Minot Police Department

Suspect arrested following early morning pursuit.

On Tuesday, June 23, at approximately 2:00 a.m., officers of the Minot Police Department responded to a SW Minot hotel regarding a declined card used by an unauthorized user.

During the initial investigation, officers identified Emily J. Smith, 27, of Minot, as the individual who attempted to use the card. Smith had outstanding warrants for her arrest out of the Ward County Sheriff’s Office and federal indictment warrants for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Aiding and Abetting.

While officers searched the hotel for Smith, she entered a vehicle in the parking lot and fled. Officers relocated the vehicle to the 3400 block of South Broadway and attempted to stop it. Smith fled, and officers initiated a vehicle pursuit. The pursuit spanned SW and SE Minot, covering approximately 5.6 miles.

Officers successfully spiked the fleeing vehicle with department tire-deflation devices, and the pursuit stopped in the 1000 block of 16th Street SW. Officers conducted a high-risk traffic stop and took Smith into custody without further incident.

Smith was transported to the Ward County Jail for outstanding felony-level warrants. Pending charges for this incident.

You may see new faces around Minot this summer.

Meet Maja and Katarzyna, college students from Poland who are spending the summer in our community through an internship with an educational company based in Nashville, Tennessee.

They'll be going door-to-door, sharing educational materials as part of their internship. They have already obtained the appropriate Transient Merchant Licenses issued by the city.

Not interested? No worries. A simple "no, thank you" is all it takes, and they'll be on their way.

Motorized scooters are gaining popularity across the city, and with more riders on the road, everyone’s attention needs to be charged up. (Get it?)

As currently written, these are the rules and guidelines for motorized scooter use in Minot. Riders must follow requirements related to age, where scooters may be operated, helmet use, and lighting for low-visibility conditions.

Motorized scooters are not allowed on sidewalks and must be operated on roadways with posted speed limits of 25 MPH or less and in accordance with traffic laws.

And just a reminder, in the spirit of Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne, this is not a “so you’re telling me there’s a chance” situation for passengers. There are no passengers allowed.

Motorists are also encouraged to stay alert and anticipate increased scooter traffic, especially on lower-speed, residential roadways and at intersections.

A little extra awareness from everyone goes a long way in keeping everyone safe.

⚠️ Traffic Impact ⚠️

Please be advised that crews are currently responding to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of 16th St SW and 22nd Ave SW.

The intersection may be partially obstructed while the scene is being cleared. Motorists should expect delays in the area and are asked to use caution when traveling through the intersection.

We appreciate your patience while responders work to restore normal traffic flow as quickly and safely as possible.

⚠️ STORM SHELTER NOW OPEN ⚠️

Due to the forecasted severe weather and high wind threat, the City of Minot storm shelter is now open and will remain open through 11:00 p.m., or longer if conditions warrant.

The storm shelter is located in the Minot Municipal Court area of the Minot Auditorium (420 3rd Ave SW). Door 4 on the west wall is open.

Due to several road construction projects in the area, access to the shelter is available via 6th St SW to 3rd Ave SW. Please follow posted signage to Municipal Court.

If you need a safe place during the storm, please do not hesitate to use the shelter. If pets need to travel with you, a leash is required, a kennel is appreciated.

For non-emergency assistance, contact Minot Central Dispatch at 701-857-1500.

Continue to monitor local weather forecasts and emergency alerts throughout the evening.

Public assistance requested in ongoing stolen credit card investigation.

The Minot Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying suspect's involved in the unlawful usage of a stolen credit card at a northwest Minot convenience store on May 13.

The usage of the stolen credit card occurred at approximately 2:16 a.m.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to reference case number 26-12351 and either submit an anonymous tip through Tip411 by texting the keyword MINOTPD to 847411, adding a space, typing your tip information, and hitting send, or contact the Minot Police Department at 701-852-0111.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Capt. Jason Sundbakken has joined the ranks of retirement after serving our city for nearly 30 years.

Capt. Sundbakken began his career with the Minot Police Department as a dispatcher in July of 1996. He became a police officer in 1997 and worked his way through various assignments and ranks before serving as the department's Administrative Commander.

When Capt. Sundbakken started his career, officers didn't have computers in their patrol vehicles, tasers weren't standard equipment, and radios had to be checked out before each shift. Over nearly 30 years, he witnessed significant changes in policing and technology as the department evolved.

After nearly 30 years of dedicated service to the Minot Police Department and the community, Capt. Sundbakken has decided it is time for a new chapter.

Thank you, Capt. Sundbakken. We greatly appreciate your service to our community and wish you all the best in retirement.

We haven’t fully changed seasons quite yet since summer doesn’t officially begin until June 21, but construction season is definitely in full swing. That means orange barrels, delineators, lane shifts, and reduced speed limits popping up all over town.

Those reduced speeds are there for the safety of both construction workers and motorists. Please keep your eyes on the road, slow down, and stay alert when traveling through work zones.

Don’t be surprised to see patrol cars monitoring these areas. Fines for construction zone violations are increased, so it’s worth slowing down and taking a little extra time to get through safely.

Congratulations, Captain Wegner!

On Wednesday at City Hall, Shawn Wegner was officially sworn in as a Captain with the Minot Police Department.

Captain Wegner has served the department for nearly 26 years and has held the rank of Lieutenant since August 2015. He brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and dedication to his new role.

Thank you to Mayor Mark Jantzer and City Manager Tom Joyce for sharing remarks during the ceremony, and to everyone who joined us in person or online to celebrate this milestone.

Missed the event? You can watch the full ceremony on the City of Minot YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0cH3ci_fM8

Public assistance requested in ongoing burglary investigation.

The Minot Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect involved in the burglary of a southwest Minot business on May 9.

The burglary occurred at approximately 5:41 a.m. Investigators believe the suspect may have sustained cuts to his hands or arms while breaking into the business.

At this time, there is unfortunately no vehicle information available.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to reference case number 26-11971 and either submit an anonymous tip through Tip411 by texting the keyword MINOTPD to 847411, adding a space, typing your tip information, and hitting send, or contact the Minot Police Department at 701-852-0111.

The investigation remains ongoing.