Austin Police Department - Minnesota

The Austin Police Department is asking for help from the community on a dog bite that sent the victim to the hospital.

This incident occurred near the fairgrounds in the 1200blk of 6th Ave SW on Thursday, 6/18/26 around 3:30 pm. The dog fled Westbound after the bite and has not been located.

The dog is a gray Pitbull with a white belly and white front paws, wearing a camouflage collar with "Real Tree" printed on it and a silver dog bone shaped name tag attached.

If you are the owner of this dog or know the person that has this dog please call the Law Enforcement Center at 507-355-0150 and hit option 2 for Administration with the information.

Thank you and would appreciate any assistance in finding this dog so we can make contact with the owners.

Official change of leadership this morning at 8am in the Austin City Council Chambers! May we address to you for the first time, Chief Michael Hartman!
What a turnout! Chief Hartman noted there will be lots of positive changes coming in the next few years. He is excited to be apart of it in his new role!

Residents in town are getting these scam notices via mail. Do not call and do not respond. Only new built homes have special warranty offers. You have home owners insurance for a reason!

MEDIA RELEASE:

Austin police, Mn State Patrol and Austin Fire are on scene of a fatality crash on Oakland Place Se between 10th St and 11th St Se. The road is closed until further notice.

Avoid the area and plan a different route for the morning commute. More information to be released at a later time.

FOLLOW UP and clarification on the new APD phone system:

🚨 IMPORTANT UPDATE: New Direct Phone Number for Austin Police Department Administrative Services 🚨

Following last year's Mower County cyberattack, a state mandate required the Austin Police Department to move onto our own independent network to keep our systems secure and reliable.

Because modern phones run on these networks, we have a brand-new main administrative phone number. Our old office numbers no longer work.

📞 NEW APD Admin Number: 507-355-0150

When to use the NEW number:
Use this number to reach APD directly for administrative requests that do not require an officer response, such as:
• Asking about a parking ticket
• Requesting a copy of a police report
• Discussing an upcoming city event

❌ What has NOT changed:
• Emergencies: Always dial 911 for immediate danger or crimes in progress.
• Police Dispatch: We are still dispatched by the Mower County Sheriff’s Office.
• Non-Emergency Dispatch Line: To have an officer sent to your location for a non-emergency, the number is still 507-437-9400.

Calling the new 0150 number simply lets you bypass the dispatch queue and talk straight to APD staff for office questions. Thank you for your patience as we complete these critical safety updates!

Respectfully,
Captain Todd Clennon

THE AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS NEW PHONE NUMBERS!


PLEASE SHARE AND SAVE -

The Austin Police Department has new phone numbers for the Public to start using now when trying to contact us. We have been separated from the Mower County Sheriff's Office, so when you need to contact AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT please use these numbers.

507-355-0150

Options are:
1- Dispatch Non Emergency
2- Administration
3- Police Department Records only
4- Evidence Room
5- All other calls
To repeat the options press 0

AND ALWAYS CALL 911 if it is an EMERGENCY!

Thank you for your patience as we work through this separation process.

We are aware of a bear struck on I-90 in Freeborn County early this morning. Given the photos and location, we are sad to relay that it appears to have been Todd. Presumably he was trying to make his way back up North. Todd became an overnight sensation and made the internet and communities smile with his “AI-Appearances” from businesses in Austin all the way to Mason City Iowa. There were even special Todd donuts at a local establishment.

Todd’s legacy in Austin will definitely be remembered. There are community members out there already trying to figure out memorial ideas. You all have such big hearts. To Todd, we know you are in a place now with all you can eat fish and honey, and trees to sleep in! Thank you for bringing this community closer in your short journey.

Austin…I’m sorry I have to post this.

We got word yesterday two vehicles passed on through very ACTIVE construction sites on Oakland Avenue. It’s not just dumb, it’s dangerous…and illegal. Large equipment backing up not thinking anyone would be behind them. Multiple objects sticking out from the ground. Workers walking all around.

You go around those barriers, that’s a fine. You damage anything or anyone, that’s more than just a fine. That open space in the middle is for construction equipment/personnel ONLY.

That’s it for now, have a safe weekend!
-social media guy

It’s with a heavy heart that we share that we have learned Minnesota State Trooper, Lieutenant Uthe passed yesterday with the silent battle within. These losses are tragic and heartbreaking to everyone involved. Not just Police, but for every human being.
-however, police, fire, EMS, nurses and firefighters see a lot more than the average person, and it takes a toll very fast without proper management.

Unfortunately our officers have responded to multiple suicides this year in an unusual uptick. We as a community need to stop the stigma of mental health and PTSD. This affects millions of people. Take time to reach out to those in your life. If you notice a change in behavior, pulling away from activity or they seem off, maybe drinking too much or angry, Pull them aside. Let them know they are loved and needed on this earth. KNOW that reaching out for help is STRENGTH. Please get help and please help! Action is the best defense.

EVERYONE is fighting a battle we don’t see on the outside. We have lots of resources. Text or call 988.
Southeast Mn crisis center 1-844-274-7472
In an emergency mental health crisis, call 911 or 507-437-9400 Ext #1 for dispatch.
Your life is worth fighting for.

Lieutenant, rest easy. You will not be forgotten.

Can we just say, WOW! Todd has gained popularity. He was at the Austin transfer station yesterday saying he was Beary excited to work. He was then spotted at the Gypsy K downtown having a rather Pawsome time consuming ice cream. Now Todd was at Bendixen jewelry gazing upon some clawsome rings!
Question is, where will Todd be today? 🤣
This community rocks!