Crime

Apparent murder-suicide under investigation in International Falls

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. — An apparent murder-suicide is being investigated in International Falls. At 4:40 a.m. Friday, a Koochiching County Sheriff’s Office deputy was on routine patrol when he noted a vehicle running in the driveway of a residence in the 4100 block of Highway 11, according to a news release Saturday. The deputy was aware of a protection order…

Patient assaults staff with hypodermic needle at Essentia Health Virginia

VIRGINIA, Minn. — A woman has been charged after she allegedly assaulted nursing staff, a physician, and a police officer with a hypodermic needle. According to officials, on Wednesday at 8:25 p.m. Police repsonded to reports of a patient assaulting staff  at the Essentia Health–Virginia Hospital Upon arrival, Officers found the patient and physically struggled with her to gain control…

Senior living staff member accused of stealing nearly $10,000 from vulnerable adult

Investigation implied alleged theft was discovered because the alleged perpetrator took a leave of absence

CHISHOLM, Minn. — A Minnesota Department of Health investigation found a worker at Aspen Grove Alternative Senior Living in Chisholm allegedly stole nearly $10,000 from a resident. The health department’s initial investigation said, “The alleged perpetrator (AP) financially exploited the resident when she used the resident’s bank card over a period of nine months for her own personal use. Between…

Former Duluth Police Lieutenant suing the city claiming Whistleblower retaliation

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Duluth Police Lieutenant David Drozdowski has filed a 43-page lawsuit against the city of Duluth. His lawsuit claims, “After Mike Ceynowa was named Police Chief and Mayor Roger Reinert was elected to lead the City of Duluth, Lt. Drozdowski saw a shift in the department’s culture and officer misconduct. He became aware of an increase in…

7 Minnesotans sentenced for fentanyl trafficking

DULUTH, Minn. —  Seven Minnesotans have been sentenced for trafficking thousands of fentanyl pills into the state, including four people from the Northland. According to court documents, Latre Lamont Anderson, Khianna Rose Clark-Strong, Jacquez O’Neal Fondern, Rozell Antonio Grainger, Issac Oneal Maiden, Olivia Mae Erin Martineau-Johns and Jeremy James Nelson-Caban, Jr. were members of a drug trafficking organization responsible for…

Insurance company gets stay in federal lawsuit for Lutsen Lodge fire payout

Lutsen Lodge Fire LUTSEN, Minn. – A federal judge has stopped a federal lawsuit over insurance payouts for the Lutsen Lodge Fire until a state criminal case is done. In January 2026, North Shore Resort Company, the company that owns Lutsen Lodge, sued Owners Insurance Company. Owners Insurance Company would not pay the insurance claims from the fire that destroyed the…

East Range Police Sergeant suddenly passes away

Sergeant Siebert and K9 Tac HOYT LAKES, Minn. – East Range Police say K9 Sergeant Cody Siebert suddenly passed away. In an announcement East Range Police said, “less than 24 hours after being diagnosed with a brain infection” Sergeant Siebert passed away. He previously worked in Babbitt. Statement from East Range Police: It is with an extremely heavy heart we…

Sexual Assault investigation between students at Bay View Elementary in Proctor

Proctor Public Schools logo PROCTOR, Minn. – Proctor Public Schools Superintendent Tim Rohweder has sent a note to parents about a sexual assault investigation at Bay View Elementary School. Rohweder’s message: As Superintendent of Proctor Public Schools, I want to inform our Bay View Elementary families of a serious matter that has been brought to our attention. The district has…

City of Superior appeal’s judge ruling in DoorDash tasing case

Image from Body camera video of Ian Cuypers confrontation (February 28, 2024) SUPERIOR, Wis. – The City of Superior is appealing a judge’s “summary judgment” issued in Mid-February in the case of a DoorDash driver being tased. The incident happened back in February of 2024. A federal judge ruled that Superior Police Officer Taylor Gaard violated the Fourth Amendment Rights…

Duluth Schools Superintendent court filing points to ICE vehicle ‘near’ school

John Magas DULUTH, Minn. – A statement from Duluth Schools Superintendent John Magas filed in federal court points out one specific incident of ICE officers near a Duluth School. Magas’s filling reads, “On December 19, 2025, an ICE vehicle was observed near one of our high schools for approximately an hour. The school district received a call from community members…

Texas grand jury rejects indictments in deadly shooting of US citizen by federal immigration agent

US Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent badge (AP) – A grand jury on Wednesday rejected indictments over the fatal shooting last year of a U.S. citizen by a federal immigration agent during a traffic encounter in Texas, prosecutors said. The shooting of Ruben Ray Martinez on March 15, 2025, by a Homeland Security Investigations agent wasn’t publicly disclosed by the Department…

Prosecutors charge Wisconsin legislator with misdemeanor after blowup over Hispanic resolution

Representative Sylvia Ortiz-Velez MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Prosecutors charged a Wisconsin legislator with disorderly conduct Wednesday in connection with a feud over who was involved with drafting resolutions honoring Hispanics last year. Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez, a Milwaukee Democrat, faces up to 90 days in jail if she’s convicted in Milwaukee County Circuit Court. Online court records didn’t list an attorney for her…

Wrong-way driver was intoxicated in crash that killed Duluth musician Todd Eckart

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis. – Final autopsy results are revealing what contributed to a double-fatal, wrong-way crash in Douglas County that killed well-known Northland entertainer Todd Eckart. Authorities conclude alcohol was in the system of the wrong-way driver. The crash happened during the afternoon hours of Oct. 22, 2025, near Highway 53 and Kent Road in Hawthorne. Eckart, 61, of Duluth,…

Woman pleads guilty to shooting at Hells Angels Clubhouse

Adrien Marie Gunderson VIRGINIA, Minn. – A Forbes, Minnesota woman has plead guilty to shooting at the Hells Angels Clubhouse in Eveleth. The St. Louis County Attorney’s Office says Adrien Marie Gunderson, 40, pleaded guilty to Felony Drive by Shooting Toward Occupied Building.  The plea agreement means she will likely be sentenced to at least 50-months in prison. Gunderson admitted…

Hoyt Lakes man pleads guilty to multiple sexual assaults of child and child pornography

Robert Allan Hannu DULUTH, Minn. – Robert Allan Hannu, 60, of Hoyt Lakes has pled guilty in two criminal cases against him. Hannu pled guilty to four counts of sexual contact with a minor between 13 and 15-years-old.  Hannu met the teen on social media.  The victim says they told Hannu about their depression and anxiety.  Hannu allegedly told the victim…

Update: Duluth police officer accidentally stabbed while attempting to arrest suspect

UPDATE: The man involved in a scuffle with Duluth police over the weekend will not be charged with assaulting a police officer. Upon further investigation, the 22-year-old suspect did not intentionally stab the officer, as first reported by the Duluth Police Department Sunday. The suspect had a knife on him, which accidentally stabbed the officer while the suspect was resisting…

Registered Predatory Offender pleas guilty to new charge of sexually abusing child

Matthew Steven Tourigny DULUTH, Minn. – Matthew Steven Tourigny, 39, of Britt pleaded guilty to First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct on February 20, 2026. St. Louis County Attorney Kim Maki says during the plea hearing, Tourigny admitted that he sexually assaulted a child under the age of 14 between October 2021 and December 2024. In addition, Tourigny also admitted to…

Registered Predatory Offender accused of recording self sexually abusing child

Benjamin Peterson TWO HARBORS, Minn. – A man is accused of sexually abusing a young child and recording at least one incident.  Charging documents says law enforcement was tipped off to “Child Sex Abuse Material” being discovered on Benjamin William Peterson’s cloud account. Peterson’s charging documents say he is currently a “Registered Predatory Offender”. The indictment says investigators found a…

New Mexico reopens investigation into alleged illegal activity at Epstein’s former Zorro Ranch

FILE – Documents that were included in the U.S. Department of Justice release of the Jeffrey Epstein files are photographed Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico’s attorney general has reopened an investigation into allegations of illegal activity at Jeffrey Epstein ’s former Zorro Ranch. Attorney General Raúl Torrez’s office made the announcement Thursday, saying the decision…

Father, daughter arrested in separate DWI incidents at same scene

Jason Ray Jacobs WHITE TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Minnesota State Troopers say at 9:35 am on the morning of February 18, 202,6 they spotted a vehicle weaving within traffic lines.  Troopers began to watch the vehicle and noticed it was driving on the center line of County Road 100 in White Township, near Aurora.  The vehicle continued to weave and then…

Duluth police reveal new evidence in Feb. 10 fatal shootings

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth police released new information Wednesday involving two fatal shootings that occurred Feb. 10. Investigators with the Duluth Police Department said they have additional evidence to connect the two incidents. Screen grab of dashcam video from Feb 10, 2026 Deputy Involved Shooting. After the PIT maneuver as deputies approach vehicle According to the department’s public information officer,…

Meth and crack drug bust in Cohasset

Kenneth Smith COHASSET, Minn. – The Aitkin-Itasca-Mille Lacs Violent Crimes Enforcement Team says they made a drug bust in Cohasset. The Grand Rapids Police Department worked with the Itasca County Sheriff’s Office to arrest Kenneth Dean Smith, 62, of Shakopee. Law Enforcement says they were tipped off that Smith was in the area and had numerous active warrants for his…

Video of fatal deputy-involved shooting in Duluth released

DULUTH, Minn. – Body and dashcam videos were released Tuesday showing the moments that lead up to a fatal deputy-involved shooting in Duluth Feb. 10 that killed 30-year-old Donald Felver III. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office said a deputy spotted Felver driving erratically near the intersection of Grand Avenue and Central Avenue. The pursuit ultimately ended in the 7900…

Dashcam and bodycam video released from deadly deputy-involved shooting

Screen grab of dashcam video from Feb 10, 2026 deputy involved shooting – After the PIT maneuver as deputies approach vehicle DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office has released video from the body-worn cameras and squad video (dash cam) from the deadly deputy-involved shooting on February 10, 2026. The video shows the chase, crash, and exchange of…

Iron Range Man accused of having sex with young teen after meeting on Snapchat

Tyler Edmundson TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Tyler Edmundson, 22, of Virginia, Minnesota is accused of having sexual contact with a young teen that he met on Snapchat. Charging documents accuse Edmundson of driving to meet the girl and her friend in Lake County.  In October 2025 Edmundson allegedly drove the three to Duluth and back.  The friend was then dropped-off…

Body of man found near trail in Koochiching County

The Koochiching County Sheriff’s Office located the body of a missing man Monday afternoon. Authorities believe the body is that of Mark A. Rood. His body was found about 60 feet from a trail near Highway 11 and Tilson Bay. Authorities said the recent warm temperatures and rain help in the search efforts. The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office is investigating…

BCA: The FBI will not provide Minnesota evidence into the shooting death of Alex Pretti

A photo of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer over the weekend, is displayed at the shooting scene Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, in Minneapolis. ST. PAUL, Min. – Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans released a statement February 16, 2026: The FBI formally notified the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) on…

BCA identifies Duluth man, deputies involved in fatal traffic stop

Sheriff, police chief believe man killed in deputy shootout is homicide suspect from earlier shooting

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has identified a Duluth man and two deputies involved in a fatal use-of-force incident Feb. 10. The man is identified as Donald Felver III, 30, of Duluth. The BCA said Felver shot at deputies during a pursuit before deputies returned fire, killing Felver. The BCA’s crime scene investigators said they…

Nursing Assistant accused of sexually abusing patient

DULUTH, Minn. – A Department of Health and Human Services report says a nursing assistant sexually abused a patient at Benedictine Health Center. It happened on October 22, 2025.  The report says the nursing assistant exposed his genitals to the patient. The report said that upon learning of the incident, the Director of Nursing interviewed the nursing assistant.  The nursing…

Cell service restored following fiber optic issue in St. Louis County

UPDATE: According to officials, cell service has been restored after a fiber-optic issue on Thursday. DULTUH, Minn. – St. Louis County has been made aware of a fiber optic issue causing sporadic impacts to cellular coverage in areas of the County. The Sheriff’s Office says identified areas include parts of Duluth, Hermantown, Hwy 53 corridor to Virginia and west to Hibbing….

Sheriff, police chief believe Duluth homicide suspect was killed in officer-involved shooting

DULUTH, Minn. – New details were released Wednesday involving two fatal shooting investigations in Duluth that unfolded Tuesday, just hours apart from each other. Investigators first believed the two shootings were not related. But after further investigating, St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay and Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa do believe they are connected, with the victim and suspect dead….

Protesters in multiple states press Target to oppose the immigration crackdown in Minnesota

FILE – U.S. Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino walks through a Target store Jan. 11, 2026, in St. Paul, Minn. NEW YORK (AP) — Activists planned protests at more than two dozen Target stores around the United States on Wednesday to pressure the discount retailer into taking a public stand against the 5-week-old immigration crackdown in its home state of Minnesota. ICE…

Man accused of breaking into apartment through window and sexually assaulting resident

Shawn Jacob Neveaux DULUTH, Minn. – A man is accused of breaking into an apartment through a window and later sexually assaulting a person inside. Court documents accuse Shawn Jacob Neveaux and another unknown male of climbing through a window at the Garfield Square Apartments.  That’s near the intersection of Piedmont Avenue, Garfield Avenue, and W. Superior Street.  It allegedly…

Police release name of victim in fatal Piedmont Avenue shooting

  DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Police Department has released the name of the victim in Tuesday’s fatal shooting. According to officials, the victim was 33-year-old Darius Handy of Duluth. The fatal shooting occurred in the 400 block of Piedmont Avenue, where officers found one man dead from apparent gunshot wounds, according to a news release. It is believed by…

Fatal officer-involved shooting temporarily closes portion of Grand Avenue

80th Ave. West and Grand Avenue late Tuesday night. Courtesy: Kyle Langlee UPDATE: A portion of Grand Avenue is closed on Wednesday morning following an officer-involved shooting that left one dead. According to officials, the closure is from 78th Avenue West to 83rd Avenue West as they continue to investigate. The closure is expected to last for a few hours.  DULUTH,…

Duluth police investigate fatal shooting

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth police are investigating a fatal shooting in the 400 block of Piedmont Avenue. When officers arrived, they located one male deceased from apparent gunshot wounds, according to a news release. “This remains an active and ongoing investigation and no further information will be released at this time. We encourage the public to stay away from the…

Lawyer: DoorDash driver tased has had ‘profound negative mental and emotional effect’

Image from Body Camera video of Ian Cuyper confrontation (February 28, 2024) SUPERIOR, Wis. – A federal judge has ruled when a Superior Police officer tased a DoorDash driver about two years ago it was a violation of the driver’s constitutional rights. The incident happened during a traffic stop on the evening of February 28, 2024.  Superior Police Officer Taylor…

Minneapolis man accused of cyberstalking, threatening ICE supporter amid crackdown in Minnesota

Kyle Wagner Arrest MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minneapolis man was arrested Thursday after federal prosecutors said he made online threats against Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and against a person who supported ICE during the federal crackdown in Minnesota. Kyle Wagner, 37, is charged in a criminal complaint with violating cyberstalking and interstate communications laws for allegedly using his Instagram account…

Judge rules Superior Police Officer violated DoorDash driver’s rights when tasing him

Body cam video still of Ian Cuyper being tased SUPERIOR, Wis. – A federal judge ruled Superior Police Officer Taylor Gaard violated the Fourth Amendment Rights of Ian Cuypers when she deploying her taser on Cuypers’ lower back and legs.  The ruling was made in what is called a “summary judgment”. The incident happened during a traffic stop on the…

Republican candidate for Minnesota Governor suspends campaign after death of daughter

Minnesota Republican Party Logo DULUTH, Min. – Jeff Johnson, who is running for Governor of Minnesota, has suspended his campaign for governor. The Minnesota Republican Party released a statement saying they are, “heartbroken by the tragic loss of Dr. Jeff Johnson’s daughter, who was killed in a violent crime Saturday night in St. Cloud.” FOX 9 is reporting Dr. Johnson’s…

Two accused of $40,000+ precious metals scam

Aron Lee Melton AITKIN, Minn. –  Charging documents accuse Aron Lee Melton and Kristi Ann Fox of orchestrating a scheme to pass off counterfeit gold, silver and platinum bars as the real thing. Investigators say Melton and Fox marketed precious metals on Facebook Marketplace under the name “Collect Cadillac.”  Investigators say the alleged victim lost approximately $40,779. They said the…

Aitkin County Sheriff’s Office investigating possible gold and silver scam

AITKIN COUNTY, Minn. — The Aitkin County Sheriff’s office is investigating a possible gold and silver sales scam. Two individuals were arrested in connection to the investigation for “theft by swindle”. The individuals allegedly traded materials presented as gold or silver bars. The sheriff’s office warns the public to use caution when buying, selling, or trading gold or silver bars….

Caught Again: Man accidentally released from jail is back in custody

Michael Todd Hart DULUTH, Minn. – Jail records show Michael Todd Hart is back in custody after being accidentally released. On January 21, Hart was released from the Itasca County Jail.  Hart was the subject of a large manhunt when he walked away from the Northeast Regional Corrections Center (NERCC) approximately four months prior.  St. Louis County and Itasca County…

Woman sentenced to 3 years for holding ex-boyfriend captive for days

HIBBING, Minn. — An Iron Range woman has been sentenced for kidnapping and assaulting her ex-boyfriend. Shelly Jean Goerdt Shelly Jean Goerdt, 41, has been sentenced to 36 months or 3 years in prison for her role in the kidnapping. Officials say that on February 16, 2024,  Goerdt lured her ex-boyfriend into a home in Hibbing. Goerdt and her sister,…

Suspect in December officer-involved shooting found competent to stand trial

Dylan Wallace (Credit: Douglas County Sheriff’s Office) SUPERIOR, Wis. —  The suspect in a Dec. 7 officer-involved shooting has been found fit to stand trial. In a competency hearing on Thursday, court documents say that the judge declared Dylan Charles Edward Wallace to be presently competent. This means his trial will move forward. Wallace is being accused of shooting a…