JUST THE FACTS

April 4, 2025 Volume 16 Issue 14

THIS WEEK'S IN CUSTODY ARRESTS

SCOOTER PURSUIT ENDS IN ARREST- Abukar Abi was formally charged with fleeing a peace officer by means other than a motor vehicle, obstructing legal process, and disorderly conduct stemming from an incident that occurred on March 29th. Patrol responded to Kwik Trip regarding a male who was eating crackers, swearing and threatening assault on staff. The suspect showed up later in the afternoon, so patrol responded to make contact with him. The suspect was seen leaving Kwik Trip property on an electric scooter. An officer tried stopping the male on his scooter using his lights and siren with no response. The male fled westbound down Mineral Springs Rd to Freemont. The initiating officer stopped the male, who became resistive. Officers arrested the male who continued to posture, flex, and threaten the officers with assault if his handcuffs were off.

THREATS LED TO ARREST- Samantha Green was formally charged with threats of violence and 5th degree assault stemming from an incident on April 1st. Officers responded to the 400 block of St Paul Pl. regarding a resident who verbally threatened a maintenance worker with her "Glock." A search warrant was obtained on Green's residence where a holstered Glock handgun was seized.

SHOPLIFTING FOOT PURSUIT- Crista Johnson was formally charged with theft and fleeing a peace officer by other means than a motor vehicle. Officers were dispatched to Target for an active shoplifting incident. Upon arrival, officers observed the suspect leave the store. Officers gave her commands to stop. Johnson took off running to her vehicle. Once she got to her vehicle, she got in and after some convincing, eventually exited and was taken into custody. Johnson admitted she came to Target to steal and then sell the items. The total on the theft was over $600.

April is Distracted Driving Month- Extra Patrols will be out

Distracted driving remains a serious danger on Minnesota roads, and it's preventable. Whether it’s checking a text, scrolling social media, or even eating while driving, distractions put lives at risk. That’s why the Owatonna Police Department along with other law enforcement agencies statewide will participate in a distracted driving enforcement and awareness campaign from April 1-30 to help keep our roads safe.

The Facts:

In 2024, distracted driving contributed to at least 29 fatal crashes and an estimated 137 serious injuries in Minnesota.
From 2019-2024, Minnesota law enforcement issued 115,643 distracted driving citations.
Hands-free is the law, but hands-free doesn’t mean distraction-free—staying fully focused on driving is critical.

What You Need to Know:

Hands-Free Law: Drivers cannot hold a phone while driving, including for texting, social media, or video streaming—even in hands-free mode.
Fines & Penalties: A first offense starts at $100+ in fines, while a second offense costs $300+. Causing injury or death due to distracted driving can result in felony charges.

Safe Driving Tips:

Put your phone away or enable “Do Not Disturb” mode.
Set up GPS and music before driving.
Avoid eating or other distractions while behind the wheel.
Speak up if you’re a passenger and see a driver being distracted.

We all have a role in making Owatonna roads safer. Let’s commit to driving distraction-free—not just during this enforcement period, but every time we get behind the wheel.