2024 Sheriff's Office Media Briefs

The following lists contain the most recent notable incidents and arrests provided to the news media. These reports are distributed and posted Monday through Friday, with the exception of major holidays when a significant incident occurs. There will not be media briefs every day. Incidents and arrests that occur over the weekend or on closed holidays are covered the following week.

December 3, 2024

Silver Creek Reservoir Rescue: On December 2, 2024, at approximately 8 p.m., Olmsted County deputies responded to the Silver Creek Reservoir located at 1800 55th Street Northeast in Haverhill Township for a report of two male subjects stuck on the ice. Two juvenile males went on the ice pulling a sled with gear and were approximately 150 yards from shore when the ice began to crack around them. Eyota Fire Department, Dover Fire Department, and Mayo Clinic Ambulance responded to the scene. The males were eventually rescued and brought to shore.

November 25, 2024

Pursuit and Arrest: On Friday, November 22, 2024, at approximately 12:25 p.m., Olmsted County deputies attempted to arrest Jaden Townsend, a 45-year-old male, for felony-level warrants. Deputies contacted Townsend, who was in a vehicle in a hotel parking lot. When deputies approached Townsend's vehicle, he backed into a squad car, then accelerated away, and deputies pursued him. Townsend began driving in the wrong lane against oncoming traffic during the pursuit. Deputies discontinued the pursuit. Deputies observed Townsend reenter the correct lane of travel, and deputies re-engaged in pursuit. Townsend attempted to make an evasive turn onto Highway 52 North at 55th Street when he struck a civilian's car. Deputies were then able to box in Townsends' vehicle and end the pursuit. Townsend and a passenger were taken into custody for their warrants and new charges. Mayo Clinic Ambulance responded to the scene for precautionary measures.

Fire: On November 25, 2024, at 2 a.m., Olmsted County deputies were dispatched to a residential fire in the 1800 block of 23rd Street Northwest in Byron, Minn. The homeowner called 911 and observed flames and smoke from within the home's walls near a wood-burning stove. Byron Fire Department and Kasson Fire Department arrived and extinguished the fire. The estimated damage to the residence is $100,000. No people or animals were injured by the fire.

November 4, 2024

Arrest: On November 1, 2024, at approximately 11:52 p.m., Olmsted County deputies initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for going 108 miles per hour in a 55 miles per hour zone in the 1700 block of Lake Shady Ave South near Oronoco. The driver, Daniel Outcalt, a 20-year-old male from Oronoco, Minn., showed signs of impairment and was arrested for suspicion of Driving While Impaired (DWI) and transported to the Adult Detention Center (ADC). At the ADC, Outcalt gave a breath test of .22 (nearly three times the legal limit). Outcalt was arrested for 3rd-degree DWI, speeding over 100 MPH, and Reckless Driving. There was also a passenger in the vehicle who was cited for Underage Consumption.

October 18, 2024

Fire: On October 17, 2024, at approximately 8:19 a.m., Olmsted County deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 2000 block of Bluebird Terrace Northwest in Stewartville, Minn., for a fire. Upon arrival, the residents, a 61-year-old male and a 65-year-old male, were escorted outside. Stewartville Fire Department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. Two mattresses were burned or partially burned, but no fire damage was done to the structure of the residence. The cause of the fire was determined to be a resident smoking in bed.

October 14, 2024

Arrest: On Friday, October 11, 2024, Olmsted County deputies arrested Levi Vivier, a 43-year-old male from Rochester, Minnesota, for 1st Degree of Criminal Sexual Conduct. The arrest is following an investigation where a minor-aged female reported being sexually assaulted on several occasions by Vivier in Olmsted County. The victim also stated that on at least one occasion, Vivier displayed a handgun, causing fear for the victim’s safety. Vivier is expected to be arraigned today.

September 24, 2024

DWI Investigation: On September 23, 2024, at approximately 10:45 p.m., Olmsted County deputies responded to the area of Buckridge Drive and Broadway Northeast in Rochester to assist with a traffic complaint. Dispatch gave out information about a wrong-way driver who was all over the road and, at times, in the ditch. Deputies located the vehicle running and in drive in the ditch. Deputies reported a male subject, 64 years old from Rochester, was unconscious in the driver’s seat. Deputies had to break a window to access the driver and render aid. The driver regained consciousness. The driver was transported to the hospital, and a search warrant was obtained to assist in a DWI investigation. Charges are pending the results of the investigation.

September 20, 2024

Suspicious Circumstances: On September 19, 2024, at approximately 11:16 a.m., members of the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office responded to the area of Byron High School for a report of a suspicious person near the school grounds. A staff member reported seeing an individual who is not associated with the school near the property, wearing all black and carrying a backpack. The subject was later located away from the school grounds and identified. It was determined that there was no threat to the school at any time.

September 16, 2024

Fire: On Sept. 15, 2024, at approximately 10 a.m., Olmsted County deputies were dispatched to an apartment fire in the 200 block of 6th Street Southeast in Stewartville, Minn. Upon arrival, deputies observed smoke coming from the roof of the building. Several occupants were outside the building. Deputies worked with Stewartville Fire to ensure all residents were out of the building. Stewartville Fire and Rescue was able to extinguish the fire and contain it to a single apartment. The State Fire Marshall responded and will investigate the cause of the fire. The Red Cross responded to check on the residents. No injuries were reported from any of the residents. The amount of damage from the fire is unknown at this time.

July 29, 2024

Arrest: On July 27, 2024, at approximately 7:28 p.m., Olmsted County deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 3100 block of Wellner Drive Northeast in Rochester, Minn. A deputy stopped the vehicle after learning that the driver did not have a valid driver’s license. The deputy observed drugs and drug paraphernalia in plain view. A search of the vehicle revealed 27.5 grams of cocaine. The driver, Jervontia Allen, a 30-year-old male from Rochester, was placed under arrest. Allen was transported to the Adult Detention Center, and charges were referred to the Olmsted County Attorney’s Office for Possession of a 3rd-Degree Controlled Substance, Cannabis not in Compliant Motor Vehicle Packaging, Driving After Cancelation - Inimical to Public Safety, and No Insurance.

July 15, 2024

Flee, Crash and DWI: On July 14, 2024, at approximately 2:10 a.m., Olmsted County deputies attempted to stop a vehicle for speeding in the area of Civic Center Drive Northwest near Highway 52. The Driver sped off, fleeing from one of the deputies. The deputy located the vehicle that crashed in the West Circle Drive Northwest area near the off-ramp from Highway 14. The vehicle had significant damage with airbag deployment. The driver, Anthony Thomas Jr., a 31-year-old male from Minneapolis, was non-compliant with deputies, refusing to follow lawful commands. Additional law enforcement responded and assisted in taking Thomas into custody. During the arrest, deputies observed that Thomas appeared impaired. Thomas had a passenger in the vehicle that was injured from the crash and was transported by ambulance to the hospital. Thomas refused to submit to Field Sobriety Testing (FST) at the scene of the crash. A search warrant was granted to collect a sample from Thomas suitable for testing. Thomas was transported to the hospital to be seen before being transported to the Adult Detention Center (ADC). Thomas has a prior felony conviction for DWI. Charges referred to the County Attorney’s Office for Criminal Vehicular Operation (CVO) Bodily Harm, 1st-Degree DWI, and 1st-Degree DWI Felony Flee in a Motor Vehicle.

July 5, 2024

Motor vehicle versus house crash: On July 4, 2024, at approximately 7:40 a.m., Olmsted County deputies responded to a vehicle versus residence crash in the 10000 block of County Road 1 Southeast in Pleasant Grove Township. The driver of the vehicle reported that she was distracted by her cell phone when she missed a curve in the roadway and drove off the road, ultimately striking the house. The house was occupied by three adults and a child at the time it was struck. The driver and an adult resident of the house sustained minor injuries. The extent of the damage to the house is unknown at this time. There were no indicators of impairment of the driver. The driver, a 32-year-old female from Spring Valley, Minn., was issued a citation for using a wireless device (cellphone) while driving and careless driving.

Motor vehicle versus garage crash: On July 3, 2024, at approximately 7:40 p.m., Olmsted County deputies responded to a vehicle versus attached garage crash in the 100 block of Madison Ave. in Eyota, Minn. Witnesses flagged down a deputy in the area after they observed a vehicle crash into a garage and the driver attempted to leave the scene. The deputy located the driver, Arturo Oropeza Jimenez, a 33-year-old male from Rochester, Minn., still seated in the driver’s seat of the vehicle. The deputy noticed signs of alcohol impairment and conducted a DWI investigation. The driver was ultimately arrested for DWI and transported to the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center, where he provided a breath test with a result of .12 BAC. The driver was evaluated at St. Mary’s Hospital and then returned to the detention center. Charges are being referred to the Olmsted County Attorney’s Office for 3rd-degree DWI, 5th-degree controlled substance possession, and driving after revocation. Damage was sustained to the garage and a vehicle parked inside, with an unknown loss at this time.

July 1, 2024

Update on July 2: The victim's name from the motorcycle accident that occurred on 06/30/24 is Cullen Rownd, a 20-year-old male from Rochester, Minn.

Fatal Crash: On June 30, 2024, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Olmsted County deputies responded to a single motorcycle crash in the area of Bamber Valley Road Southwest near Bamber Valley Hills Lane Southwest. When deputies arrived, they were advised by other motorcyclists that another rider who was with them sped northbound in front of them; they lost sight of him, and could not find him. Deputies were able to locate the motorcycle and victim in a tree line off the roadway. The victim, a 20-year-old male from Rochester, Minn., was unresponsive. Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service (MCAS) transported the victim to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. The name of the victim is being withheld at this time, pending next-of-kin notification. The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office extends its condolences to the victim's family and friends.

June 21, 2024

Assault: On June 20, 2024, at approximately 2:40 p.m., Olmsted County deputies responded to an assault call in the 2000 block of Osprey Place Northwest in the city of Stewartville. Deputies learned there was an ongoing verbal argument between two adults in the residence for some time. Then, a 16-year-old male came out of a bedroom and went to where the adults were arguing. The 16-year-old (suspect) produced a pocketknife and stabbed the male victim. The victim was stabbed twice in the upper body area. The victim, a male in his 40s, was transported by ambulance to the hospital. The injuries were described as non-life threatening. The suspect was arrested and transported to a Juvenile Detention Center. The suspect was charged with 2nd-degree assault with a deadly weapon and domestic assault.

June 20, 2024

Arrest: On June 19, 2024, at approximately 3 p.m., an Olmsted County Sheriff's Office deputy made a traffic stop at the intersection of Valleyhigh Road and West Circle Drive Northwest in Rochester, Minn. After initial contact was made with the driver and passenger, the driver of the vehicle, Christian Davis, a 22-year-old male from Rochester, exited the vehicle and fled on foot. The driver had initially given deputies a false name. Shortly after Davis fled the scene, other deputies, including a K9, arrived to assist in locating Davis. Davis was located and arrested without incident. Davis, who had multiple warrants from other counties for his arrest before the traffic stop, was transported to the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center. 

May 31, 2024

Drug Arrest: On May 31, 2024, at approximately 9 a.m., Olmsted County Sheriff's Office investigators followed up on a narcotics investigation with a search warrant of a residence in the 800 block of Diamond Ridge Lane Northwest in the city of Rochester. As a result, approximately 40 grams of crack cocaine and powder cocaine were located. Abdikadar Ali, a 25-year-old male from Rochester, was arrested. Charges were referred to the Olmsted County Attorney’s Office for the following: 1st-degree controlled substance sales, 2nd-degree controlled substance possession, 5th-degree controlled substance possession, and 5th-degree controlled substance sales.

May 28, 2024

Crash/DWI: On May 24, 2024, at approximately 1:24 a.m., Olmsted County deputies were dispatched to a crash in the 2400 Block of County Road 10, Northeast, in Quincy Township. Deputies located a single vehicle on its roof in the ditch, leaning against a power pole. Deputies and the Dover Fire Department searched the area extensively and could not locate anyone. The vehicle was towed from the scene, and a power company was called in to fix the power lines. At approximately 3 a.m., dispatch received a 911 call from an adult female stating she was in a rollover crash and woke up in a cornfield. The call originated in the same area as the crash. Deputies returned to the area and made contact with Kelly Mehrkens, a 26-year-old female from Stewartville, Minn. While speaking with Mehrkens, deputies determined she was under the influence of alcohol. Mehrkens was arrested for DWI and transported to the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center. During a search of Mehrkens, approximately nine grams of Amphetamine (a controlled substance) was located. Charges referred to the Olmsted County Attorney’s Office against Kelly for 3rd-degree alcohol, 3rd-degree test .08 or over, and 5th-degree controlled substance possession.

May 20, 2024

Theft: On May 17, 2024, at approximately 9:30 a.m., Olmsted County deputies responded to Douglas Trail entrance, 6644 75th Street Northwest in the Township of Kalmar for a theft. The victim reported that a window to her vehicle was broken, and her purse was stolen. Soon after, one of her credit cards was used at a local store.

May 13, 2024

DWI: On May 11, 2024, at approximately 12:15 a.m., Olmsted County deputies were dispatched to a crash with injuries in the 5400 block of Highway 52 Southeast in the Township of Marion. The investigation revealed the driver, later identified as James Benson, a 33-year-old male from Rochester, reportedly fell asleep while driving and crashed through a tree, a deck attached to a house, and then came to rest after hitting a parked truck. Impairment of Benson was suspected, and based on the investigation, he was arrested for 4th-degree DWI. No one was injured during the incident.

May 9, 2024

1st Degree DWI: On May 8, 2024, at approximately 11:55 p.m., Olmsted County deputies attempted to stop a vehicle near College View Drive Southeast and Highway 14 Southeast in Rochester for suspicion of Impaired Driving. The suspect failed to stop for the deputy and drove for a while before stopping and attempting to flee on foot. The deputy gave chase and ultimately caught and detained the person, later identified as Corwinn Thurman, a 33-year-old male from Rochester. Mr. Thurman refused to cooperate with deputies or submit to any testing. He was arrested for 1st Degree DWI, Fleeing a Peace Officer on Foot, and other charges.

4th Degree Assault on a Peace Officer, Warrant Arrest: On May 8, 2024, at approximately 9:24 a.m., Olmsted County deputies went to the 2300 block of Valleyhigh Drive Northwest Rochester area to attempt a warrant arrest on Jabriel Meeks, a 21-year-old male from Rochester. Occupants in the residence initially told deputies that Meeks was not inside and told them to go away. Eventually, Deputies entered the residence, detained Meeks, and escorted him to a squad car. During this time, Meeks verbally assaulted the deputies and tried pulling away from them. At one point, Meeks kicked one of the deputies in the leg and continued trying to get away from the deputies. Meeks was restrained on the ground until additional law enforcement could respond and assist in taking him into custody. Meeks was transported to the Adult Detention Center and charged with 4th-degree assault on a peace officer, obstructing the legal process, and giving a false name to police.

May 6, 2024

Drug Arrest: On May 3, 2024, investigators with the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office and the Southeast Minnesota Violent Crime Enforcement Team conducted a traffic stop. They served a search warrant on a vehicle traveling on Interstate 90 near Stewartville, Minn. as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation. The search warrant was for the vehicle and suspect Gilo Gilo, a 33-year-old male from Rochester, Minn. The search revealed approximately 148 pounds of flower marijuana, over 760 grams of cannabis concentrate, over 16 grams of cannabis edibles, and several thousand dollars in cash. A subsequent search warrant was conducted at Gilo’s residence in the 200 block of 15th Avenue Southwest Rochester, Minn. At the residence, additional Cannabis concentrate, cash, and a loaded handgun were seized. Gilo was placed under arrest for charges of 1st-degree controlled substance sales and possession, possession of a firearm –conviction for crime of violence.

ATV Accident: On May 3, 2024, at approximately 11:23 p.m., the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office responded to an ATV crash in the area of Minnesota Highway 30 in Rock Dell Township. A 20-year-old male from Stewartville, Minn. reported driving his motorized dirt bike on gravel when a dog ran in front of him, causing the driver to attempt to swerve and lose control. The driver sustained multiple facial injuries, including a concussion and a broken jaw. The driver was not wearing a helmet. The driver was transported to the hospital for care.

May 1, 2024

Fleeing in a Motor Vehicle, Suspicion of DWI: On April 30, 2024, at approximately 11 p.m., Olmsted County deputies observed Alysa Mohs, a 32-year-old female from Rochester, driving in the 2000 block of North Main Street in Stewartville. The deputy was aware that Mohs had an active Gross Misdemeanor Warrant. Deputies attempted to stop Ms. Mohs, and she fled from law enforcement, sometimes going approximately 100 miles per hour. After a brief attempt to stop, deputies deactivated their emergency equipment and lost sight of her. A short time later, another deputy located Ms. Mohs in her vehicle in the ditch. Mohs was advised she was under arrest and ordered out of her vehicle. She refused to obey Deputies commands and was observed smoking methamphetamine during this time. Deputies got Mohs out of the vehicle and placed her under arrest. During the arrest, deputies also smelled alcohol on Mohs. Mohs was transported to St. Mary's to be evaluated. A search warrant was issued for a blood or urine test related to suspicion of impaired driving. Formal charges are pending test results but may include 3rd-degree DWI, fleeing in a motor vehicle, and obstruction of justice.

April 26, 2024

Scam: On April 25, 2024, at 2:13 p.m., an Olmsted County deputy was dispatched to a theft/fraud report. The deputy contacted the victim, who stated she had been scammed by an individual claiming to be law enforcement personnel. The scammer told the victim that she had two citations totaling $10,000 and a warrant would be issued if they weren’t paid. They told her if she sent them $2,000 in Bitcoin it would settle the matter. The victim sent the Bitcoin to an account provided by the individual before realizing she had been scammed. The victim contacted “coinme” (the pay service) in an attempt to have the transaction reversed but had not received a reply yet.

April 22, 2024

Vehicle Fire: On April 20, 2024, at approximately 7:31 p.m., Olmsted County deputies were dispatched to a vehicle fire at an address in the 5100 block of Highland Ridge Lane Southeast in the Township of Marion. When they arrived on scene, they observed a motor home in the driveway of the residence with an exterior outlet panel on fire. The deputy attempted to extinguish the fire, and ultimately, it was put out by the Rochester Fire Department. Medical attention was sought for a 70-year-old female for possible smoke inhalation. The vehicle, a 1983 Jamboree motorhome, sustained fire and smoke damage.

Crash with Injuries: On April 21, 2024, at approximately 10:15 a.m., Olmsted County deputies were dispatched to a crash with injuries at the intersection of College View Road and County Road 11 (50th Avenue Southeast), Marion Township. Vehicle number one was eastbound on College View Road, turning north onto County Rd 11 (50th Ave), while vehicle number two was westbound on College View approaching the intersection of County Road 11. The two vehicles collided at the intersection. The driver of vehicle number one (a 91-year-old male from Rochester) was transported by Mayo Clinic Ambulance for possible back/neck injuries. The driver of vehicle number two (a 47-year-old male from North Mankato) was evaluated at the scene for back/neck pain. No other parties were injured and all parties in both vehicles were wearing seatbelts. The driver of vehicle number one was issued a citation for failing to yield right of way.

April 18, 2024

Burglary-Business: On April 17, 2024, at approximately 8:15 a.m., Olmsted County deputies were dispatched to a burglary in the 200 block of Main Street North in Dover, Minn. - Shack Bar. The owner stated that in the overnight hours of April 16 to the morning of April 17, someone broke into their bar, stole approximately $1,000, and damaged several thousand dollars worth of items. A door to the business was damaged where entry was made. Additionally, a pull tab machine was damaged in an attempt to remove the pull tabs. The investigation into this case is ongoing.

Theft: On April 17, 2024, at approximately 7:36 p.m., Olmsted County deputies were dispatched to a theft call at River Road Dog Park (6253 West River Road North West, Rochester, Minn.) in the Township of Cascade. A female victim reported that someone had stolen her purse from her unlocked car. Soon after the purse was stolen, an unauthorized purchase was made on one of her credit cards. The case is ongoing.

Crime Prevention Tip: The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office gets several reports of items taken from vehicles each year, and we see an uptick around this time of year. We highly recommend people avoid leaving valuables unattended in vehicles, especially in plain sight. Remember, if anyone observes suspicious activity, they are encouraged to report it to local law enforcement.

April 16, 2024

Crash with Injuries: On April 15, 2024, at approximately 11:30 a.m., Olmsted County deputies responded to an accident with injuries in the 2200 block of 40th Street Southwest in Rochester Township. Throughout the investigation, it was determined that the driver of one vehicle, later identified as Jordan Heimer, a 30-year-old male from Rose Creek, Minn., was traveling westbound when his vehicle crossed over the center line and struck another vehicle head-on. The other vehicle had four people inside, two adults and two juveniles, who all sustained injuries from the crash and were transported to the hospital by Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service. The initial injuries reported varied from a broken leg to other injuries. Heimer appeared to be under the influence of and recently used inhalants. Heimer was also transported to the hospital, where medical staff saw and cleared him. A search warrant was obtained to collect a blood sample from Heimer. Heimer was arrested for Criminal Vehicle Operation - Substantial Bodily Harm and transported to the Adult Detention Center.

April 11, 2024

Update: The deceased person located on April 20, 2024, is believed to be a missing person reported to the Rochester Police Department in March 2023. The Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner's Office will release the name of the deceased pending notification of next of kin. The cause of death is still under investigation; however, no foul play is suspected at this time

Deceased Person: On Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at approximately 1:30 p.m., Olmsted County deputies were dispatched to a deceased person call near the Gordan W. Yeager Wildlife Management Area and Silver Creek Road Northeast in Haverhill Township. The caller reported walking their dog in the wooded area when they observed what appeared to be a deceased person lying on the ground. Sheriff’s Office personnel responded and began their investigation. The condition of the deceased person prevented making any determination of identity due to prolonged exposure to the elements. The Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene and took possession of the deceased. This is an ongoing investigation.

April 8, 2024

Fire: On April 6, 2024, at 5:35 p.m., Olmsted County deputies were dispatched to a structure fire in the 6500 block of 60th Avenue Southwest in High Forest Township. A caller reported hearing two explosions. The caller found a small structure fully engulfed and the surrounding area on fire. Stewartville Fire Department arrived on the scene and put the fire out. A small structure with a large deck, a conex box structure and an under-construction residence were damaged. Stewartville Fire Department did not find anything suspicious. The owner estimated the damage to be approximately $30,000. No one was injured because of the fire.

Assault: On April 6, 2024, at approximately 10:20 p.m., Olmsted County deputies were dispatched to an assault call in the 3800 block of Highway 14 East. The victim advised being assaulted and strangled in her apartment by the suspect. During the incident, the victim also reported the suspect displayed a brass knuckles stun gun taser and stole her phone. The suspect, later identified as Justin Peterson, a 34-year-old male from Rochester, was located in his apartment and placed under arrest. Charges referred to the County Attorney’s Office for 1st-degree burglary, Commit Assault, 2nd-degree assault, substantial bodily harm with a dangerous weapon, interfering with a 911 call, theft of property ($501-1000), possessing a dangerous weapon, and obstructing the legal process.

April 3, 2024

Crash: On April 3, 2024, at approximately 5:04 a.m., Olmsted County deputies responded to an accident with injuries in the 2000 block of 75th St. Northeast (Haverhill Township). Deputies located a vehicle upside down in the south ditch. The driver, a 32-year-old male, was located inside with visible injuries to his right arm and head. The driver was removed from the vehicle with assistance from the Rochester Fire Department. Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service transported the driver to St. Mary’s Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. The car appeared to have been traveling eastbound when it left the roadway, struck a driveway, went airborne, struck a power pole, and came to a rest. People’s Energy Co-op was notified and responded to fix the damaged pole.

April 1, 2024

Missing Person: On March 30, 2024, at approximately 12:00 p.m., Olmsted County deputies responded to the 800 block of Jefferson Avenue Southwest in Eyota for a call of a missing person. The missing person was identified as a 16-year-old male. Deputies searched the Eyota area for several hours with the assistance of surrounding agencies, drones, and Minnesota State Patrol ariel support. The individual was eventually located safely. There was no concern for public safety during this time.