Saturday, December 13, 2025
Google search engine
Home Blog Page 4

Minneapolis Airport Worker Killed by Snowplow

0

Minneapolis (trfnews.i234.me) — A 47-year-old man died Tuesday night after a snowplow hit him in a parking lot at Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport, according to airport officials.

Pedestrian Struck in Airport Parking Lot

Authorities say the incident happened just after 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Airport police responded to the MSP Airport area near the LSG Sky Chefs facility on the 3100 block of East 73rd Street.

The site is just south of Terminal 2 at the busy Twin Cities airport.

Dispatchers had received a 911 call that a pedestrian had been run over in the lot.

Officers and medical crews arrived and found the man had been struck by a snowplow operating in the area.

Despite efforts to save him, authorities say the man died from his injuries at the scene.

Photo of man killed in MSP Airport snowplow incident

Employer Confirms Worker’s Death

On Wednesday, company officials with LSG Sky Chefs confirmed the man was one of their employees.

The catering company provides food and services for airlines that use Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport.

In a written statement, a company spokesperson said the loss is being felt across the workplace.

The spokesperson said the death affects the entire team, especially co-workers who saw him every day.

LSG Sky Chefs also expressed sympathy to the man’s family and friends.

His name has not yet been released by authorities, pending full family notification.

State Patrol Assists in Ongoing Investigation

The Minnesota State Patrol is helping MSP Airport Police with the investigation.

Troopers are working with airport officers to review the crash scene and collect evidence.

Officials are expected to look at lighting, weather, and snow removal operations in the lot.

They will also review the actions of the snowplow operator in the minutes before the impact.

Investigators have not yet released details about possible charges or citations.

More information may be posted later by the Minnesota State Patrol or airport officials as the case continues.

Airport leaders say safety remains a top concern during winter operations, when plows and other heavy equipment move near workers and vehicles.

Officials are urging drivers and pedestrians to use extra caution in snowy and icy conditions at the airport and across Minnesota.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.

Fargo Man Charged in Gun Threat Incident

0

Fargo (trfnews.i234.me) — A Fargo man is facing serious felony charges after an early morning domestic incident that police say involved an assault on a pregnant woman and threats with a gun.

Early Morning Report at Police Department

According to a police report, the case began around 2:30 a.m. Wednesday.

The pregnant woman went to the West Fargo Police Department on 4th Avenue East to report the assault.

Court papers filed in Cass County District Court identify the suspect as 23-year-old Sonny Azriel Gonzalez of Fargo.

Gonzalez is charged with terrorizing with a dangerous weapon and domestic violence, causing serious bodily injury.

Both counts are listed as felonies in the court record.

Argument in Apartment Turns Physical

The victim told officers that she and Gonzalez first argued in their apartment.

She said the argument quickly turned physical.

According to the report, Gonzalez grabbed her hands and forced her into the bedroom.

She told officers he threw her onto the bed and pinned her hands.

The woman said she tried to get up several times, but Gonzalez would not let her move.

She told police that Gonzalez then grabbed her stomach area and squeezed her belly.

The victim, who is pregnant, said Gonzalez made comments about losing the baby.

She also reported that he put his hand over her mouth for about ten seconds.

During that time, she said she could not breathe.

Court papers say she got free only after Gonzalez flipped her over and tried to push her face into pillows.

She told officers she repeatedly said she was hurt.

Mugshot of Sonny Azriel Gonzalez

Gun Allegedly Shown During Threats

The victim told police that Gonzalez then took out a handgun during the incident.

She said he loaded the gun while they were still in the apartment.

According to the report, Gonzalez said he would “kill all of us” and also threatened the unborn child.

Officers later found Gonzalez at the apartment.

They say he allowed them to enter and collect the handgun.

Court documents identify the weapon as a Glock 47.

Gonzalez denied making threats with the gun.

He told officers the struggle only happened when he tried to stop the woman from leaving.

Victim Treated at Hospital, Suspect Jailed

Police noted visible injuries on the woman’s face and left arm.

Officers took photographs of those injuries as evidence.

The victim was taken to Essentia Health for treatment.

Gonzalez was arrested at the scene.

He was taken to the Cass County Jail, where he remains in custody.

Court information in the North Dakota Courts public search system shows the two felony counts filed in Cass County District Court.

Future court hearings will decide if the case moves toward trial or a possible plea.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.

Fargo Man Accused of Assaulting Officer

0

Fargo (trfnews.i234.me) — A Fargo man is facing felony and misdemeanor charges after a disturbance call early on December 5.

Disturbance Call on Westrac Drive South

According to court documents, officers were sent to 3361 Westrac Drive South around 5:50 a.m. for a reported disturbance.

A woman told officers that she lived in the apartment and that 39-year-old Bret Sandy was inside without her permission.

She said Sandy did not live there and had hit her before officers arrived at the building that morning.

Documents say officers then found Sandy inside an elevator on the first floor of the building.

When officers asked why he was there, Sandy said his girlfriend in a nearby building was “being killed.”

Struggle During Attempted Arrest

Officers say Sandy tried to leave the area while they spoke with him in the hallway near the elevator.

When officers moved to stop him, Sandy started swinging his arms and resisted their efforts to detain him.

Documents say he punched one officer in the face with a closed fist during the struggle.

Officers took Sandy to the ground by using his jacket, but he kept trying to roll and stand back up.

Mugshot of Bret Sandy

Injuries and Medical Treatment

After what documents describe as a long struggle, officers were able to place Sandy in handcuffs on the floor.

Once he was cuffed, an officer saw blood running down the face of the officer who had been struck.

Court records say that the officer also had a visible injury to his lip after the punch to his face.

Documents say Sandy later complained of shoulder and elbow pain from being handcuffed during the arrest.

He was taken to Essentia Health in Fargo for treatment of his reported injuries.

The injured officer was also evaluated at Essentia for injuries related to the incident, according to documents.

Charges and Upcoming Court Hearing

According to Cass County court records, Sandy is charged with simple assault on a peace officer and preventing arrest.

Online records from the North Dakota Courts show a preliminary hearing set for January 9.

Further information about the incident may be released by the Fargo Police Department as the case moves forward.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.

Thief River Falls Court Case Roundup

1

Thief River Falls (trfnews.i234.me) — Recent court records show a mix of DWI, traffic, theft, and hunting cases involving area residents and drivers.

Pennington County Sheriff’s Office Cases

Tanya Marie Klipping, 46, of St. Hilaire, was convicted of third-degree DWI. The court imposed a $690 fine. She received 364 days in jail, stayed for two years.

Klipping will be on probation to the court for two years. She must complete a comprehensive assessment within 60 days of sentencing. She is also ordered to finish any treatment and aftercare that are recommended.

Luis Josue Mares, 19, of San Antonio, was cited for driving 65 mph in a 60 mph zone. His fine was $125.

Billy Joe Contreras, 37, of Thief River Falls, was cited for driving 70 mph in a 60 mph zone. His fine was also $125.

Booking photo related to a recent Thief River Falls DWI case
Mugshot related to a recent DWI case in the Thief River Falls area.

Thief River Falls Police Department Cases

Chloe Grace Solheim, 27, of Beltrami, was cited for careless driving. The fine was $185. She also received a $100 fine for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk with no traffic signals.

Sari Karmel Sandberg, 48, of Thief River Falls, was convicted of disorderly conduct. She received a $210 fine. A 30-day jail term was stayed for 364 days of unsupervised probation.

Jennifer Kelly Adams, 50, of Thief River Falls, was convicted of theft. The court imposed a $185 fine. A 30-day jail term was stayed for one year. She will be on probation to the court for one year and must have no contact with the victim or victims for one year.
Adams was ordered to pay $687.41 in restitution.

Lynae Dianne Englund, 71, of Thief River Falls, was cited for failure to obey a traffic control device. The fine was $135.

Leanord Joseph Graham Jr., 32, of Thief River Falls, was cited for driving 45 mph in a 30 mph zone. His fine was $145.

A charge of dogs and cats at large against Kenneth Lynn Hagman, 67, of Thief River Falls, was dismissed.

A charge that Gabriel James Nelson, 16, failed to yield at a yield sign to crossing vehicles or a pedestrian was also dismissed.

Minnesota State Patrol Cases

Scott Joseph Hebert, 60, of Thief River Falls, was cited for driving 77 mph in a 60 mph zone. His fine was $145.

Hector A. Juarez-Romero, 26, of Thief River Falls, was cited for driving 48 mph in a 30 mph zone. The speeding fine was $145. He also received a $200 citation for no insurance as a vehicle owner.

Cordell Linwood Pulkrabek, 50, of East Grand Forks, was cited for driving 65 mph in a 60 mph zone. His fine was $125.

Nicole Ann Ternus, 50, of Grand Forks, N.D., was cited for driving 70 mph in a 60 mph zone. Her fine was also $125.

Minnesota DNR Hunting Case

Erik Lane Beitel, 56, of Thief River Falls, was cited for transporting a loaded firearm while hunting. The fine was $185.

State officials remind hunters to unload firearms during transport.
Safety rules and hunting regulations are posted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

More On Minnesota Laws And Fines

Information on DWI and traffic penalties is available from the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services.

Court process details and statewide court rules can be found on the Minnesota Judicial Branch website.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.

POLK COUNTY ARREST/FIRE REPORT December 11, 2025

0

Crookston Fire Calls

On Wednesday, December 10th, at 12:40 p.m., the Crookston fire department responded to a call at the 200th block of 4th Avenue South in Crookston. The call reported smoke coming from the basement. On the scene, they investigated using their thermal imager and found that the heating unit had malfunctioned. They cleared the smoke and carbon monoxide before contacting the homeowner with a heating contractor to address the issue.

Thief River Falls 0.18 DWI After Street Spins

27

Thief River Falls (trfnews.i234.me) — A Roseau man faces a drunk driving charge after a pickup allegedly did “doughnuts” on a Thief River Falls street and hit
mailboxes and power boxes.

Report Of Doughnuts And Property Damage

The incident was reported on December 5 on Birchlane Drive in Thief River Falls. Callers told dispatch a pickup was spinning in the street and throwing snow or gravel.

Witnesses said the truck struck mailboxes and power boxes along the road. The driver then left the area and headed toward Third Street.

Police went to the neighborhood to look for the pickup and check for damaged property. They did not find the vehicle right away.

Suspect Vehicle Returns To Area

Shortly after the officers left, dispatch received another call from the area. The caller said the same people had returned, this time in a car.

According to the complaint, the group was outside taking photos and laughing near the damaged spots. An officer then stopped the suspect vehicle.

The officer identified the driver as Tyson Allan Cockle Janicke, 19, of Roseau.
The officer also spoke with other people in the vehicle.

Mugshot of Tyson Allan Cockle Janicke
Mugshot of Tyson Allan Cockle Janicke, charged in the Thief River Falls case.

DWI Charge And Underage Drinking Citation

The officer reported several signs of impairment from Cockle Janicke. A preliminary breath test showed a result of 0.206 blood alcohol content.

Later, a DMT test showed a result of 0.18 blood alcohol content, according to the complaint. In Minnesota, a level of 0.08 or higher is considered impaired driving.

Cockle Janicke has been charged with third-degree DWI — 0.16 or greater. He was arrested at the scene. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Libby Parker Erickson, 18, of Thief River Falls, has been cited for underage consumption in the same incident.

The complaint states that Cockle Janicke allegedly told officers he was trying to have as much fun as possible before serving a 30-day jail sentence in a Roseau County case. He was on probation in that case.

Officials Remind Drivers About DWI Laws

Minnesota officials urge drivers to plan a sober ride and avoid driving after drinking. They note that high blood alcohol levels increase crash risk.

More information on state DWI laws and penalties is available from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

National drunk driving statistics and safety tips can be found through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Court dates in the Thief River Falls case had not been released in public records at the time of this report.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.

Thief River Falls Man Accused Of Fuel Theft

4

Thief River Falls (trfnews.i234.me) – A Thief River Falls man faces several charges after a reported gas drive-off at a local travel plaza.

Report Of Theft At Cenex Travel Plaza

On December 1 at about 10:45 a.m., police received a theft report from Cenex Travel Plaza in Thief River Falls.
Staff told officers that a driver had pumped fuel and then left without paying.

The manager reported that about $40.93 worth of gasoline was taken.
The vehicle left the lot before workers could stop the driver.
Fuel thefts like this are sometimes called “gas drive-offs” by law enforcement.

The manager obtained a clear photo of the license plate as the vehicle left.
The plate number came back to a sport utility vehicle.
Officers then reviewed store surveillance video to confirm what happened.

Suspect Identified As Local Man

On video, it allegedly appeared that the driver paid at the pump, but never scanned the payment card.
The driver was later identified as Tanner Lyle Peterson, 32, of Thief River Falls.

Officers went to 320 Calumet Avenue South, the address listed for the registered owner of the plates.
There, police spoke with Peterson about the incident and the vehicle.

Mugshot of Tanner Lyle Peterson

Peterson allegedly told police that a friend had been driving his mother’s vehicle.
He said the friend drove because Peterson does not have a valid license.

However, the officer said the surveillance footage showed Peterson himself getting into the driver’s seat.
The officer also saw fresh footprints in the snow near the license plates on the SUV.

The SUV now carried the same plate number seen leaving the Cenex Travel Plaza.
This raised more questions about how the plates were being used.

License Plate And Registration Issues

When confronted, Peterson allegedly admitted switching license plates between his car and the SUV.
The SUV had been left at the home by a previous owner, according to the report.

Peterson has now been cited for several offenses.
Those include motor vehicle registration – unregistered, certain acts forbidden, driving after revocation, and theft of motor fuel from a retailer.

Minnesota law requires vehicles to be properly registered and display the correct plates.
More details on registration rules are listed by the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services division.

State law also makes it a crime to leave a gas station without paying after pumping fuel.
Some cases are handled as misdemeanor theft, while repeat cases can bring stiffer penalties.
General information on theft laws is available through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.

Driving after revocation is another common traffic offense in Minnesota.
Drivers can face fines, possible jail time, and further license problems for that charge.

Peterson’s case will move forward in local court, where he will have a chance to respond to the allegations.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.

Thief River Falls Teen Charged With DWI

1

Thief River Falls (trfnews.i234.me) – An 18-year-old Thief River Falls woman faces drunk driving and cannabis-related charges after a late-night traffic stop on Highway 59 Southeast.

Traffic stop on Highway 59

The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office reports that a deputy stopped a vehicle in the 1900 block of Highway 59 Southeast at about 2:19 a.m. on November 29.
The driver was identified as Olivia Mary Rose Wengeler of Thief River Falls.

Mugshot of Olivia Mary Rose Wengeler

Mugshot: Olivia Mary Rose Wengeler

According to the report, the deputy suspected impairment during the stop.
Wengeler was later cited for fourth-degree driving while impaired and possession of an open cannabis package in a motor vehicle under Minnesota law.

Charges and legal process

Officials noted that her blood alcohol content was listed as unavailable on the citation.
Minnesota’s legal blood alcohol concentration limit for most drivers is 0.08, but drivers can face a DWI charge at lower levels if impairment is observed.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety explains these limits and penalties

Wengeler was arrested at the scene and taken to jail.
Details about future court dates were not yet listed in public records as of publication time.

Fourth-degree DWI is commonly charged in Minnesota for first-time offenses without aggravating factors.
A conviction can bring possible jail time, fines, license restrictions, and mandatory education or treatment requirements, depending on the case.

Legal guides on Minnesota DWI laws outline potential penalties

Minnesota cannabis open package law

Minnesota’s open cannabis package law makes it illegal to keep improperly packaged cannabis flower or products in the passenger area of a vehicle on a street or highway.
The statute functions much like the state’s open alcohol container law and is generally charged as a misdemeanor offense.
The law is set out in Minnesota Statute 169A.36 and related guidance.

Recent reports note that prosecutors across Minnesota have filed thousands of cases involving cannabis in vehicles since legalization, underscoring how often drivers encounter this law in traffic stops.

Impaired driving safety message

Drivers in Minnesota are urged to plan a sober ride, use a designated driver, or arrange for a ride-share or taxi if they have been drinking or using cannabis.
State safety officials say impaired driving remains a major factor in serious crashes statewide.

Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths’ impaired driving resources
describe the ongoing impact of alcohol- and drug-impaired crashes.

More information about impaired driving laws and penalties is available from the

Minnesota Department of Public Safety 
and other official state resources.

This case remains under review in Pennington County.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.

Thief River Falls Woman Cited For False 911 Calls

0

Thief River Falls (trfnews.i234.me) — A Thief River Falls woman was arrested after a series of 911 calls where no real emergency was found.

Multiple 911 Calls From Stephen Street

Dispatchers received several 911 calls on November 28 at about 9:10 a.m. The calls came from the 1000 block of Stephen Street in Thief River Falls.

Each call used the emergency line, but no clear crisis was reported. The repeated calls triggered a law enforcement response to the area.

Officers checked the neighborhood for any urgent problems. They did not find an emergency when they arrived on scene.

Caller Identified And Arrested

Police identified the caller as Miranda Lee Timm, age 26, of Thief River Falls. According to the report, there was no emergency taking place at the time of the calls.

Timm was arrested at the scene. She has been cited for making an emergency call when no emergency exists.

Mugshot of Miranda Lee Timm
Mugshot of Miranda Lee Timm, cited in the false 911 call case.

The charge says a person used 911 even though help was not needed. Misuse of the emergency system can delay real help for others who are in danger.

Minnesota Law On Misusing 911

Minnesota law makes it illegal to call 911 without a real emergency. The law also bans using 911 to bother or threaten others.

False calls can bring police, fire, or medical crews to a scene for no reason. That can tie up staff, vehicles, and equipment that may be needed somewhere else.

More details about Minnesota laws on emergency calls can be found on the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes website.

Guidance on proper 911 use is also available from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and the Federal Communications Commission.

Officials Urge Careful Use Of Emergency Lines

Officials remind the public to call 911 only for true emergencies. Those include fires, crimes in progress, serious crashes, and medical crises.

People should not call 911 for routine questions, noise complaints, or minor issues. Non-emergency phone numbers are available for many police and city offices.

Using 911 in the right way helps first responders reach people who really need fast help. It also keeps phone lines open during storms, major crashes, or other large events.

No further details about Timm’s case had been released at the time of this report. Future court dates and outcomes may be announced later.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.

Dent School Bus Rolls Into Ditch, No Injuries

0

Dent (trfnews.i234.me) — The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office has released more details
after a school bus rolled into a ditch near Dent on Tuesday afternoon.

Bus Rolls On Snowy 380th Street

Just before 1:40 p.m. on December 9, dispatch received a report of a school bus crash on 380th Street in Dent.

Responders were told the bus had slid off the road and rolled into a ditch. The weather in the area included falling snow and reduced visibility.

When deputies and other responders arrived, they found the bus on its side in a steep ditch. The front of the bus faced back toward the roadway.

Officials say only the driver and one juvenile were on board at the time of the rollover. No other students were riding the route.

Both the driver and the student were checked at the scene. The Sheriff’s Office reports no injuries.

School bus on its side after sliding into a ditch near Dent, Minnesota
Scene of the school bus rollover on 380th Street near Dent. No injuries were reported.

Deputies Cite Snow And Poor Visibility

The Sheriff’s Office says the crash was tied to winter road conditions. Investigators believe the bus left the roadway because of limited visibility and snow-covered pavement.

The steep slope of the ditch then caused the bus to roll onto its side. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

Crews remained on scene while a tow company worked to upright and remove the bus. The road stayed open, but drivers were urged to pass the area slowly.

School officials have not released the name of the driver or the student. The district is expected to review the incident and safety procedures.

Officials Stress School Bus And Winter Road Safety

Authorities say the crash is a reminder that winter travel can be dangerous even for large vehicles like buses.

They urge all drivers to slow down on snow-covered roads and to leave extra space for stopping. Extra caution is needed on rural routes where ditches are steep.

Parents can review school bus safety tips with children. Federal guidance is posted by the 
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
.

Winter driving advice and emergency kit lists are available from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

Current road conditions and crash reports across Minnesota can be checked on the Minnesota 511 website.

Officials say they are thankful this rollover did not cause injuries and hope drivers use extra care as winter continues.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.