UPDATE 2pm: Chief Nelson says the man will not be charged at this time. You are encouraged to call Northfield Police non emergency number 507-645-4475 with any information about the incident, as they continue to investigate
Northfield Police are investigating a potentially dangerous incident that took place on the Carleton Campus. In a press release, Chief Monte Nelson reports that at about 4 o’clock yesterday afternoon, police were called to the area of Laird Stadium on report of a man waving a gun and threatening to shoot people. Carleton Security received the initial call and informed Northfield police. While officers were enroute, they were told that security was following the man westbound from Hwy 3 onto 2nd St. West. Officers arrested him without
incident in the 500 block. Police recovered a replica/toy handgun from where the suspect had been; the handgun was easily mistaken for a real firearm. The 29 year old man, a Northfield resident, was taken to the Northfield Hospital ER and is now in the Rice County Jail pending criminal charges. According to current information, this was an isolated incident, involving a single suspect. There is no further danger to the community at large or the Carleton Campus in specific. The Northfield Police Department thanks Carleton Security for their quick response and assistance. Nelson said, if not for their help, the suspect may have evaded capture.
Technology will prove Vehicular Homicide
In August of 2016, 40 year old Chad M. Gibson of St. Paul, caused a crash on I-35 in Faribault, that killed a man. The crash occurred at Hwy 60. There was a bridge project on the south end and had closed a lane on 35. Warning signs were posted for six miles approaching the work zone. Rice County attorney John Fossum said Gibson was driving a Chevy Avalanche with the cruise control set at 78 mph, didn’t touch the brakes and slammed into the back of a KIA which burst into flames. 63 year old Scott Connell of Eden Prairie died of his injuries the following morning. His wife, 60 year old Edda was severely injured. The crash caused a chain reaction, however those people were less injured. Fossum said the charge Gibson is facing, is hard to prove. He has to prove that the driver was acting with gross negligence. Fossum said, “gross negligence is a very high standard”. Fossum said ten years ago this case would likely have been too hard to prove but with traffic cameras in place, it’s all on video. State Patrol also took evidence from Gibson’s onboard computer which verified that for the 5 seconds before the crash he was traveling at 78 mph and he never touched the brakes. Gibson told officers he was digging in the console looking for a Mountain Dew. He’s charged with 2 felony counts of criminal vehicular operation and 5 other gross misdemeanor charges. Gibson’s been convicted of multiple driving offenses, burglary and not registering as a predatory offender. His first court appearance is April 13th.
Tanzenwald gets full approval
The Northfield Council approved all licenses for Tanzenwald Brewing Company last night. The taproom is set to open April 20th. They also discussed how to address Sunday liquor sales as a municipality that doesn’t allow retail liquor stores. Mayor Pownell and Administrator Martig were in studio this morning. Their interview is online at kymn.net.
Princess for a Day fundraiser
The Defeat of Jesse James Days Ambassadors will be hosting its 6th annual Princess for a Day & Tea this Saturday from 12:30pm-3:00pm at the Northfield Ballroom. The fun afternoon will allow girls, ages 4 to 10, to spend time with the DJJD Ambassadors playing princess games, making crafts, visiting the Royal Hair Salon in preparation for a “royal tea” with their family. This fundraiser benefits the DJJD Ambassador Scholarship program. Registration forms are available at the Northfield Historical Society Museum and www.djjd.org . For additional information, contact Allie Harmer at (507) 581-9408 or via email nfldpfad@gmail.com
