A look at the November law enforcement log

The Cook County Sheriff’s Office shares a brief report of calls made to the Cook County Law Enforcement Center throughout the month with WTIP Community Radio. WTIP requested more information on a number of the incidents logged by law enforcement dispatchers in November 2020.

Information on those incidents is recorded here, but there are dozens of other calls logged, for traffic stops; business and residence checks; medical calls; crank or misdialed 911 calls, and much more.

In addition to the calls recorded here, there were dozens of business and residence checks; traffic stops; medical calls; crank or misdialed 911 calls, and more.

November 1
1:31 a.m. A page went out to the Lutsen Fire Department, reporting smoke filling a hallway in one of Caribou Highlands buildings. The first responders on the scene located the source of the smoke, a fire in the far end of the building. A fire extinguisher was used to douse the flames and by 1:46 a.m. flames were extinguished, but the facility was filled with “billowing smoke.” Lutsen firefighters used their equipment to vent the smoke from the building.
5:53 a.m. Two calls came in reporting a tree blocking part of Devil Track Road.
8:04 a.m. There was a report of a large pine tree blocking both lanes of Trout Lake Road, about ¾ mile in from County Road 14. The US Forest Service was contacted and no one will be able to clear the tree until tomorrow. A deputy placed caution tape on the tree.
9:22 a.m. A report was made of a spruce tree blocking South Caribou Drive, about 500 yards in from the Caribou Trail.
10:20 a.m. A party at the Grand Portage Lodge & Casino called to give a second-hand report that an employee threatened to kill someone. The sheriff’s office spoke with the party who said they did not mean what they said.
10:30 a.m. There was a call reporting a broken-down vehicle on West Highway 61. It has a smoking radiator.
12:00 p.m. A party called to report a tortoiseshell cat hanging around the neighborhood. The caller will take care of the cat for a little while and asked the sheriff’s office to let anyone who reports it missing know where it is. The owner was found and claimed the cat.
8:45 p.m. A party in Grand Marais called to report a verbal domestic with a partner. The party found a place to stay for the night.

November 2
11:12 a.m. A party called to report that someone was slandering them over the internet. The party was given information on obtaining a restraining order.
11:27 a.m. A party in Grand Portage called to report that his car had been egged. This followed the theft of his Trump sign.
12:32 p.m. There was a report of a possible injured hawk on West Highway 61. The call was transferred to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
2:05 p.m. A caller reported that the US Forest Service burn pile had jumped across the road at the Caribou Trail gravel pit. Lutsen and Tofte Fire Departments, and the US Forest Service were paged. The first responders were on scene at 2:19 p.m. The Forest Service asked the fire departments to hold off and monitor the fire until they arrived. The fire was extinguished by 3:17 p.m.
4:45 p.m. A rollover crash was reported on West Highway 61, just inside Lake County. A white SUV rolled and landed upright about 30-40 feet off the highway. The driver is out of the vehicle but appears to be disoriented. Tofte and Schroeder fire departments and Silver Bay Ambulance responded.
5:45 p.m. A motorist called from the Tofte Holiday to report hitting a deer by Temperance River Road.

November 3
8:45 a.m. A semi driver on East Highway 61 blew a tire and needed a ride to Grand Portage. Party was dropped off safely.
9:04 a.m. A party called from Lutsen to report that their political signs were stolen from their yard. They were a Biden/Harris sign, a Black Lives Matter sign, and another BLM-related sign. No surveillance or suspects.
11:23 a.m. A party called from Lutsen to report a dispute with his road association. He is not using the road this winter and believes he does not have to pay the maintenance fees as his agreement was based on the amount he uses the road. His neighbor told him he cannot cross his property or he will be charged with trespassing. The sheriff’s office told the man that he would not be charged, as this is a civil matter.
12:52 p.m. Cook County was asked to assist with the apprehension of a party wanted for a third-degree criminal sexual conduct charge. The sheriff’s office was unable to locate the individual but will keep an eye out.
2:06 p.m. A party from Grand Portage called for assistance in getting an unwanted party to leave.
3:24 p.m. A party in Grand Marais called to report that her son was driving a four-wheeler and a juvenile neighbor threw a bike in front of them. They swerved to miss it and fell off. The son had some minor injuries.
7:50 p.m. A party called from Grand Marais to report that someone egged his car and popped two tires on his car.

November 4
6:59 a.m. A call was received from a residence in Grand Marais about a neighbor leaving trash outside in their yard. The caller wanted to know if there was an ordinance against leaving the garbage out. Cook County advised the party to contact the City of Grand Marais.
7:02 a.m. The party wanted in Aitkin County was located and arrested.
8:13 a.m. The sheriff’s office received a second call from a party in Grand Marais reporting trash in her neighbor’s yard. The party said she had talked to the city and was told the trash was in violation of a public nuisance ordinance. A deputy advised the neighbor of the ordinance, who said the bags were recycling. They said earlier a bear got in their garbage, but they had cleaned it up.
11:04 a.m. A caller in Grand Marais reported a gas leak in the basement of their building. The Grand Marais Fire Department and Grand Marais PUC responded. Power was shut off and the building was aired out. The parties were advised to call their propane service company.
11:55 a.m. A monthly countywide pager test was conducted.
2:28 p.m. A driver called to advise that there is no fire number at a residence in Grand Marais. The sheriff’s office will advise emergency management in case they want to contact the property owner about putting up house numbers.

November 5
1:06 a.m. A motorist called to report hitting a deer. No one is hurt and the driver said they hit the head/antlers of the deer, so they think it is uninjured. The vehicle lost its driver side mirror. They said there is no need for a deputy, but they wanted to report it for insurance purposes.
1:11 a.m. A DNR Conservation Officer called to ask for assistance with an animal on County Road 14.
7:23 a.m. A party called to report that a male party is on their private beach. They said they talked to the man and said he wasn’t leaving. The sheriff’s office checked the county plat map and it shows that the beach is state land. The reporting party said she has a property deed that shows she owns the property. They are going to clarify that with the county recorder’s office. A deputy told the man that he could be on the property for now, but that may change.
10:10 a.m. A caller reported a yellow lab wearing a pink collar running loose on East Highway 61. Cook County is not familiar with this dog. The reporting party got back to the sheriff’s office to say someone picked up the dog.
3:49 p.m. A party reported a red car parked on 4th Avenue West with a light on top of the vehicle, pretending to use radar. A deputy checked and the party is working for MnDOT and the Safe Routes to School program. They were tracking speeds with a handheld radar and laptop.
4:35 p.m. A party called to report a friend who is possibly suicidal. The party has been drinking and threatening self-harm. Cook County attempted to locate the individual’s cell phone. The party was found and taken to North Shore Health for an evaluation. It was determined they were not a threat to himself and released. A friend will stay with them overnight.

November 6
5:18 a.m. A motorist reported that there was a dead deer in the southbound lane on East Highway 61. A deputy removed the deer from the highway.
1:35 p.m. A party called to ask where he can ride an ORV in the county.
3:01 p.m. A party in Grand Marais called to report a dispute over some weapons. The party was told it was a civil matter.
5:23 p.m. A caller reported that his three deer stands have gone missing.

November 7
1:13 a.m. Cook County was asked to assist the Lake County Sheriff’s Office with pursuit with a vehicle that would not stop. See the WTIP story on the subsequent crash here.
2:15 p.m. A party in Grand Marais reported that their teenage daughters were getting threatening messages from people, two online and one in person. The in-person comments came from two older males and an older female. They are unknown to the girls. The parties told the girls to “go back where they came from.”
2:30 p.m. A party in Grand Marais called to ask for help getting their truck back. The party who has it had permission to take it, but was not back when expected. Cook County advised that this was a civil matter as they initially gave the person permission to take the truck.
2:55 p.m. A DNR Conservation Officer called to report a pickup that tried to make a U-turn and got stuck on East Highway 61. They are waiting for a tow.
6:26 p.m. A caller in Grand Marais reported that they have a stray cat in her house. She cannot keep the cat and asked if a deputy could come with a carrier to get the cat. The cat was put in the pound and Arrowhead Animal Rescue was notified.

November 8
11:23 a.m.
A vehicle was found on the powerline on East Highway 61, apparently abandoned.

November 9
1:54 a.m. Cook County received a Life Alert notice. A deputy started to respond, but the neighbor who was also contacted arrived and the party is okay.
8:58 a.m. A party in Grand Marais reported the theft of an Evinrude 15-horse power, short shaft, boat motor.
9:40 a.m. A party found a dead deer on the side of the road. They were given a possession permit.

November 10
5:52 a.m. A party called to report receiving an online message about a domestic abuse situation in Grand Portage. A male party was arrested and taken to Cook County Jail.
7:00 a.m. There was a report of a tree down on Croftville Road, fully across the road. Cook County Highway Department cut up the tree and removed it.
7:39 a.m. A party in Grand Marais called to report that their neighbor’s dog comes and fights with their dog. The dog has had fur ripped out during fights. A deputy talked to the neighbor who said she has an electric fence to keep the dogs in, but sometimes they go outside of it. The deputy advised that she closely monitor the dogs to avoid civil actions.
10:38 a.m. The victim in the earlier domestic disturbance in Grand Portage was involved in a disagreement with a family member of the individual arrested. A deputy responded and the parties said it was a misunderstanding and things are fine.
1:18 p.m. A party on East Highway 61 reported that the fire number on their property had been spray painted white. It just seems suspicious.
3:21 p.m. A report was made of a lost cat. It is white with a little bit of brown and gray. He is about a year old. The owner put a notice on Facebook but wanted to let the sheriff’s office now in case anyone found him.
3:22 p.m. There was a call for help regarding an unwanted person in Grand Portage. The party was saying inappropriate things in front of young children. The party called back at 3:53 p.m., the person left. They will call back if the person comes back.
7:42 p.m. A party called from Lutsen asking for a welfare check on a possibly suicidal person. Deputies spoke to the individual and they were transported to North Shore Health.

November 11
6:51 a.m. A motorist called to report a deer that needed to be dispatched on East Highway 61. The deer was dispatched and a deer possession tag was issued.
9:36 a.m. A party on Coyote Ridge reported a lot of smoke at their address. A deputy located the source of the fire, which is a large burn pile on the lakeside of Highway 61. A family member of the person who started the fire is there now and will attend to the fire. A second fire was seen on East Rosebush Road, but the resident is out with the fire. There is enough snow on the ground that a permit is not needed.
10:39 a.m. A party on East Highway 61 reported smelling smoke in her home but does not see flames. Grand Marais and Maple Hill Fire Departments were paged, Grand Marais responded to find that light refracted off of something in the house and started a cardboard box on the kitchen table on fire. There was a 3”x3” burn hole in the box. Responders were clear of the scene by 11:17 a.m.
1:32 p.m. There was a call from Grand Portage about an unwanted person at a residence. A deputy arrived and the party was cooperative. A deputy gave the person a ride to another relative’s house.
3:15 p.m. A DNR Conservation Officer reported a party pulling a kayak on the highway. The party said they had gone in the ditch. They were trying to get to Canada. Cook County helped the party get some food and a place to stay for the night.

November 12
8:17 a.m. A drug incident was logged as a sheriff’s office staffer took the “Take Back Drugs Day” to Alexandria to be disposed of.
12:47 p.m. A party came into the law enforcement center to state he was just refused service because he wouldn’t wear a mask. The party said he has a respiratory disability so he can’t wear a mask, so the business cannot discriminate against him because of the Americans with Civil Disabilities Act. The party was informed that the business does not have to let him in the building, but they have to accommodate him. The party was told that he can order online. There was nothing criminal in what happened, but if he wanted to try civil action, he would need to contact an attorney.
4:21 p.m. A party on East Highway 61 asked for help getting a person to leave their house. They were supposed to be staying there temporarily. Cook County explained that they would have to go through the eviction process.
4:27 p.m. A party in Grand Portage made a report of past criminal sexual conduct.
7:39 p.m. A party in Grand Marais reported that two parties have been harassing them, driving by cursing and yelling at him and telling him to go to The Point to fight. The party was advised to ignore them or get a restraining order.
7:29 p.m. A motorist reported hitting a deer by Cascade. There were no human injuries and the deer is dead and off the road.

November 13
10:40 a.m. A party called to request a possession permit for a road-killed deer.
1:19 p.m. A party called to report a deer needing to be dispatched on the upper side of Highway 61.
1:41 p.m. The Grand Portage Tribal Council contacted the sheriff’s office with a concern about how an unwanted tenant call was handled. The council was informed that the property owner needs to follow the eviction process. The Tribal Council found another place for the party to stay.
5:58 p.m. A party called for her neighbor, who was concerned because an elderly family member had driven to Silver Bay to pick up medicine and had not returned yet. The neighbor was confused about the time the party left. The family member arrived home safely at 6:15 p.m. The neighbor thanked the sheriff’s office for the help.
6:23 p.m. Grand Portage Public Health called asking for assistance in getting two unwanted parties to leave a home. A deputy arrived and told the parties they need to leave. They were cooperative. One party was given a citation for driving after revocation because they drove there.

November 14
11:51 a.m. There was a report of a boat partially sunk at a boat landing at Way of the Wilderness on the Gunflint Trail. The sheriff’s office talked to the registered owner and they said removing the boat is on their list of things to do today.
3:30 p.m. A welfare check was requested for a party in Grand Marais. Family members and friends both expressed concern about this person. The sheriff’s office was unable to locate the party but left messages to let the party know they are not in trouble, people are just worried.

November 15
12:14 a.m. A party called from East Highway 61 reporting a vehicle stuck on some rocks on East Highway 61. North Coast Towing responded and called back at 1:31 a.m. to say the job was done.
8:13 a.m. A party called to say they were stuck on a road off of the Temperance River Road, about 12 miles in. The call was transferred to Lake County as the call came from just west of Hare Lake in that county.
4:25 p.m. A caller asked if the sheriff’s office could contact a sibling to let them know that a family member is dying. The party was found and the message delivered.
8:50 p.m. A caller from Minneapolis asked for a welfare check on a family member at a cabin on Sag Lake Trail. The party was located and they were fine. They were leaving tomorrow.

November 16
7:37 a.m. A caller requested a welfare check on a man hitchhiking on West Highway 61, wearing a dark coat and pants. The caller said the party looked cold. A deputy patrolled the Lutsen area and was unable to find the party.

November 17
11:41 a.m. A two-vehicle accident was reported on West Highway 61. A motorist in a 2018 Nissan Rogue attempted to pass a dump truck and they collided. No injuries were reported.
12:44 p.m. A deputy found a collie/lab mix dog in the road by the hospital. The dog’s name is Ember. A passerby assisted with locating the owner.
1:37 p.m. There was a report of a 1998 Dodge Stratus going off the road on East Highway 61. It was not known if there were injuries. When emergency responders arrived on the scene the driver said they were okay.
2:58 p.m. A party found an injured hawk on East Highway 61. The call was transferred to the Minnesota DNR.
6:28 p.m. A party in Grand Marais called to report that a friend was having suicidal ideation. While on the phone, the party got a text message from the friend saying they were sorry. A deputy found the party and let the caller know they were okay.

November 18
7:28 a.m. A motorist reported a Bison truck possibly broken down. The semi driver was trying to wave down traffic. A deputy checked on the driver. They locked their keys in the cab with the truck running. The driver called a locksmith.
1:20 p.m. A party in Hovland reported harassment while running his sled dog team. A deputy located the driver who had allegedly swerved at the musher. The driver denied swerving but said he had yelled at the party as he thinks it is unsafe to run dogs on that road.
3:05 p.m. A party in Grand Portage flagged down a deputy with concerns about someone starting fires in their apartment. The party made some delusional claims. Grand Portage Human Services was contacted. They have been working with the party.
3:13 pm. A deputy checked on a vehicle with a flat tire on the Gunflint Trail.

November 19
11:27 a.m. A party called from Grand Marais asking if a person can be fined if they walk with a friend, outside and with a mask. Cook County advised that they would not be arrested.
11:43 a.m. A caller in Grand Marais reported that they had been taken for fraud regarding a grandson. The party had received a call from someone claiming to be his grandson and requesting money. The reporting party sent a significant amount of money to a Pennsylvania address. The party said since then contact has been made with the grandson and all is well. Cook County attempted to contact the party who made the calls and the Pittsburgh police. The police were unable to locate the party and the information will go to their intelligence division to see if they can help.
4:49 p.m. A motorist reported seeing another vehicle hit a deer about five miles north of Grand Marais. The deer did not die. The caller would like to take the deer. Cook County contacted the MN DNR and they will respond.
6:43 p.m. A party in Grand Marais called to report seeing a beagle mix dog with a collar and a pink heart-shaped tag. Before they could read the tag, the dog ran off. The party wanted to share the information in case someone is looking for the dog.

November 20
11:52 a.m. A welfare check was requested for a person in Grand Portage who is in need of a psychological evaluation and medical attention. The party was transported to North Shore Health.
3:28 p.m. A party asked about the ownership of Harbor View Trail, a road in Grand Marais. He wanted to know if it was public or private land. He wants to walk the road but doesn’t want to trespass. The party was advised that he can walk on the road
3:40 p.m. A bus driver reported a vehicle pulling a trailer on the side of the road with a flat tire. When a deputy arrived, the vehicle was gone.
5:22 p.m. The hospital called the county to see if a party could get a ride home to Grand Portage.
6:07 p.m. A party on Pike Lake Road is towing a vehicle off of their property and asked if a deputy could be present as the owner of the vehicle owner is not being cooperative.

November 21
12:30 a.m. A party in Grand Marais called to report hearing arguing, with a good deal of swearing.
7:41 a.m. A motorist on West Highway 61 hit a deer. The deer is dead on the road.
9:01 a.m. A party reported a Chevy 3500 Silverado pickup in the ditch off of County Road 14. There were no injuries and North Coast Towing was contacted to tow the truck.
9:20 a.m. The salvage yard in Tofte reported the attempted theft of two tires.
2:25 p.m. A party came into the law enforcement center for a required alcohol breath test.
3:11 p.m. A Pike Lake property owner called to report the possible theft of a generator and some other items.
10:10 a.m. An emergency 9-1-1 call was received but the party hung up. A deputy stopped at two residences on County Road 7 and everything was fine. There were no signs of any problems anywhere in the area.
10:28 p.m. Another call came in and after listening it appeared to be a child messing with a phone.

November 22
1:53 a.m. A party came into the Law Enforcement Center to talk to a deputy about someone entering their house without permission. There was an altercation. The party just wanted this noted.
8:52 a.m. A caller reported that their neighbor’s dog, a black and white husky is running around loose in their yard. The party called back a few minutes later and said the dog’s owner had come and picked it up. The party said this happens often and wanted it reported.
2:36 p.m. There was a report of a Dodge van with North Dakota places stuck on the Gunflint Trail by the water tower. The van is partly on the road. When a deputy arrived on the scene, there were tire marks where the vehicle possibly had been.
3:19 p.m. A party reported a timber, about 2-foot by 2-foot by 25-foot on the Cramer Road. The party asked if they could take the timber to mill for themselves. They will hold as lost and found for a while.
3:57 p.m. A party reported hearing a domestic abuse situation in progress over the phone. It was determined that the situation was in Virginia, Minnesota and the call was transferred to St. Louis County.
5:51 p.m. A motorist called to report that East Highway 61 was getting really icy. Cook County notified Minnesota State Patrol. They will get MnDOT out on the road.
7:20 p.m. Another party called to report that Highway 61 is really slippery. The party is concerned that there will be some accidents tonight.
8:27 p.m. A party called to let the sheriff’s office know that their white Ford Focus was in the ditch on the Gunflint Trail. There were no injuries and the car is off the road. They will get it out tomorrow. A deputy will go by and put some caution tape on the vehicle. When the deputy arrived, the parties were pulling the car out. The deputy provided lights for safety.
8:46 p.m. A party called to let the sheriff’s office that an employee had gone in the ditch in a 2003 gold Toyota Highlander by Cliff Dweller in Tofte. There were no injuries and no damage and they will make arrangements to get it out of the ditch.

November 24
4:18 p.m. There was a report of a vehicle fire on East Highway 61.
7:00 p.m. Cook County dispatch received a crank 9-1-1 call from West Highway 61.

November 25
12:51 p.m. There was a report of a drug incident in Grand Marais. The possible involved parties were gone on arrival.
1:26 p.m. The sheriff’s office provided assistance in a child custody matter in Grand Marais.
4:37 p.m. The sheriff’s office provided assistance in another child custody matter in Grand Marais.

November 26
5:16 a.m. There was a report of a personal injury accident on the Caribou Trail in Lutsen.
11:03 a.m. A party reported a vehicle in the ditch on Cutoff Road in Grand Marais.
3:17 p.m. Two calls were received reporting a vehicle in the ditch on Onion River Road.

November 27
2:21 p.m. There was a request for help getting an unwanted person to leave in Grand Portage. The party was gone when a deputy arrived.

November 28
12:20 a.m. A caller reported a man walking on the west side of Highway 61 in Hovland, walking toward Grand Marais. The man is not wearing anything reflective and walking with his head down. A deputy drove through the area and did not locate the man.
3:16 p.m. A caller reported a car in the ditch on Lullaby Creek Road. No injuries, no medical needed. A tow was needed. The Cook County Highway Department was contacted to salt the road.
3:35 p.m. There was a strong odor of propane at the Grand Portage Trading Post by the propane tank filling station. Staff and customers exited the store. When emergency responders arrived, they did not see or smell any gas leaks. They checked the surrounding area and were unable to find the source of the smell. All parties were cleared.

November 29
10:45 a.m. A party in Grand Marais found a yellow lab overnight in Grand Marais. The reporting party has the dog at her house. Cook County contacted the possible owner, who confirmed it was his dog. He will go pick up the dog.
11:25 a.m. There was a report of a tree cracked at the base and hitting a power line. There are no flames, but the reporting party is concerned as it is by the woodshed. Grand Marais Public Utilities
11:40 a.m. A party reported a poplar tree about eight feet into the southbound lane of the Sawbill Trail. Cook County Highway Department was notified. The tree was cleared by 12:51 p.m.
12:17 p.m. Two callers reported a pine tree on a power line in Grand Marais. There are no sparks or flames. Grand Marais Public Utilities responded and cleared the tree.

November 30
7:47 a.m. A party called from East Highway 61 reporting a suspicious person hanging around. They asked if they could help the person and they said no, but they just keep hanging around. A deputy responded and found the individual talking on a cell phone. The person was advised to continue on their way.

WTIP Staff December 9, 2020