Have a Safe New Year Celebration

The Sturgeon Bay Police Department would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year!

As you take the time to celebrate the past and future, we ask that in your celebrations, please do not drink and drive.  SBPD is participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.  

It is our hope, we don't have to arrest anyone for drunk driving this coming holiday weekend.  Please, take a taxi or use a designated driver, but do not get behind the wheel if you have been drinking.  Your safety and the public's safety is important to us.  Thank you!

Michigan St Bridge Closing for Repair

Alert

Wisconsin Department of Transportation

Northeast Regional Office, 944 Vanderperren Way, Green Bay, WI 54304 Phone: 920/492-5623 FAX: 920/492-5640 www.wisconsindot.gov

Release date: December 29, 2016

For more information, contact:

Mark Kantola, Regional Communications Manager

Mark.Kantola@dot.wi.gov, (920) 492-4153

Long-term closure of Michigan Street Bridge in Door County begins Jan. 3 

WisDOT to repair beams damaged in vehicle strike

(Sturgeon Bay) The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Northeast Region office announces the Michigan Street Bridge in Sturgeon Bay, Door County, will close to vehicle and pedestrian traffic at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 3 and reopen Friday, January 20. The daily closures are necessary to repair nine bridge beams damaged in a vehicle strike. The bridge will continue to open for marine traffic while repairs take place. Detour signs will direct motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians to use the Maple/Oregon Street Bridge to cross the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal. The Bayview Bridge is another alternate route to consider during the repair work.

A semi-truck towing a backhoe struck multiple overhead support beams on Friday, April 22. Maintenance crews closed the bridge to all traffic, inspected the damage, and reopened the bridge the following day.

WisDOT Bureau of Structures engineers, Northeast Region bridge engineers and Door County Highway Department staff will be conducting the repairs on the bridge’s east span. The repairs will cost approximately $200,000. The driver of the semi towing the backhoe which struck the bridge is responsible for all repair costs.

Repairs consist of cutting the damaged beams out and bolting new beams in place. Due to the age of the beams, WisDOT used 3-dimensional imaging technology (LiDAR) to create specifications for prefabrication of new beams to exactly replicate the damaged beams. An off-site facility prefabricated the replacement parts and transported them to Sturgeon Bay for repair when the shipping season ended. Repairing the bridge in winter lessens the impact for marine and motor vehicle traffic. Engineers plan to heat-straighten, in place, one of the nine beams. All of the repair work is weather dependent.

For daily construction information or changes to construction schedules for this project and all WisDOT Northeast Region construction project, please follow the Northeast Region Twitter account at https://twitter.com/WisDOTnortheast.

Shoplifting Leads to Heroin & Meth Arrest

On December 27 at 4:40pm, police were sent to Target for a shoplifting suspect in custody.  Target had detained a 39 year old male from Sturgeon Bay, who was caught stealing over $250 worth of jewelry items.  The suspect had a prior theft record, so he was arrested for a misdemeanor charge of retail theft and taken to jail.



During the search of the suspect, he was found to be in possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia. Preliminary field tests indicate the drugs were heroin, methamphetamine and prescription pain medication.  Drug paraphernalia included syringes, a spoon and grinders.

The drug related charges were felonies, and the suspect was held in jail until an appearance before a judge.  The case has been sent to the DA's Office.  

OWI Arrests

On December 24 at 2:45am, police stopped a vehicle for operating left of the center of the road.  The driver, a 24 year old male from Sturgeon Bay, smelled of alcohol and was slurring his speech.  Field Sobriety tests indicated the driver was impaired.  Prior to his arrest, the driver attempted to run from the scene on foot, but was quickly apprehended by the officer.  The driver was arrested for his 1st offense OWI, and received additional citations for operating left of center and resisting/interfering with an officer.


On December 24 at 12:16pm, officers were investigating a reckless driver complaint where the suspect vehicle had struck a mailbox on Duluth Ave near Hickory St and continued driving.  Police found the vehicle had struck another mailbox outside of the city and drove into the ditch.  The driver, a 30 year old male from Sturgeon Bay, was found to be intoxicated.  The driver refused to complete field sobriety tests, telling the officers, "I'm drunk."  The driver was arrested for OWI-1st offense, as he had no prior convictions.  The driver was also cited for hit and run and failure to have control of his vehicle.  Police would note, this driver was arrested by city police for OWI-1st offense on November 27, with that case pending in the courts.  If he is found guilty of that incident, the December 24 arrest will be amended to an OWI-2nd offense.

Theft of Purse is Solved

On December 20, police were notified by an Econo Foods customer she had accidentally left her purse in a shopping cart.  The purse contained personal items, including credit cards, which now had some unauthorized charges on them at Sturgeon Bay area businesses.

Police were able to use video surveillance from the businesses to locate and identify the suspect, an 18 year old female from Sturgeon Bay.  The suspect admitted to coming into possession of the purse, and taking the credit card to make the unauthorized purchases.  The suspect still had the purse and some of the contents, which police retrieved and will return to the rightful owner.

Due to the financial nature of this case, it has been referred to the DA's Office for consideration of criminal charges for theft, unauthorized use of an individuals' personal identifying information or documents and forgery (signing the owner's name on the credit card transaction).

Parking Lot Fight

Just after 6:00pm on December 23, police were sent to Wal-Mart's parking lot for a fight between two females.  When police arrived, one of the females had already fled the scene, and was located later.

The investigation found the two females were yelling and swearing at each other in the entrance of the store.  Wal-Mart kicked the two women out of the store for the disturbance being created.  As the one female returned to her vehicle, she was approached by the second female and punched in the face.  The two females began fighting each other, throwing punches and pulling hair.

Neither female, both 32 years old, wanted to press charges and one of them sustained a swollen eye.  Due to the public nature of the disturbance, which was witnessed by other customers, each received an ordinance citation for disorderly conduct.

Merry Christmas

The staff of the Sturgeon Bay Police Department 

would like to wish everyone a 

Merry Christmas!

As you spend time with family and friends this holiday season, may your travels be safe and your Christmas filled with the blessings of peace, hope, joy and love!

Wal-Mart Shoplifter Caught

Sturgeon Bay Police have been investigating several shoplifting incidents involving the same suspect and Wal-Mart.

On December 9, the suspect stole a $100 car stereo system, by removing it from the box and hiding it with his jacket, as he left the store.  On December 17, the suspect stole a pair of boots and men's clothing item.  Wal-Mart video surveillance captured the crimes.

Police were able to identify the suspect as a 50 year old male from Sturgeon Bay, who happened to be on probation.  On December 20, the suspect was arrested for the retail theft, taken to the Door County Jail and issued two misdemeanor citations for his actions.  In addition to the new charges, the suspect was placed on a probation hold by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.  
 

Pedestrians Hit in Crosswalk

On December 21 at approximately 1:43pm, two pedestrians were struck by a vehicle on N 3rd Ave @ Michigan St.  The two pedestrians were in a marked crosswalk, when a vehicle began to turn onto N 3rd Ave from Michigan St, and did not see the pedestrians.

One pedestrian was uninjured and another pedestrian suffered an injury to their lower leg, requiring an ambulance trip to the hospital.  The driver of the vehicle was uninjured and there was no damage to the vehicle.

The vehicle driver, a 49 year old male from DePere, was issued a citation for failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

ICE BREAKING in Shipping Channels

The Sturgeon Bay Police Department will be posting notices when ice breaking operations occur.  

Any outdoor enthusiasts should use extreme caution while on the ice.

Wal-Mart Shoplifter Caught

On December 12, a 20 year old female from Algoma was cited for retail theft from Wal-Mart.  The female had taken some clothing items, concealed them and attempted to leave the store.  Security had been watching the suspect and stopped her after she left the store, and police were contacted.  The merchandise taken was returned to the store.  

Congratulations to Sgt. Albertson

The Sturgeon Bay Police Department would like to congratulate Sgt. Jason Albertson on completing his certification in Leadership in Police Organizations (LPO).  Chief Arleigh Porter is committed to this training and sends all Patrol Sergeants to the course.

LPO is provided by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, in partnership with the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and is their most requested career development training.  LPO uses a behavioral science approach to leading people, groups and organizations. The course is based on material developed for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. LPO is focused on cultivating leaders at all levels of the organization and is highly interactive. Small group case studies, videos and class exercises are used to reinforce learning. The three-week course is taught one week a month over three months.  Sgt. Albertson's course was taught at the Wisconsin State Patrol Academy at Ft. McCoy and concluded on December 9.

Best Wishes to Officer South

The Sturgeon Bay Police Department would like to thank Officer Steven South for his 13 years of service to the department and citizens of Sturgeon Bay.

We wish him the best in his new job with Catholic Charities, where he will continue to serve and help others.



 

Protect Kids Online

Parents looking to protect your children from online activity...we recommend the Wisconsin Department of Justice's ICAC Task Force podcasts, Protect Kids Online.

One of the podcast presenters is a former Sturgeon Bay Police Officer, Carl Waterstreet.  Waterstreet is a Special Agent for the Department of Justice.  

Information on the podcasts are available at:
https://www.doj.state.wi.us/dci/icac/online-safety-tips-parents

WBAY recently did a story on the podcasts, which can be viewed at: http://wbay.com/2016/12/15/doj-launches-podcasts-helping-parents-keep-up-with-kids-technology/

Shoplifter caught

Target contacted police on December 5 for a shoplifter in custody.  Police found a 48 year old female from Brussels had concealed a clothing item and left the store.  Store security has been watching the suspect and immediately stopped her upon her leaving the store.

The suspect admitted to wanting to steal the shirt, as she had no money to purchase the item.  For her actions, an ordinance citation for shoplifting/retail theft was issued to the suspect.    

Bail Jumping for Alcohol Violations

On November 30, police received information that a 31 year old male from Sturgeon Bay, was intoxicated and in violation of his felony bond conditions to maintain absolute sobriety.  Police located the male and confirmed he was intoxicated.  The male was arrested for felony bail jumping and taken to the Door County Jail to wait an appearance before a judge.

On December 4, police made contact with a 59 year old male from Sturgeon Bay who was in public and appeared intoxicated based on his behavior.  Police knew the male was under a court order to maintain absolute sobriety as part of his felony bond conditions for his 4th offense OWI charge.  It was confirmed the male had been drinking alcohol, and he was arrested for felony bail jumping.

This same male had left a threatening message for the city officer that arrested him on his OWI charge.  In addition to the bail jumping charge, the threat incident was referred to the DA's Office for a misdemeanor charge of unlawful use of a communication system to threaten harm.  

Alcohol Leads to Bad Decision

On December 3 at 4:40 am, police were dispatched to a residence in Thunderhill Estates for a hit and run accident that caused property damage.  The suspect, a 19 year old male from Brussels, had gotten into a fight with other people at the residence and fled the scene, striking an unoccupied parked vehicle.

Door County Deputies located the suspect who was heading back to his residence.  The suspect had been drinking alcohol and Door County Sheriff handled the alcohol violations and probation hold arrest.

Sturgeon Bay Police cited the suspect for an ordinance violation of disorderly conduct and traffic violations for hit and run and failure to report an accident.

Road Rage Results in Citation

On the evening of December 2, police were dispatched to an accident/road rage incident.  One party claimed a truck following her had bumped into the back of her vehicle and the driver of the truck was yelling and swearing profanities at her.  The driver had her children in the car, who became scared by what happened.    

The driver of the truck denied hitting the back of the other vehicle and was upset at the other vehicles driving.  The driver of the truck admitted to yelling and swearing at the other driver.  

Police found no damage to either vehicle.  The driver of the truck, a 63 year old male from Sturgeon Bay, was issued an ordinance citation for disorderly conduct.  

Domestic Incidents

Incident #1: Police were sent to an east side home on December 1, just after 10:00 pm for a disorderly male. The 48 year old male was yelling and swearing at other occupants of the home, and attempted to kick in a bedroom door where one of the occupants had retreated to.  The male was arrested for domestic related Disorderly Conduct, and taken to the Door County Jail.

Incident #2: On December 2 at 8:15 pm, officers were sent to an east side home for a report of a women pleading for her life, as heard by neighbors. The investigation revealed the 20 year old male occupant was upset at his girlfriend.  During the argument, the male threw the girlfriend to the ground, injuring her hand, and broke some property.  The male was arrested for domestic related Disorderly Conduct and Battery and taken to jail.  The male had been drinking alcohol and was also cited for consumption of alcohol underage.

Street Light Damaged

On the morning of December 1, police took a report that a street light on N 18th Ave @ Iowa St was damaged and laying in a yard. The evidence showed an unknown vehicle had driven off the road, and struck the light pole, causing it to break.  Evidence indicates the vehicle continued west on Iowa St after striking the pole.  In talking with neighbors, the street light was first found damaged at 10:30pm on November 30.    

Police are looking for the public's help in locating the suspect vehicle, which should have front end damage.  Police want to identify the owner of the vehicle, so they can be held accountable and pay for the replacement cost of the street light.

We would gladly accept a phone call from the driver themselves, if their conscience is bothering them.  Otherwise, anyone with information on the identity of the vehicle can contact the police department at (920) 746-2450.

UPDATED on Dec 3 to reflect damage first found at 10:30pm, and not 11:30pm.

Winter Parking begins ...

Beginning tonight, the city of Sturgeon Bay's winter parking restrictions are in effect.  City ordinance 7.07 states:

No operator of any vehicle shall park such vehicle upon any street within the city between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. during December, January, February and March.  

The Street Department's snow plow drivers would like to thank everyone in advance for following this ordinance and helping them clear our streets more efficiently.
 
Failure to obey this ordinance can result in a $15 parking ticket.

Thanksgiving Weekend Activity

The Thanksgiving Weekend was relatively quiet for the Police Department, and for that, we are so very thankful!

A few incidents to report:

Disorderly Behavior: On November 24 at 7:08pm, officers were dispatched to the west side of the city for a possible fight.  It was reported two individuals were chasing a male through some yards, before the person sought refugee at a home.  Police located and identified the people involved.  A 26 year old male from Sturgeon Bay was issued an ordinance citation for disorderly conduct.  


Mischievous Activity: On the evening of  November 25 just before midnight, police received a report of kids throwing objects at moving vehicles in the area of Georgia St and 14th Ave.  Toilet paper was found in the area, but the kids were not located.  No damage was reported to the vehicles.

During the day on November 26, police took two reports that eggs had been thrown on houses and vehicles in the 1100 of Georgia St and 400 block of N 12th Ave.  The owners did not believe there would be any permanent damage to the property, but found the egg debris was hard to remove.  

On November 27 just after midnight, police were sent to Duluth Ave and Maple St for three teenage males dressed in dark clothing throwing toilet paper at cars.  The teenagers were not located and no damage was reported to the vehicles.

   
OWI: On November 27 at 2:00am, police observed a vehicle operating without headlights/taillights in the downtown business district.  A stop was made and the driver, a 29 year old male from Sturgeon Bay, was found to have been drinking alcohol.  The male had slurred speech and field sobriety tests showed clues for impairment.  The driver was arrested for OWI-1st offense.

Wal-Mart Traffic Signals Back in Operation

The traffic lights at the Wal-Mart entrance on Egg Harbor Rd are working again. We have been notified the contractor has just completed reconnecting all of the wiring and reprogramming of the control box to make them fully operational.

The lights have been programmed so Egg Harbor Rd traffic has the green light, unless a vehicle activates the sensors while exiting Wal-Mart.  

Please use caution in this area, for it has been a year since they were last working and motorists/pedestrians must adjust to the new traffic pattern.

Weekend Domestic Arrests

On November 19 at 1:57am, city officers were sent to a west side residence for a family fight.  An investigation determined the 32 year old husband had gotten into an argument with his wife.  The husband pushed the wife into the bed and then into the closet door, and threw bedding at her.  The wife is currently pregnant, and sustained a bruise to her arm.

The male was arrested for domestic related disorderly conduct and taken to the Door County Jail.  The male was on probation, and the WI Department of Corrections placed a probation hold on him for violating his rules, which prevented the male from being released from jail.


On November 20 at 10:03pm, police were dispatched to an east side apartment for a disorderly male, who attacked the reporting person.  Police learned the male got upset at his girlfriend, yelling at her and calling her profane names.  The male broke the female's cell phone, and proceeded to tip over the chair the female was sitting in.  The suspect was intoxicated and fled the scene on foot prior to police arrival.

However, police were able to locate the suspect, a 58 year old male from Sturgeon Bay.  The male was arrested for domestic related disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property.  The male was taken to the Door County Jail and required to post bond due to the offense being a domestic arrest.

Both cases have been referred to the DA's Office.

Victims of domestic abuse can receive free services and support through HELP of Door County by visiting their office at 219 Green Bay Rd in Sturgeon Bay, or calling their 24 hour hotline at 920-743-8818.

OWI 3rd Offense Arrest

On November 19 around 9:40pm, a city officer stopped a vehicle for failing to stop at a red light at the Madison Ave and Maple St intersection, nearly striking another vehicle.  The officer detected an odor of alcohol from the driver, a 29 year old male from Sturgeon Bay.

Field sobriety tests indicated the driver was impaired, and he was arrested for his 3rd offense OWI.  In addition, the driver did not have a driver's license and was cited for operating without a valid license.  The male was taken to the Door County Jail to await an appearance before a judge.  The case has been sent to the DA's Office for charges.

Drunk Behavior Keeps Getting Male Arrested

On November 20 at 1:38am, officers were sent to Poh's Corner Pub for a disorderly person who was taking and drinking other people's drinks.  When officers arrived on scene they observed the suspect, a 31 year old male from Sturgeon Bay, yelling, swearing and pounding his fists on the bar.  The male was heavily intoxicated.

The suspect would not listen or cooperate with the officer when asked to leave the bar.  When officers went to arrest the male for disorderly conduct, he resisted.  Officers had to take the male to the ground in order to handcuff him, and in the process, one of the officer's arm/wrist was injured during the process of arresting him, when the suspect landed on the officer's arm.  The male then began to make suicidal comments.

The male was taken to the hospital for medical and mental evaluation.  While in the ER, the male continued to yell and scream, using racial slurs and derogatory names and he told two officers he was going kill them.

Once medically cleared, the male was taken to jail and charged with two felonies, threatening a law enforcement officer and resisting an officer with injury, and two misdemeanors, disorderly conduct (two counts) and bail jumping.  The injured officer was seen in the ER and found not to have a broken wrist, but sustained a sprain with a soft tissue injury.


This same male had been arrested by police on October 4, and was out on bond conditions for charges of disorderly conduct and resisting an officer.  (conditions of the bond were to not drink any alcohol and to not commit further crimes)  During that incident, it was reported the male was screaming and yelling obscenities out of an upstairs apartment window in the 3rd Ave business district.  The male was found to be intoxicated and issued an ordinance citation for disorderly conduct; the male responded he did not care.  Approximately 10 minutes after leaving the suspects apartment, the male came outside and was on the sidewalk on Michigan St.  The male began to yell racial slurs which was heard and observed by the officer.  Officers arrested the male for a criminal offense of disorderly conduct.  During the arrest process, the male resisted officers and refused to follow officer's commands, which lead to the second charge of resisting an officer.  

Two OWI Arrests From One Call

On November 16 around 9:30pm, a city officer observed a vehicle fail to stop for a stop sign at Oregon St @ 3rd Ave.  A traffic stop was conducted and the driver, a 44 yr old male from Sturgeon Bay, immediately got out of his vehicle.  The officer requested the male get back in the vehicle, and the driver replied he had been drinking and told the officer to take him to jail.  The driver than took off running from the officer.

The officer pursued the driver on foot, catching him.  The driver smelled of intoxicants and was not cooperative with police.  The driver was arrested for OWI-1st offense.  The driver was also issued citations for failure to stop at a stop sign, operating without a valid drivers license and resisting a police officer.


During the investigation of the above incident, that driver began yelling at police about another vehicle in the vicinity.  Believing an altercation may have taken place, police stopped the second vehicle, which was driven a 59 yr old male from Sturgeon Bay.  It was determined the two drivers shared a residence, but the altercation was not between the two drivers, but another occupant of the residence.

However, police found the driver of the second vehicle had been drinking alcohol as well, and he showed signs of impairment.  This driver was arrested for OWI-4th offense.  He was taken to the Door County Jail and required to remain in jail until an appearance before the judge due to the repeat offense.

Thank You Veteran's

 The Sturgeon Bay Police Department would like to thank and honor all our veterans who have proudly served this country.  Your faithful service is appreciated, knowing your sacrifices allow us to live in a free democratic country.

We also extend a personal note of thanks to the US Coast Guard who has three units located in Sturgeon Bay.  It is an honor to work with you, and we appreciate the strong positive relationship we built together to serve the City of Sturgeon Bay.

Last, we want to recognize four of our officers who have proudly served their country in the Armed Forces:
     Shawn Mogen - US Coast Guard
     Dan Coyhis - US Navy
     Andrew Crabb- US Navy
     John Hajny- US Army

Gas Station Smash & Grab

On November 8, at 4:25am, police were sent to the Marathon Gas Station at 222 S Madison Ave for a burglary.  It was reported the glass front door to the business had been shattered.  A money box with cash and cigarettes had been stolen.

Police continue to investigate this burglary and watch store video. Initial investigation leads police to believe the suspect is a male.

Anyone with information on this burglary or knows of a person who suspiciously came into possession of a large amount of cash and cigarettes are asked to contact the Sturgeon Bay Police Department at 746-2450.  A caller can remain anonymous.  Cash rewards are available for information provided that leads to the arrest and conviction of the criminal.

Runaway call leads to criminal case

On the afternoon of November 7, police were dispatched to an apartment building on the west side of the city to look for a 15 year old female runaway at the request of the Kewaunee County Sheriff's Department.  Police located the runaway hiding in the apartment, after the 19 year old male resident denied the runaway was there.

Further investigation by police revealed the male had been in a sexual relationship with the 15 year old.  The male was also a suspect in an unrelated investigation where he was sending nude photos to other underage girls.

The male was arrested and taken to the Door County Jail on felony charges for 2nd degree sexual assault of a child and child enticement-sexual contact, as well as misdemeanor obstructing an officer. The case has been referred to the DA's Office and police continue to investigate the matter.

The runaway was taken into protective custody and released to her parents.    

One trip to jail was not enough...

On November 9 at 7:38pm, police were dispatched to Cherry Lanes Bar for a disorderly complaint.  Police learned a 37 year old male from Sturgeon Bay had asked a bar employee who they had voted for in the presidential election.  Upon being told, the male became upset and he possessed a bat, taking up a swinging stance with the bat, which scared the employee.  The suspect was swearing at and calling the employee names, but did not swing the bat.  The suspect left the bar prior to police arrival, but was located in the downtown area, and arrested for Disorderly Conduct.  The male was taken to the Door County Jail, booked in and released.  The suspect was intoxicated.

At 9:58pm, officers were dispatched back to Cherry Lanes Bar, as the original suspect returned to confront the employee again.  The suspect returned to the bar and grabbed the employee by his shirt, and shoving him up against the wall, upset about the police being called.  The employee was not hurt, but threatened by the suspects actions.  The suspect was located and arrested for another Disorderly Conduct charge.  The male was taken to the jail and required to post bond this time, due to the likely chance the suspect would return to Cherry Lanes if released without bond.

The suspect claimed he was upset over the election results and wanted to protest.  The case has been referred to the DA's Office for charges.

Daytime DUI Leads to Numerous Citations

 On October 8 at 1:40pm, city officers were dispatched to Hwy 42/57 for a reckless driving complaint.  Police located the vehicle and observed it had crossed the center line of the highway, and stopped the vehicle.

The driver, a 20 year old male from Ellison Bay, smelled of alcohol, had blood shot eyes and slurred speech, but claimed he only had "2 drinks."  Field sobriety tests indicated the driver was impaired and PBT showed a level over two times the legal limit of .08.  The driver was arrested for OWI-1st offense.

Open intoxicants were visible in the vehicle.  In addition to the OWI citation, the driver received citations for operating left of center, open intoxicants in a motor vehicle, underage transport of alcohol and underage possession/consumption of alcohol.

Thank you

 

A BIG THANK YOU to Girl Scout Troop 4339 for making a wonderful poster and bringing in goodie baskets to show support for the Sturgeon Bay police officers.   

On November 6 at 8:36pm, officers were dispatched to Motel 57 for a domestic disturbance.  Officers learned a 36 year old male got into an argument with his fiancee.  The male became upset, throwing a pot of food on the floor and breaking items in the room, and then shoving his fiancee into the wall, prior to police being called.

Police arrested the male for domestic related disorderly conduct, and took the male to the Door County Jail.


Domestic Abuse Services are provided free of charge by HELP of Door County. They can be contacted at 920-743-8818 or toll free at 800-914-3571.

OWI 4th Offense with 2 year old in Car

On November 6 at 5:35pm, officers received a report of an intoxicated driver who left a residence striking a dog, and the driver had her 2 year old child in the car.

Police located and stopped the vehicle, which was being driven by a 35 year old female from Sturgeon Bay.  The driver smelled of alcohol and had blood shot eyes.  Field sobriety tests indicated the driver was impaired, and the driver was arrested for OWI-4th offense with a child under 4 years old (increased penalties if convicted).

In addition, marijuana and a glass pipe were located in the vehicle.  Due to the drivers prior convictions for possession of marijuana, the driver was charged with felony possession of marijuana/THC and possession of drug paraphernalia.  The driver was taken to the Door County Jail to wait an appearance before a judge.

The child in the car was unharmed and released to the father.  The dog was taken to veterinarian as a precaution, but is expected to be fine.

Weekend OWI Arrests include a 5th Offense & a Felony Drug Arrest

On October 28 at 4:33 pm, officers were dispatched to the highway on the west side of the city for a report of an intoxicated driver leaving a gas station.  Officers located the vehicle pulling into the parking lot of Motel 57 and stopped the driver, a 37 year old male from Marinette.  Based on field sobriety tests, the driver showed impairment and was arrested for OWI 5th offense, a felony offense. During the processing of the OWI paperwork at the hospital, the driver became uncooperative, swearing and threatening to knock the officers out.  The driver was taken to the jail on the OWI charge, and also charged with disorderly conduct.


On October 28 at 11:40 pm, officers were dispatched to a hit and run accident on S 4th Ave.  Based on the description of the suspect vehicle, officers remained alert for the suspect, and located the vehicle at approximately 2:00 am.  The driver of the vehicle, a 28 year old male from Sturgeon Bay, was found to have been drinking, but the driver would not cooperate on field sobriety tests.  The driver was arrested for OWI 2nd offense.  Officers located open intoxicants, marijuana and a pipe inside the vehicle.  In addition to the OWI charge, the driver was issued citations for operating with a revoked drivers license, operating without insurance, hit and run, open intoxicants in a motor vehicle, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.  The driver was taken to jail.


On October 30 at 2:38 am, an officer on patrol in the downtown business district observed a vehicle accelerate rapidly leaving a parking lot, striking the curb.  As the vehicle continued driving, it crossed the center line.  A stop was made, and the officer detected the smell of alcohol and marijuana coming from the vehicle.  The back up officer observed the driver, a 40 year old male from Forestville, trying to conceal a pipe.  The driver failed field sobriety tests and was arrested for OWI 3rd offense.  In addition to the pipe, marijuana was found on the driver as well as in the vehicle.  The driver was taken to the jail on the OWI offense, and also charged with felony possession of THC (felony due to previous convictions for possession of marijuana) and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Felony Drug Arrest

On October 24 at 10:45 am, police were dispatched to the field located behind Nor Door Spot on Egg Harbor Rd for a suspicious vehicle with kids possibly doing drugs.

Officers on scene found four males in the vehicle had been smoking marijuana, with the driver having a marijuana blunt still on his lap. Investigation found the driver, a 20 year old male from Milwaukee, was in possession of two bags of marijuana, with a combined total of 40 grams.  In addition, the driver was found to have a scale, small packaging bags and a calculator.  The driver was arrested and taken to jail on a felony charge of possession of THC with intent to deliver and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The front seat passenger, an 18 year old male with addresses from Milwaukee and Sturgeon Bay, was arrested on a Probation Hold for violating his probation rules.  

One of the rear seat passengers was a 17 year old male from Sturgeon Bay who had been consuming alcohol.  He was cited for underage alcohol consumption and released to an adult.

The other rear seat passenger was a 14 year old male from Sturgeon Bay, who was transported back to High School and released to school officials.

SBPD Expresses Condolences to Rusk County Deputy

The Sturgeon Bay Police Department would like to extend our prayers and heartfelt sympathy to the family and co-workers of Rusk County Deputy Sheriff Dan Glaze, who gave the ultimate sacrifice on October 29, while serving and protecting the citizens of Rusk County.

"In valor there is hope." - Tacitus

Theft from Wal-Mart Digs A Deeper Hole for Suspect

On October 13, police were notified by Wal-Mart of retail theft case,  An unidentified female had stolen a couple boxes of diapers. The female was captured on store video.  The police were able to identify the female as a 23 year old from Sturgeon Bay, who was on probation and had an active felony criminal case that involved theft.

The suspect was evading police until October 24, when Wal-Mart reported the female had returned to their store.  Police arrested the female and took her to jail on a charge of retail theft and felony bail jumping.

Threat in Public Leads to Arrest

On October 25 at 12:13pm, police were dispatched to the Dancing Bear Toys on N 3rd Ave for a disorderly/suspicious male.  The male was gone on police arrival and it was reported the male had entered the store in a hyper and agitated state, wanting a lighter.  Upon leaving the store, the male remained in front of the store and loudly announced, "I'm going to kill me a Muslim."  This behavior alarmed and upset the store employee, who locked the front door and moved their customers to the back of the store.

Based on the description of the suspect, police were able to identify the male as a 40 year old male who is homeless, but lives in the Door County area.  Approximately 20 minutes prior to this call, the male had been removed by police from Bridgeport Resort for scaring and upsetting their guests.

Police located the suspect in the downtown area and arrested him for disorderly conduct and bail jumping, due to an open criminal court case.  The male was taken to the Door County Jail and booked in on the new criminal charges, and the case was referred to the DA's Office.  The suspect is also on probation and the WI Department of Corrections placed a probation hold on him.