Red Lake County, MN (trfnews.i234.me)—In the early morning hours of 12/29/24, the Red Lake County Sheriff’s Office received a report that a house was on fire on Bourden St. in Oklee. Red Lake County deputies, the Oklee Fire Department and the Oklee Ambulance were dispatched to the scene. The lone occupant and owner of the house, Rodney Smith (58) of Oklee, had fled from the burning structure prior to emergency responder’s arrival. Mr. Smith was injured in the fire and was transported to the Essentia Hospital ER in Fosston by the Oklee Ambulance. The fire department battled the fire for approximately one hour before it was under control. The trailer house was severely damaged, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office was contacted to assist with the investigation. It appears the fire started in the living room area, but the exact cause is unknown at this time, and the matter remains under investigation.
On the morning of 12/29/24, a Red Lake County deputy responded to a report of a juvenile assaulting their sibling at their Oklee residence. Investigation revealed a domestic assault had occurred. A juvenile male was arrested and transported to the Juvenile Detention Center in Crookston. The matter was referred to Juvenile Court. A criminal hearing was held earlier this week in Crookston, and another hearing has been scheduled for 01/06/25. The juvenile male remains in custody at the time of this release.
On the afternoon of 12/29/24, the Red Lake County Sheriff’s Office received a report of individuals causing a disturbance at the Hockey Arena in Red Lake Falls. A Red Lake County deputy responded and found that one of the parties involved had left prior to their arrival. This matter is still under investigation.
On the morning of 12/30/24, Red Lake Falls City Maintenance requested assistance in getting a parked vehicle moved because it was obstructing snow removal efforts. A Red Lake County deputy located the owner and the vehicle was moved.
On the afternoon of 12/30/24, the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office reported they had arrested Jeremy Dean Brown (50) of Blackduck. Red Lake County held an active gross misdemeanor warrant for his arrest. Red Lake County placed a hold on Mr. Brown and Beltrami County will contact us again once he’s ready to be transported back to face the Red Lake County charges.
On the afternoon of 12/30/24, the Red Lake County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a possible sexual assault that occurred in the city of Red Lake Falls. Red Lake County law enforcement removed a juvenile female from their home and they were placed with another family member. Red Lake County Social Services is assisting, and the case remains under investigation.
On the morning of 12/31/24, a Red Lake County deputy assisted with a property exchange in the city of Red Lake Falls.
On the evening of 12/31/24, Rebecca Joann Spears (60) of Bemidji, was cited for speeding on Hwy. #59 south of Brooks.
On the morning of 01/01/25, the Red Lake County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a single-vehicle rollover crash on 340th Ave. in Equality Township. Red Lake County deputies, the Oklee Ambulance, the Oklee Fire Department and Minnesota State Patrol were dispatched to the scene. Both of the occupants in the vehicle were transported to the Sanford ER in Thief River Falls by the Oklee Ambulance The vehicle was severely damaged, and the Minnesota State Patrol is handling the crash investigation.
On the afternoon of 01/01/25, the Red Lake County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a disturbance at a Red Lake Falls Township residence. Red Lake County deputies responded and counseled two adults that were having a disagreement. One of the parties involved left the residence and the incident was mediated.
On the evening of 01/01/25, Donovan James Clifton (18), of Oklee was cited for misdemeanor illegal packaging of marijuana in a motor vehicle on CR. #1 east of Plummer.
In the early morning hours of 01/02/25, several vehicles were ticketed for violating the city of Red Lake Falls’ winter parking ordinance on Main Ave.
On the afternoon of 01/02/25, a Red Lake County resident reported a theft of a firearm. That report remains under investigation.
On the afternoon of 01/02/25, a Red Lake County deputy responded to a report of a disturbance at an apartment building in Red Lake Falls. It was discovered a male tenant was yelling loudly in their residence. They were counseled and no further action was taken.
Mitch Bernstein, Red Lake County Sheriff: 01/03/25