On 10/05/26, a formal criminal complaint was filed, charging David Clarence Vatthauer (70) of Red Lake Falls with misdemeanor trespass. The complaint alleges Mr. Vatthauer trespassed on the premises of another in Red Lake Falls and was advised by the landowner and the law enforcement not to return. Five days later, without claim or right, he returned to the property. This occurred in September of 2026. He will be summonsed to appear in Court in Red Lake Falls later this month.
On the afternoon of 10/09/26, the Red Lake County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a school bus stop-arm violation on Hamilton Ave. in Red Lake Falls. Investigation revealed the violation was committed by a Red Lake Falls juvenile. An incident report has been sent to the County Attorney’s Office for consideration of criminal charges for the offense.
On the evening of 10/09/26, the Red Lake County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a dog habitually barking in the city of Red Lake Falls. A Red Lake County deputy responded and found the nuisance dog. The owner was not home at that time, but another neighbor agreed to take the dog inside to remedy the issue.
On the evening of 10/09/26, a Red Lake County deputy and the Red Lake Falls Ambulance responded to check on an individual who was experiencing a mental health crisis. The deputy transported the adult male to the Sanford ER in Thief River Falls for further evaluation.
On the morning of 10/11/26, a Red Lake County deputy responded to Wright’s Consignment in Red Lake Falls to investigate a report of an individual who was acting disorderly inside the store. The deputy spoke with the suspect, and they agreed to leave the store, and the matter was resolved.
On the afternoon of 10/11/26, a Red Lake Falls resident reported a neighbor’s cats were running loose and causing damage in their yard. The owner of the cats, Sheila Marie Olberg (47) of Red Lake Falls was cited for violating the city’s ordinance by allowing her animals to run at large.
On the afternoon of 10/12/26, Red Lake County law enforcement officers, the Plummer Fire Department, the Oklee Ambulance, Minnesota State Troopers, and a Polk County deputy were dispatched to a report that a train struck a vehicle at the crossing near the intersection of Hwy. #59 and CR. #49 south of Brooks. An adult male was the lone occupant of the vehicle, and he was treated for minor injuries at the scene, but he did not have to go to the hospital. The train crew did not report any injuries. The vehicle was severely damaged and had to be towed away. Response crews provided traffic control assistance at the scene until the train could be moved and CR. #49 was reopened. The Minnesota State Patrol is handling the crash investigation.
On 10/13/26, a formal criminal complaint was filed, charging Xavier Allen Payment (18) of Red Lake Falls with misdemeanor display of a fictitious or fraudulently altered driver’s license or Minnesota ID. The complaint alleges that Mr. Payment displayed and possessed a fictitious driver’s license at the Spot Bar in Red Lake Falls. The ID was confiscated by a bartender and turned over to law enforcement. He will be summonsed to appear in Court in Red Lake Falls at a later date.
On the morning of 10/15/26, a Red Lake County deputy issued a citation for a parking ordinance violation in the city of Red Lake Falls.
Mitch Bernstein, Red Lake County Sheriff: 10/16/26