The next COPPS meeting is on: 1/3/2012 at 7:00pm at the Willmar Fire Hall

Warrant at The Tobacco Stop 10/20/2011

(Case # 11008920)

On October 20, 2011, at 12:15 PM, a search warrant was executed at the Tobacco Stop located at 2211 First Street South, Willmar, MN. The search was conducted by the CEE-VI Drug and Gang Task Force, who were also assisted by the Willmar Police Department and the Central Minnesota Task Force. The search warrant was conducted after law enforcement officials had received numerous complaints that the Tobacco Stop was selling synthetic marijuana. Synthetic marijuana was made illegal in Minnesota in July of 2011. Large amounts of manufactured substance suspected to be illegal synthetic marijuana, along with items defined as drug paraphernalia, were seized during the search warrant. Investigation regarding those involved in the selling of the illegal substance through the store is continuing. The store manager, Karim Wazwaz, age 29, of Willmar, MN was arrested, processed, and has been released with the following charge pending against him: Drugs-Synthetic Canabinoid- MN Statute 152.027.6(b).

Assault at Regency East trailer park on 6/8/2011

(Case # 11004273)

            On 6/8/2011 at approximately 6:20pm the Willmar Police Department was dispatched to take an assault report. The assault occurred at approximately 4:25pm at a trailer in the Regency East trailer park (1400 NE Lakeland DR.) in Willmar. While investigating the assault it was learned that two males had gotten into a physical fight. The reporting male alleged that at one point during the altercation the other male fired a shotgun in his direction. The reporting male suffered minor injuries. The Willmar Police Department conducted a search warrant at the residence where the assault occurred. The warrant resulted in Daniel Garza Jr. (18yo) being arrested and charged with 2^nd degree assault and 5^th degree assault. The Willmar Police Department was assisted by the Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s office and the Willmar Ambulance service.

Fire Destroys Home on SE 20th Ave.

(Case # 11000124)

On 5/4/2011 at approximately 5:23pm the Willmar Fire Department and the Willmar Police Department were dispatched to a fire on the 900 Blk of SE 20th Ave. All occupants were able to exit the house safely. The cause of the fire was found to be an unattended candle in a bedroom. Several families were displaced because of the fire. Assisting the Willmar Fire Department and Willmar Police Department was the Willmar Ambulance Service. the Kandiyohi Fire Department, the Pennock Fire Department, and the Kandiyohi County Rescue Squad.

(Case #11001353)--Suspects apprehended!

At 5:17am on 4/19/2011 The Willmar Police Department was dispatched to the area of 19th Ave and 22nd St. SW. There was a report that a pickup had hit a tree and that no-one was in the vehicle. Upon arrival the Willmar Police Officers found that a 2001 Ford Ranger pickup had been east bound on 19th Avenue and went off the roadway. The truck struck a light pole and two trees causing extensive damage. Further investigation found that the pickup had been stolen from the 1200 block of 11th St. SW something during the night. The pickup also appeared to have had its steering wheel secured and accelerator propped. The pickup was then turned loose (unmanned) eastbound on 19th Avenue. After the pickup had hit the light pole and two trees it was damaged to the point where it could not continue and it stopped on the boulevard. The theft and motor vehicle crash remain under investigation. If you have any information on this incident please contact the Willmar Police Department.  

Fire Extinguisher Causes Property Damage to Apartment Complex

(Case # 11001157)

In the early morning hours of 4/15/2011 Willmar Police Department Officers responded to a call at the Amberwood Apartments, 1501 SW 8th St, in Willmar. A paper delivery person had reported that there was a very strong white fog in the hallways of the apartment complex. When officers arrived they found that one of the fire extinguishers had been taken from the wall and was missing. The fog and white film over everything had been caused by the fire extinguisher being used, but there had been no fire. The residue left by the fire extinguisher caused hundreds of dollars in clean up and the owner of the apartment complex is offering a reward. The apartment complex owner is offering a $1000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of whomever caused the damage in his building. If you have information about this incident please contact the Willmar Police Department.