the MN BCA.

Negotiations went on for over 5 hours.  Eventually, through planning and coordination the female hostage was able to make an escape from a second story window with the use of a fire ladder.  She was extracted and taken to safety by Headwater SWAT team members.

Minutes later the 76 year old male exited the residence and was taken into custody without incident.

He was evaluated on scene by Bemidji Ambulance personnel and transported to Sanford ER for a mental health evaluation.  

Additional responders:

Bemidji Police, Blackduck Police, Minnesota State Patrol, Bemidji Ambulance Service, Beltrami County Emergency Management and Communications and Bemidji Police Reserves.  The Hubbard-Wadena SWAT team responded but were called off due to the incident being resolved.

FATAL CRASH ON BIRCHMONT DRIVE

On July 26th at about 6:15 AM Beltrami County 911 Dispatch was notified by an alert Pioneer News Delivery Driver of a one vehicle rollover located in the 4500 block of Birchmont Drive NE in Northern 

Deputies responded to the scene and met with the caller and located the vehicle, a 2003 Mitsubishi 

Eclipse GTS, silver in color- which was overturned and covered by a pine tree and shrubbery.  The vehicle was occupied by an adult male, 20 years of age.  Bemidji Fire and Bemidji Ambulance personnel advised the lone occupant was found deceased upon their arrival.  

The investigation is ongoing and pending an autopsy today to confirm the identity of the victim and determine cause and manner of death.

Home Explosion in Grant Valley Township

The Bemidji Fire Department, Beltrami County Sheriff's Office, and the Minnesota 

State Fire Marshal's Office continue to investigate the cause of a house explosion on 

Monday evening in Grant Valley Township. The cause does appear to be accidental 

in nature and investigators believe it may be related to a propane gas leak in the 

home. 

On Monday evening emergency responders arrived on scene to find an occupied 

home that was totally destroyed. Emergency services personnel located and quickly 

removed one victim from the debris who was in the home at the time of the 

explosion. He was transport to Sanford Hospital by ambulance. We have no 

additional information on his current status.

FATAL PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT IN BELTRAMI COUNTY

On January 21, 2015 at approximately 7:59 PM, the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office was notified of a crash in the 16000 block of Roosevelt Rd SE located in southeastern Beltrami County involving a 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe with a snowplow and a pedestrian who had been struck by the vehicle.  Deputies and first responders who arrived at the scene found the victim on the side of the road.  The victim, a 32 year old male was unresponsive and immediate efforts were undertaken to save his life.  Bemidji Ambulance EMT's arrived on-scene and took over lifesaving efforts to no avail.  The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.  His identity will not be disclosed at this time until all relatives have been notified.

 

The investigation revealed the vehicle had been driving northbound and the victim was walking southbound along the west side of the road with two other parties when according to a witness the victim suddenly ran across the southbound lane into the path of the northbound vehicle and was struck.  The driver of the vehicle did not see the pedestrian as the victim was dressed in dark clothing.

 

The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Pike Bay Township Police Department, Leech Lake Tribal Police, Cass County Sheriff's Office, Cass Lake Fire Department, the Minnesota State Patrol, and Bemidji Ambulance.  This case remains under investigation. 

 

Additional information will be released at 4PM today.

 

7 INJURED IN 3 CAR CRASH EAST OF BEMIDJI

On December 14, 2014, at 6:03 P.M., the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office 911 Center received a report of a three car crash on Roosevelt Road near Frohn Road East of Bemidji.  Deputies and emergency responders arriving at the scene found 3 vehicles which had been involved in a collision on the county road.  A Pickup truck driven by Verlin Kingbird, 51 of Redby and occupied by Royce Hawk, 47 of Bemidji had crossed the centerline and struck a sedan being driven by Trisha Lindstrom, 23 of Bemidji, and continued on to strike a second vehicle head on.

 

The Kingbird Pickup Truck was travelling westbound when it crossed the centerline glancing off Trisha Lindstrom's car and plowing head on into a Saturn Sedan being driven by Karen Mix, 27 of Bemidji.  The passengers in Mix's car who were injured are; Michael Garbow, 25, Bemidji, Lisa Fineday, 28 of Cass Lake, Brooke Mix, 4 of Bemidji.  All seven parties from the crash were transported to Sanford Emergency Department by Bemidji and Cass Lake Ambulance.  Lisa Fineday was still in critical condition at last report.

 

In addition to being treated for his injuries at the ER, Verlin Kingbird was processed at the hospital for suspicion of drunk driving.  Once lab results have been received by investigators and the investigation has been concluded the results of this investigation will be forwarded to the Beltrami County Attorney's Office for consideration of criminal charges.

 

Beltrami County Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by Bemidji Police Department, the Minnesota State Patrol and Bemidji Fire Department

 

Sheriff Phil Hodapp

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

~Christopher S. Muller

Beltrami County Sheriff's Office

Director, Emergency Management

613 Minnesota Ave NW

Bemidji, MN 56601

ph.218.333.8386

Person Found Dead in Bemidji

The Bemidji Police Department, along with members of Bemidji Ambulance, responded to a "possibly" deceased person in the 500 Block area of Paul Bunyan Drive S. Upon arrival, emergency personnel determined an adult female was deceased. Her remains were transported to Sanford Health in Bemidji for examination.  At this time, the cause of death is unknown, but does not appear suspicious. There appears to be no threat to public safety at this time. The incident remains under investigation by the Bemidji Police Department.

 

 

Captain James Marcotte

Bemidji Police Department

613 Minnesota Ave NW

Bemidji, MN  56601

218-333-4229

 

 

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

 

_

High water issues east and south of Blackduck area- use caution

  Beltrami County Highway has erected barricades on Co 311 Everton Creek Rd NE between Summit Hall Rd NE and Cornell Rd NE.  There is a one foot wide and getting deeper trench in the road as well as water consistently washing across the road in three places along that roadway.  Stay tuned to updates as the water is pushing south towards the Lookout Tower Rd NE as well. B

 

Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office requests assistance from boaters to minimize shoreline erosion

            Due to the increased Lake levels from our recent heavy rains the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office is asking boaters to help minimize shoreline erosion.  We are asking all boaters to consider 300 feet from shore to be a no wash, no wake zone on all of our area lakes.  One of the main reasons for establishing a no wash no wake zones is to prevent fragile shoreline from being eroded by the large waves that are caused by a boat when it is passing under power.  Now, with the increased Lake levels, boats have a greater ability to operate under power closer to the shorelines that previously were more protected from the waves caused by the passing boat. 

            Another area for concern is in and around reed areas and the damage that can be caused by passing boats interfering with any nesting loons.  Loons commonly will use reed beds to build their nests using the reeds to help protect their nest.  On many area lakes the reeds are now either submerged or close to being submerged and the nests are without the protection that the reeds once offered.  A boat passing under power can cause large waves to upset the nest, thus possibly harming the young nesting loons. At this time we are asking for voluntary compliance to the 300 foot safety zone of all Beltrami County lakes to be considered a no wash no wake zone.

            Recently the Commissioner of the MN Department of Natural Resources approved an expedited process for all counties, cities and towns in Minnesota to enact slow no wash no wake zones due to the high water issues across the state.  At this time Beltrami County is not taking steps to enact temporary rules to designate and enforce the temporary no wash no wake zones, but is closely monitoring the situation and asking for voluntary compliance.

            All lakes and waterways that were previously designated by ordinance as no wash no wake zones are being strictly enforced.

 

 

BELTRAMI COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT MONITORING FLOODING

 

Several heavy rain producing storm systems have affected the northland over the last several weeks.  The recent rainfall on June 11^th resulted in several areas receiving in excess of four inches of rain.  Already saturated ground from earlier heavy rainfalls has resulted in runoff in some areas.

 

There have been roadways that have been impacted by flooding in low lying areas:

 

Hornet Rd NE is closed north of US Highway 71.

Willow Creek Rd NE approximately 2.5 miles north of MN Highway 1 is closed due to water washing out the road.

Hornet Rd NE is cautioned for water encroaching the roadway at Three Mile Rd NW.

Hwy 72 six miles north of Blackduck near Lanet Rd NE is cautioned for water encroaching the roadway.

 

If you encounter flooded roadways, "Turn Around… Don't Drown."  Roadways may be compromised with flowing water and the road may not actually be there.  Do not assume you know how deep the water is.  As little as six inches of flowing water can knock you off your feet and a foot of flowing water will float most vehicles.  Report flooded roadways to the Beltrami County Emergency Management Office through the Beltrami County Communications Center at 218-333-9111.  Communications Officers will take your report and advise emergency services.

 

Townships and County Highway Departments are encouraged to document with photos any damages, needed repairs, and any impacts due to flooding.

 

The Beltrami County Emergency Management Office will provide updates as needed.  Additional weekend rainfall and early next week rainfall will prolong or exacerbate flooding in Beltrami County.  The forecast for the next week includes several chances of rain and thunderstorms.

Four Arrested in Beltrami County Methamphetamine Trafficking

PAUL BUNYAN DRUG TASK FORCE AND FBI SAFE TRAILS TASK FORCE MAKE METHAMPHETAMINE ARRESTS

 

 

On Tuesday, June 10, 2014, four suspects in a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking organization were arrested in Beltrami County.  Philip Eugene Gurzi 54, of Puposky, Tamara Sue Halverson 44, of Puposky, Shawn Elston Jackson, 46, of Bemidji and Raymond Jesse Nibbe Jr 56 of Bemidji were arrested and lodged at the Beltrami County jail.  Narcotics agents conducted several search warrants and seized a large amount of cash, vehicles and other evidence associated with the criminal enterprise.

 

During the past year investigators collected evidence of a sophisticated drug smuggling and distribution enterprise established in the Bemidji area involving several other states and large quantities of methamphetamine sold in Northwest Minnesota.  The investigation has been forwarded to the Beltrami County Attorney's office for review for charges.

 

The following agencies participated in this investigation: FBI Headwaters Safe Trails Task Force, Paul Bunyan Task Force, MN Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, ATF, Beltrami County SWAT team, Pine to Prairie Drug Task Force, Beltrami County Sheriff's office and Bemidji Police Department.

 

 

Death of Child Reported in Bemidji

On June 5^th, 2014, at 9:57 AM, the Bemidji Police Department, along with members of Bemidji Ambulance and Bemidji Fire Department, responded to a medical call in the 2700 Block of Birchmont Drive NE, Bemidji, MN. Upon arrival, emergency personnel assisted with CPR of a 4 year old. The child was transported to Sanford Health of Bemidji where efforts to revive the child were unsuccessful. At this time, the cause of death appears accidental. However, the incident is under investigation by the Bemidji Police Department.

Construction on Whiting Rd NW from Irvine Ave NW-Werner Rd NW in Northern Township May 2014

NORTHERN Township - construction project - 2 year project

Whiting Rd NW, from Irvine Ave NW to Werner Rd NW - all located within Northern Township north of Bemidji approximately 7 miles-  will be undergoing construction beginning this week beginning May 21 2014.  This will include marking utilities, reclaiming the bituminous, grubbing, dropping trees, etc.  

The road will be closed to thru traffic however emergency services, local traffic and buses will have access.  It is suggested that those that use that road that do not live in the area refrain from doing so-  traffic will impede progress significantly.  If traveling that stretch, drive very slowly and carefully on this road way- flaggers will be used where necessary.  The goal of this project is to widen the road to allow for shoulders and upgrading the roadway.  Notices of full closure will be sent as they happen. 

Access to Whiting Rd  

Bemidji Stabbing Suspect in Custody

 

At approximately 9:20 PM, Thursday evening May 1, 2014, Mr. Mert Scripture 71, answered a knock at his front door at his house, NW of Bemidji in Grant Township.  Orland James Spears, 23, of Redby, asked to use the telephone to make a call.  Mr. Scripture allowed Spears to make a phone call from outside his front door.  After completing the call, Mr. Scripture closed his front door and turned away when suddenly Spears broke through the door and stabbed Mr. Scripture twice in the chest and fled on foot from the scene.  A call to 911 brought Beltrami County Deputies and Bemidji Police to the scene.  First aid was administered to Mr. Scripture by officers and he was subsequently transported to Sanford Emergency Department where he remains at the time of this release.

 

The Beltrami County Sheriff's Communications Division sent a CodeRED alert for the neighborhood advising citizens to lock their doors and watch for the described suspect whose identity was not yet known.  Additional officers and investigators flooded the area and began to conduct a manhunt.  A Beltrami County K-9 officer was called to the scene and the canine began tracking the suspect through the woods.  After several hours of searching the K-9 lost the scent of the suspect in the wooded area west of Bemidji.

 

During this time it was learned the suspect had stolen a car on Red Lake which he had used to drive down into the neighborhood.  Investigators were able to determine the identity of the suspect as Orland Spears which gave investigators more leads to follow while attempting to apprehend Spears.

 

At approximately 10 minutes after 5 AM the Beltrami County Communications Center began receiving phone calls from citizens in the neighborhood reporting the suspect walking around near homes in the area.  Deputies in the area arrived at a residence where the suspect had just entered the garage.  Deputies entered the residence and located the suspect, who refused commands to lower his knife and surrender.  The police K-9 was released and the suspect was successfully apprehended after the dog took the suspect down.

 

Spears was arrested and transported to the Sanford emergency department for treatment of his injuries and placed into custody at the Beltrami County Jail.  The investigation will be presented to the Beltrami County Attorney's office for consideration of serious assault and burglary charges.

 

Beltrami County Sheriff's office was assisted by the Bemidji Police Department, the Minnesota State Patrol and the United States Border Patrol.

 

 

 

 

Sheriff Phil Hodapp

 

ORLAND JAMES SPEARS, 23, REDBY, MN

 

 

Bemidji Hillside Drive Blocked Due to Four Wheel Drive Damage

The City of Bemidji announced, due to four wheel drive vehicles damaging Hillside Dr SW (located at the south end of Irvine Ave along Lake Irvine) and creating muddy conditions not to mention tearing up the road again,  the City of Bemidji has closed Hillside Dr SW at each end (junctions of Park Ave SW and Woodland Ave SW) effective today, April 3, 2014.  The road will be closed until further notice and any traffic needing to access their residences or for purposes of emergency services,  access to the stretch of road where people live is from Park Ave SW to Woodland Ave SW from the east.  

 

The city encourages people to disseminate this information and share with those who might have the urge to go mudding!!