2023
DATE: June 5, 2023
INCIDENT: Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash
CASE FILE: 23-001410
BY: Brian J. Wicke – Chief of Police
On June 5th, 2023, at approximately 3:20 p.m., officers of the South St. Paul Police Department responded to a report a two vehicle, head on crash on Concord Street South near Chestnut Street with multiple injuries.
Responding officers located the crash south of this intersection and through preliminary investigation, learned that a 55-year-old male from Oakdale, MN, was traveling northbound on Concord Street in a pickup truck when he was struck head on by a southbound minivan that had crossed into the northbound lane. The driver of this pickup suffered serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
Two passengers in the minivan were found to have critical injuries and were transported to an area hospital where one was later pronounced deceased. The second driver, a 53-year-old female from Menomonie, WI, was taken into custody on probable cause criminal vehicular operation and transported to an area hospital for treatment. It is believed alcohol impairment played a role in this crash.
An investigation into this death is being conducted by the South St. Paul Police Department, the Minnesota State Patrol, and the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office. The South Metro Fire Department and M Health Fairview assisted with this crash.
DATE: November 24, 2023
INCIDENT: Death Investigation
CASE FILE: 23003002
BY: Brian J. Wicke – Chief of Police
On November 24th, 2023 at approximately 4:50 p.m., officers of the South St. Paul Police Department responded to a report of shots fired in the 400 block of 3rd Avenue South. Upon arrival, responding officers located an adult male laying near the shoulder of the road with apparent gun shot wound(s) to the upper torso. Responding officers, along with staff from the South Metro Fire Department provided emergency medical aid on scene and transported the victim to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
Investigators with the South St. Paul Police Department, assisted by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, are currently working to determine the circumstances that led to this death, who is responsible and to collect any surveillance video that could help determine what happened.
An autopsy to determine the exact cause of death and identification of the deceased will be conducted by the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the South St. Paul Police Department at (651) 554-3300.
DATE: November 30, 2023
INCIDENT: House Explosion / Death Investigation
CASE FILE: 23003054
BY: Brian J. Wicke – Chief of Police | Mark Juelfs – South Metro Fire Chief
On November 30th, 2023, at approximately 6:20 a.m., responders with the South Metro Fire Department and the South St. Paul Police Department responded to a reported home explosion in the 1200 block of 9th Avenue South. Upon arrival, responders found a residential property with significant structural damage that was fully engulfed in flames. As the South Metro Fire Department worked to extinguish the fire, one person was located inside deceased. At this time, the identity, age, or sex of the deceased is unknown.
Staff with the South Metro Fire Department will remain on scene through the day overhauling the scene and searching for any additional victims.
An investigation into the cause and origin of the fire, as well as cause and manner of death is being conducted by the South St. Paul Police Department, South Metro Fire Department and the Minnesota State Fire Marshall’s Office.
An autopsy to determine the exact cause and manner of death, including identification of the deceased will be conducted by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the South St. Paul Police Department at (651) 413-8300.