JUST THE FACTS

July 18th, 2025 Volume 16 Issue 29

THIS WEEK'S IN CUSTODY ARRESTS

Miranda Carlson was formally cahrged with domestic assault stemming from a July 11th incident.
Jonathan Poveda was formally charged with domestic assault stemming from a July 12th incident.
Jonathan Poveda was formally charged with domestic assault-no contact order violation stemming from a July 14th incident.
Josue Gutierrez was formally charged with harassment restraining order violation stemming from a July 15th incident.
Peter Berg was formally charged with 2nd degree assault and threats of violence stemming from a July 16th incident.
Jonathan Poveda was formally charged with domestic assault-no contact order violation stemming from a July 17th incident.

Minnesota Night to Unite

Tuesday, August 5^th, 2025

Join neighbors across Owatonna on Tuesday, August 5^th, 2025, for the annual Minnesota Night to Unite celebration, formally recognized as National Night Out. You are invited to be a part of this community and nation-wide event to celebrate “America’s Night to Unite Against Crime.”

Night to Unite, a program of the Minnesota Crime Prevention Association (MCPA), is designed to: (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime efforts; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

The Owatonna Police Department encourages you to participate in this great celebration of community, crime prevention, and strong police/community partnerships. A strong community makes for a safe community. Everything we do to strengthen the ties among neighbors of all ages, backgrounds and lifestyles makes our present and future that much brighter. Celebrating MINNESTOA NIGHT TO UNITE with the Owatonna Police Department and your neighbors is a positive way to build and nurture our community by starting quite literally in your own front yard!

For more information and/or registration, please contact Captain Tracy DuChene at (507)774-7192 or register online through our website at Night to Unite Registration.

AROUND THE OFFICE

This past week, Gabriel Hein started as a new Community Service Officer with the City of Owatonna. CSO Hein is enrolled in college for law enforcement and wants to pursue a career in the field. Welcome to OPD CSO Hein!

E-Bike Laws and Safety – Know the Rules, Share the Road

With warm weather and more people out and about, e-bikes are becoming a common sight on our roads and trails. Whether you’re riding or driving near them, it’s important to understand the laws and how to keep everyone safe.

Here’s what you need to know:

No license or permit is required to operate an e-bike in Minnesota.
Minimum rider age is 15.
E-bikes are regulated similarly to bicycles, so most bicycle laws apply.
Riders should follow traffic signs/ signals and yield to pedestrians.

If you're driving near e-bike riders, be extra alert, give them plenty of space and slow down especially in neighborhoods or shared-use paths.