Tag: Crime

Wayzata Police Blotter – June 2025

July 13th, 2025
From DWIs and disorderly conduct to suspicious activity and underage drinking, the Wayzata Police Department responded to a wide range of calls throughout June 2025. Here are some notable incidents from the monthly activity report:

DWIs Continue to Be a Public Safety Concern

Four individuals were arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated in Wayzata during the month, including:
- An 18-year-old from Plymouth stopped near County Road 101 with a BAC of 0.19 and cited for third-degree DWI, underage consumption, and open bottle violation.
- A 33-year-old from Madison, WI, arrested at Central Ave and Shadyway Rd with a BAC of 0.13.
- A Chanhassen man cited for 4th-degree DWI and careless driving with a BAC of 0.14.
- A 41-year-old from Medina taken into custody near Grove Lane East after refusing a breath test, pending formal charges.
- A 30-year-old Wayzata woman arrested for suspected DWI pending results of a blood draw.
Underage Alcohol Use and Youth Conduct

Officers cited multiple teens for underage consumption, including an 18-year-old from Texas and a 19-year-old from Mendota Heights. Juvenile behavior also drew attention:
- Numerous reports involved off-highway motorcycles and e-bikes being operated illegally on sidewalks, Panoway, and public streets.
- Juveniles were cited for trespassing, warned for fishing at private docks, and advised for behavior at the boat launch and on private property.
Theft and Trespass at Local Businesses

Three individuals were cited for theft at a grocery store on Wayzata Blvd E, with stolen goods recovered in each case. Officers also responded to:
- A report of tools stolen from a construction site on Bushaway Rd.
- A food theft that resulted in a trespass order for a man beginning treatment the following day.
- Trespass and disorderly conduct at Cov restaurant involving a 33-year-old male from Plymouth.
Disturbances on the Water and Downtown

As summer activity ramped up:
- Police responded to an unwanted person attempting to board a boat at the docks.
- A confrontation at the Eastman Lane boat launch resulted in one person being shoved into the rocks. No charges were filed.
- Intoxicated adults were found wandering and in parking lots, including one who was transported to a responsible party’s home, and another taken to a hospital after being found lying down on Eastman Lane.
Suspicious Activity and Harassment Reports

Police fielded several calls for suspicious behavior, including:
- Two reports of adult males allegedly photographing women and juveniles in public. In both cases, officers made contact and advised the involved parties and property managers about trespass procedures.
- A harassment complaint between former friends and one involving unwanted communication in Long Lake.
Domestic and Family-Related Incidents

At least four domestic-related calls were recorded. In one, a Waconia man was arrested for violating a domestic abuse no contact order. Other reports involved verbal arguments or denials of any conflict.

Public Safety and Hazards
- A driver in Long Lake pulled away from a gas pump with the nozzle still attached, prompting a hazmat response.
- A report of a smoking vehicle on Wayzata Blvd E turned out to be an oil leak. Fire and police cleared the scene.
Continued Vigilance

Wayzata officers also helped residents navigate scams, investigated a house-egging in Long Lake, and addressed concerns about a former employee smoking inside a business. In total, the department handled dozens of calls—ranging from the mundane to the serious—showing the full scope of community policing in a busy lakeside town.

For more community updates and public safety reports, visit Wayzata.com.
Wayzata Police Blotter August 2024

September 18th, 2024

In August 2024, the Wayzata Police Department responded to a wide variety of calls, addressing everything from disturbances and thefts to driving while intoxicated (DWI) cases. Officers issued 137 citations, 13 written warnings, and 198 verbal warnings throughout the month, demonstrating their ongoing efforts to maintain public safety in the Wayzata area.

Notable Incidents

DWIs and Traffic Enforcement

Several DWI arrests were made, highlighting continued vigilance against impaired driving. On August 2, a 67-year-old male from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was arrested on Eastman Lane for third-degree DWI. His breath test revealed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.16. Later in the month, a 40-year-old woman from Minneapolis was stopped on Highway 12 and Gleason Lake Road on August 12, where she registered a BAC of 0.22, well over the legal limit. Another significant arrest occurred on August 26, when a 53-year-old Plymouth woman was taken into custody on Central Avenue for a third-degree DWI, testing at 0.20 BAC.

The department’s focus on traffic enforcement also resulted in several arrests and warnings for speeding, traffic violations, and assisting other agencies with vehicle-related concerns.

Thefts and Property Crimes

The department investigated several thefts in August, including multiple cases of theft from vehicles. On August 22, a vehicle theft on Central Avenue North led to a loss of approximately $400. Similarly, on August 28, tools were stolen from a parking lot on Gleason Lake Road, resulting in a reported loss of about $3,200. Bicycle theft also became a concern, with a reported case on August 23 on Lake Street North, where the value of the stolen bicycle was estimated between $400 and $500.

In addition to thefts, the department addressed fraud cases. On August 3, a financial transaction card fraud was reported on Lake Street East, where the attempted loss was $10,000, though the actual loss was limited to $18. A separate fraud incident on August 20 on Wayzata Boulevard East was investigated, though no financial loss was recorded at the time.

Disturbances and Juvenile Incidents

Disturbances made up a large portion of the department’s calls in August, many involving juveniles causing public disruptions. Officers responded to multiple reports of disturbances around Lake Street and Minnetonka Avenue on August 10 and 11. In both instances, the juveniles involved were advised to leave the area without incident. Another group of juveniles caused a disturbance on August 23 at Grove Lane, where officers again successfully de-escalated the situation without any further issues.

Disturbances weren’t limited to juveniles. On August 26, officers responded to a disturbance on Ferndale Road, where a trespasser was asked to leave. Another disturbance at a local hotel on Lake Street resulted in the serving of a trespass notice on August 22, which was done without issue. These incidents reflect the department’s proactive approach to maintaining peace in public spaces.

Serious Crimes and Arrests

While most incidents involved minor disturbances or property crimes, more serious cases also took place. On August 25, a 20-year-old male from Minneapolis was arrested for fleeing from a peace officer after being stopped near Wayzata Boulevard East and Bushaway Road. Additionally, a threat of violence was reported on August 27 at Central Avenue, which was forwarded to Hennepin County social services for further investigation.

The department also handled several cases of damage to property, including a notable incident on August 14, where damage was caused by individuals golfing on public grass on Lake Street East. This incident was documented for further investigation.

Community Support and K9 Assistance

The Wayzata Police Department’s K9 unit played a significant role in assisting with several calls in August. On August 5, the K9 team was dispatched to Blake Road North in Hopkins for a cooperative assist with another agency. Later in the month, on August 19, the K9 unit helped locate a missing child in Excelsior, successfully resolving the case.

In addition to enforcement, the department responded to public assistance calls, ranging from medical emergencies to welfare checks. Officers conducted 43 public assists and were involved in 55 medical-related calls, underlining their ongoing role in community welfare beyond traditional law enforcement duties.

Summary of Non-Criminal Calls

The report reflects the department’s involvement in numerous non-criminal situations, including mental health issues, welfare checks, and medical alarms. Officers responded to 14 adult welfare checks and assisted in several missing person cases, including a K9-assisted search for a missing individual on August 11 in Medina. The department also addressed 21 fire alarms and eight hazardous road condition calls throughout the month.
Wayzata Police Pursue Stolen Porsche Across West Metro

September 3rd, 2024

Wayzata Police Squad. Image copyright Wayzata.com & Daniel Gustafson. Re-use / republishing without express written consent prohibited.

At 4:39 a.m. on September 3, 2024, Wayzata Police responded to an automated license plate reader alert indicating a stolen vehicle near Wayzata Boulevard and Gleason Lake Road. Officers located the vehicle, a 2018 Porsche Macan, which had been reported stolen the previous day in Eden Prairie.

When officers attempted to stop the Porsche, the driver fled, initiating a lengthy pursuit through Minnetonka and into Golden Valley. The pursuit concluded when officers used a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver to bring the vehicle to a stop. Minnetonka police also assisted with StopSticks.

During the incident, several juveniles fled the scene on foot. Three were apprehended, while one suspect remains at large. A loaded, stolen Sig Sauer handgun and an extended magazine were recovered from the vehicle. The individual still sought is believed to be armed and was last seen wearing a black hoodie, dark pants, and a white undershirt.

In a statement, Golden Valley Police Chief Virgil Green reported that the pursuit ended on General Mills Boulevard, south of Highway 55. Although several Golden Valley police units sustained damage during the chase, no officers were injured.

Wayzata Police Chief Marc Schultz noted the rising frequency of such incidents. “This type of criminal activity has become all too frequent for officers across the metro,” he said. “For Wayzata alone, this is the second stolen vehicle we’ve pursued off a FLOCK ALPR hit with juveniles and loaded stolen guns in the car in 5 weeks. These kids are coming to our communities to commit crimes. Our officers have done a remarkable job in dealing with these dangerous high-stress situations in an effort to keep our community safe.”

Chief Green praised the efforts of the Golden Valley police, highlighting their “dedication and professionalism” in managing the high-stakes situation while ensuring community safety. The Wayzata Police Department has taken custody of the three juveniles, the firearm, and the stolen vehicle.
Wayzata Police Department Issues Public Safety Alert on Phone Scams

April 22nd, 2024
Residents in Wayzata, Minnesota, are being warned about a surge in phone scams impersonating the local police department, authorities said Friday.

According to a release from the Wayzata Police Department, numerous complaints have been lodged by residents reporting fraudulent phone calls purportedly from law enforcement requesting money.

The department emphasized that such calls are scams and affirmed that they never solicit funds via phone calls.

“We have been taking complaints from local residents stating they’re receiving phone calls from the Wayzata Police Department asking for money. THIS IS A SCAM,” the release stated emphatically.

“We will never call asking for money. Please call 911 to confirm and report any suspicious calls like this.”

Phone scams, often perpetrated by individuals posing as legitimate organizations or authorities, can result in financial loss and compromise personal information.

Such scams typically involve coercive tactics, urging victims to provide sensitive information or transfer money under false pretenses.

Instances of phone scams have surged in recent years, with perpetrators employing increasingly sophisticated methods to deceive unsuspecting individuals.

The proliferation of digital communication channels has facilitated the spread of fraudulent activities, making it imperative for individuals to exercise caution and vigilance when interacting with unknown callers.

The Wayzata Police Department urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious phone calls promptly.

They emphasized the importance of verifying the authenticity of unexpected requests for personal or financial information.

In response to the escalating threat posed by phone scams, law enforcement agencies across the country have intensified efforts to educate the public about common scam tactics and raise awareness about the prevalence of fraudulent activities.

To combat the menace of phone scams effectively, authorities advise individuals to:
- Exercise caution when receiving unsolicited phone calls, especially those requesting personal or financial information.
- Verify the identity of callers by asking for credentials or contacting the relevant organization directly through official channels.
- Refrain from sharing sensitive information or making financial transactions over the phone without proper verification.
- Report suspicious phone calls to local law enforcement agencies or consumer protection authorities for investigation.
The Wayzata Police Department reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents and encouraged community members to remain vigilant in the face of evolving threats.

For further information or to report suspicious activity, residents are urged to contact the Wayzata Police Department at [contact information].
Stolen Vehicle Pursuit Ends in Downtown Wayzata After Intensive Search

November 20th, 2023

In a late-night incident on November 20th, at approximately 10:45 pm, a Plymouth officer discovered a stolen vehicle in the vicinity of County Road 101 and County Road 6. The vehicle promptly evaded the officer, leading to a pursuit into Wayzata.

Wayzata PD officers effectively deployed stop sticks, resulting in the immobilization of the stolen vehicle. Subsequently, the occupants abandoned the vehicle, and despite an extensive search involving a State Patrol helicopter and multiple K9 units, they eluded law enforcement.

Lake Minnetonka Homes

A manhunt unfolded in downtown Wayzata as authorities sought a suspect who had fled from the stolen vehicle. The State Patrol helicopter played a crucial role in the ongoing search.

During the operation, two K-9 units were dispatched, but both lost scent trails. Despite the breakdown of the primary pursuit, with no suspect apprehended, numerous law enforcement agencies continued to patrol the area in a concerted effort to locate the fugitive.

At approximately 1045 pm, a Plymouth officer located a stolen vehicle in the area of Co 101 and Co 6. The vehicle immediately fled from the officer who pursued the vehicle into Wayzata. Wayzata PD officers were able to successfully deploy stop sticks and the vehicle was… pic.twitter.com/ODM0GPKRC7
— Plymouth Police, MN (@PlymouthMNPD) November 21, 2023

The stolen vehicle was successfully recovered, with police on the scene awaiting a tow truck. The suspect managed to evade capture on foot, leading to the involvement of multiple law enforcement agencies for assistance.

Minnetonka Police, Wayzata Police, Plymouth Police, Hennepin County Sheriff, Minnesota Highway Patrol, and Orono Police were all called in to aid in the apprehension efforts. The suspect remains at large as the investigation continues.

The stolen vehicle has been recovered. Police on scene waiting for a tow truck. pic.twitter.com/4TDrtOxRkl
— Minnesota News Now (@now_minnesota) November 21, 2023

State patrol helicopter is assisting on this search. pic.twitter.com/KTAMjzItGd
— Minnesota News Now (@now_minnesota) November 21, 2023
Wayzata Police Warn of Rise in Residential Burglaries

October 15th, 2023

62% of our burglaries for the year occurred August to October

The picturesque town of Wayzata has been grappling with a recent rise in residential burglaries, leaving local residents concerned for their safety and property. In response, the Wayzata Police Department is urging the community to take proactive steps to protect their homes and possessions.

Here, a burglar is captured on surveillance cameras leaving a Wayzata home with valuables:

In a statement released yesterday, the Wayzata Police Department expressed concern about the rising number of break-ins within the community. “The Wayzata Police Department has seen a recent uptick in residential burglaries.“

Ring camera footage of someone scampering away.

Post from Ring user dated October 21, 2023

To help residents protect their properties and prevent these crimes, the Wayzata Police Department recommends a few straightforward yet effective measures:

1. Always Lock Your Doors: One of the simplest and most effective ways to deter burglars is to lock your doors, whether you are at home or away. Many burglaries occur because doors are left unlocked or vulnerable.

2. Arm Your Security System: If you have a security system installed in your home, make sure it is armed. These systems act as a significant deterrent and can quickly alert authorities in case of a break-in.

3. Turn On Outside Lights: A well-lit property is less attractive to potential burglars. Installing motion-activated lights in your yard or around your property can help keep intruders at bay.

It is important to take these preventative measures, residents should make them part of their daily routines.

Community Initiative: Vacation Watch Program

In a move to empower the community and enhance security measures, Wayzata residents now have the ability to register for an added level of service by entering their Residential and Business Keyholder information with the Wayzata Police Department. This database will be especially valuable for those planning to be away for extended periods, such as vacations.

Residents are encouraged to provide detailed information about their properties and the date ranges when they will be away. Once added to the database, your property will be included in our list of vacation watches, which officers will check on, time-permitting.

The Vacation Watch Program is a voluntary initiative that encourages community participation in enhancing the overall security of Wayzata. By providing your information, you are not only protecting your own property but contributing to the safety of the entire community.

In times when community involvement is more crucial than ever, the Wayzata Police Department is encouraging residents to utilize these resources to enhance the safety and security of the entire town. It is the collective responsibility of residents, local law enforcement, and the community as a whole to work together to prevent residential burglaries and keep Wayzata a safe and welcoming place for all.
CRIME ALERT: Supsicious males inside local jewelry store

December 11th, 2014

Wayzata Police responded to the call of two suspicious males inside a local jewelry store. They indicated to a sales clerk that they were there to look at engagement rings, but almost immediately split up and walked around the entire store, including hallways where there was no merchandise. They spent little time looking at engagement rings. The males left prior to police arrival, but were spotted by police in a vehicle near a second jewelry store minutes later. Through vehicle registration and having seen one of the suspects, police have subsequently identified one of the males. He has a criminal history to include aggravated assault and is a suspect in a jewelry store burglary in another suburb. It is common for burglary suspects to case an establishment during business hours prior to burglarizing the business when they are closed. There have been no burglaries committed in Wayzata since this incident occurred, likely because the suspects were spotted by police and followed for a period of time. Report any suspicious activity to Wayzata Police by dialing 911.

Wayzata.com is your source for news and information in Wayzata, MN, 55391, and the Wayzata Trojans and is brought to you by Re/Max Results Wayzata REALTOR Dan Gustafson.
CRIME ALERT: Business Burglaries

December 1st, 2014

Wayzata Police Chief Mike Risvold issued the following crime alet on Monday:

“Three business burglaries and one attempted business burglary have been reported to Wayzata Police since late in the day yesterday. It appears that they may be related. At 6:03 PM yesterday, officers responded to an alarm in the 1300 block of Wayzata Boulevard. Police arrived two minutes later to find the business had been forcibly entered and two cash registers were missing. A second burglary in the same strip mall was reported this morning. A third burglary was reported in the 700 block of Lake Street. A business was forcibly entered at approximately 1:00 AM. An attempted burglary was also reported in the 300 block of Barry Avenue, but it appears no entry was gained. Contact Wayzata Police if you have information on any of these incidents by calling 911.”

Wayzata.com is your source for news and information in Wayzata, MN, 55391, and the Wayzata Trojans and is brought to you by Re/Max Results Wayzata REALTOR Dan Gustafson.
Wayzata couple guilty of five counts of theft by swindle

August 29th, 2014

Philip and Virginia Carlson were each found guilty of five counts of theft by swindle in which they took hundreds of thousands of dollars from an office development project in Orono that was never completed, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman announced Thursday.

Philip & Virginia Carlson. Images courtesy Hennepin
County Sheriff.

The Hennepin County District Court jury returned the verdict Wednesday morning after less than five hours of deliberation. Sentencing for Virginia, 62, and Philip, 58, was set for Oct. 30 and prosecutors will be seeking about four years in prison for the Wayzata couple.

“We are pleased with the jury’s verdict,” Freeman said. “They were able to see that this couple stole money for the project to buy themselves expensive cars, snowmobiles and to keep up two homes. They did it by funneling money through a company they owned which wasn’t doing work on the project while failing to pay the companies that had done work on the development. Their theft also played a role in the demise of First Commercial Bank of Bloomington.”

The couple was each charged in 2011 with five counts of theft by swindle over $35,000 for crimes that occurred from October 2007 through May of 2008. According to the criminal complaint and testimony during the trial, Philip and Virginia Carlson were the developers and general contractors of the Amber Woods commercial office building development at 2060 Wayzata Blvd. W. in Orono.

First Commercial Bank agreed to loan $6.4 million and nearly half of that was loaned out before the project came to a halt in 2008.

Work began on the Amber Woods project in 2007, as did the swindle. For instance, in Oct. 2007, the Carlsons, through their general contractor company, submitted an invoice and a lien waiver from Sundblad Construction for nearly $174,000 in order for the Carlsons to access the loan money to pay the subcontractor. However, the invoice was not prepared by Sundblad, nor was the lien waiver. Testimony showed they were prepared by Virginia Carlson. Likewise, the signatures on both documents were not those of the owner of Sundblad Construction.

That scam was repeated several times. However, when subcontractors started to complain about not being paid, the bank told the Carlsons that from now on the checks from the loan would no longer be made out to Carlson’s company and the subcontractor, but just the subcontractor.

So, the Carlsons began submitting invoices for work done by Logan Ryan. What no one knew was that Logan Ryan was a company owned by the Carlsons that performed no work on the project.

“So they came up with a new scheme,” Assistant Hennepin County Attorney Emery Adoradio said in his closing argument Tuesday. “They had false invoices to Logan Ryan saying they did the framing… In short, Logan Ryan in the Amber Woods project was a sham. It was concealed from their (the Carlsons’) partners, it was concealed from the bank. Logan Ryan did not do any work. Philip and Virginia Carlson used Logan Ryan to steal from the bank. It was an artifice, a trick.”

Compiled from Hennepin County Attorney.
Wayzata Police Department Media Report October 25 – 31, 2011

November 3rd, 2011

Theft From Auto Report Reported: 10-31-2011 1626
Car window broken and messenger bag with misc. papers stolen / loss $40 plus cost of window replacement.
Addresses Involved
600 block of Lake St E, Wayzata

Burglary / Damage to Prop /Thft Frm Auto Reported: 10-27-2011 0906
Addresses Involved Car in underground parking garage vandalized by slashing tires, breaking windows, and I-pod stolen / damage approx. $500, theft approx. $400
155 Gleason Lake Rd , Wayzata

PDMV 2
H & R PDMV 1
FIRE ALARM 1
GAS LEAK/SMELL 1
SUICIDE 1
OTHER MEDICAL 5
DETOX PATIENT 1
WELFARE CHECK – ADULT 4
INFO REC’D 3
DOMESTIC 2
DISTURBANCE/FIGHT/LOUD PARTY 2
RECEIVE COURT ORDER/OFP 3
SUSPICION 8
OPEN DOOR/WINDOW 1
MISC. JUVENILE PROBLEM 1
DRIVING/TRAFFIC COMPLAINT 2
RECORD CHECKS 1
Solicitor Permit 1
ANIMAL COMPLAINT/CHECK 4
PATROL REQUEST 1
ASSIST CHILD PROTECTION 1
MOTORIST ASSIST/STALL 2
PUBLIC ASSIST 1
LOCKOUT 2
BUSINESS ALARM 4
HOME ALARM 1
911 HANG-UP 2
ASSIST OTHER DEPT 1
TRANSPORT 1
Cancel/No Contact 4
THEFT-500 OR LESS MS-MTR VEHICLE-OTH PROP 1

Tag: Crime

DWIs Continue to Be a Public Safety Concern

Underage Alcohol Use and Youth Conduct

Theft and Trespass at Local Businesses

Disturbances on the Water and Downtown

Suspicious Activity and Harassment Reports

Domestic and Family-Related Incidents

Public Safety and Hazards

Continued Vigilance

Notable Incidents

DWIs and Traffic Enforcement

Thefts and Property Crimes

Disturbances and Juvenile Incidents

Serious Crimes and Arrests

Community Support and K9 Assistance

Summary of Non-Criminal Calls