JUST THE FACTS

September 27, 2024      Volume 15      Issue 39

NEW BLUE AT OPD

Iris Reyes started her career in law enforcement with OPD this past week.  She recently graduated college and is excited to pursue her dreams of becoming a police officer.  Welcome to our team Officer Reyes! 

RECENT POLICE ACTIVITY

The Owatonna Police Department (OPD) responded to two incidents on September 21 and 22 that led to a heavy police presence in the community.

On September 21 at 8:25 p.m., Owatonna police were called to 1265 Sunnydale Place S.E. in response to a fight and gunfire outside a residence. No injuries or property damage has been reported as a result of the shooting incident. Further investigation into the disturbance led to the arrest of Cassandra Eveillard, 44 of Owatonna, for domestic assault. A second individual on the scene was arrested for an outstanding warrant from Hennepin County. The shooting suspect left the scene before police arrived and remains the subject of an ongoing investigation by the OPD. Owatonna Police Chief Jeff Mundale confirms a shooting occurred outside 1265 Sunnydale Place and police have interviewed witnesses, canvassed the neighborhood and collected spent ammunition casings from the scene. Chief Mundale also confirms that the public and neighbors on Sunnydale Place are not in any immediate danger. The OPD extends appreciation to the following partnering agencies that assisted in responding to and securing the initial scene: Steele County Sheriff’s Office, Rice County Sheriff’s Office, Waseca County Sheriff’s Office, Waseca Police Department, Blooming Prairie Police Department, Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota State Patrol.    

Prior to this incident, a missing person report was received by OPD at 7:39 p.m. The following morning, September 22, at 11:15 a.m. officers were called to Kaplan’s Woods for an apparent suicide. Police confirmed the subject reported missing the night before took his own life. In consideration of the family that lost their loved one, OPD is not releasing any further information at this time.

These two incidents are not related.

To provide information that may help with ongoing investigations, please contact the emergency communications center at 507.451.8232 and ask to speak with an officer. For information about the OPD, follow the City of Owatonna on Facebook or visit Owatonna.gov.

SPEED SIGNS INSTALLED

The Owatonna Police Department is pleased to announce the successful installation of a grant awarded to us earlier this year. This grant, generously funded by the Owatonna Foundation in the amount of $9,058.10, was supplemented by $773.90 from our forfeiture account to support the project. Together, these funding sources enabled us to acquire two radar signs that provide drivers with immediate feedback by digitally displaying their speed.

In light of the construction of the new high school, we determined it would be beneficial to position these signs in that vicinity to enhance safety for students, parents, and staff as they travel to and from school. This area also serves as a primary location for students transferring buses during their commute home.

Research indicates that digital feedback signs effectively capture the attention of drivers, leading to behavioral changes reflected in data that demonstrates a reduction in speed following their installation. Furthermore, this technology allows the police department to collect data via Bluetooth downloads from the units. This information will be analyzed, and if patterns of illegal speeding are detected, targeted patrol efforts can be implemented to address the issue.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Owatonna Foundation for embracing our proposal and turning it into a reality, ultimately contributing to the safety of our community.