Posted: 7/10/02

Police stay busy during holiday

A Fourth of July celebration in Forest Lake always means a busy time for city police. And 2002 was no different.

Chief of Police David Schwartz said this week his officers responded to 238 calls from noon Wednesday, July 3 through Sunday, July 7, which spans this yearís annual Independence Day holiday celebration.

The calls were mostly routine, he said. City police took care of the usual, he said, pointing to complaints of noise, fireworks use, drinking and underage consumption of alcohol.

Legalized fireworks also created some problems, he said. Police were kept busy on July 4 dealing with fireworks being discharged in Lakeside Park where thousands of people gathered to watch the 10 p.m. fireworks.

While legal, the chief said no fireworks can be discharged in public places like parks or city streets, but can be discharged on private property.

Carnival problem

City officers made three arrests for alleged illegal gambling on the Mystics Attractions carnival midway on Wednesday, July 3.

ìWe were aware of this type of operation and sent in an undercover officer,î the chief said.

Three men working on the carnival lot were given misdemeanor tickets for illegal gambling related to a progressive dice game, Schwartz said. Police observed the game for about two hours before using an undercover officer who eventually issued the tickets at 10:55 p.m.

Charged with the misdemeanors were: Steve L. Luoma, 53, of Grand Rapids; Kenneth R. Lewandowski, 43, of East Bethel; and John J. Wiggins, 49, of Duncan, OK. Several witnesses came forward with complaints about the game, the chief said.

Boating accident

A boating accident on Clear Lake the evening of July 4th remains under investigation. Police were called to the south end of Clear Lake at 10:45 where two boats had been involved in a hit-and-run crash.

Three occupants in a boat reported the crash. The second boat involved in the crash left the scene, the chief said. There were no injuries.

Schwartz said the Washington County Sheriffís Office and the DNR are investigating a suspect and charges are pending. Police speculate the accident may be related to reckless boating by the boat that left the scene.

Police are investigating a burglary and vandalism at On Broadway Car Wash, 955 W. Broadway Ave. The incident was reported at 4:27 a.m. Sunday.

A window to the Dunn Bros Coffee shop was smashed out and a till and cash box taken. The window damage will total $200 but the damage to the computerized till was set at $3000, police said.

The cash box was recovered later at the I-35 Rest Area. All that was missing was a small amount of change, police said.

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