Owatonna Police Catch Criminals in the Act

With the help of a local business owner, the Owatonna police caught suspects of a crime-in-progress in the Industrial Park. Two people were detained and an investigation connected them to other crimes in the area.

The Just the Facts newsletter from the Owatonna Polic Department (OPD) reports, "An officer patrolling the Industrial Park was flagged down by a business owner who had blocked a thief from driving out of his lot...The officer observed a large amount of scrap metal in the backseat."

Forty-year-old Joshua Almendinger of Faribault was arrested on a warrant outstanding from Rice County. The passenger was 33-year-old Ashley Riemann. Both were charged with misdemeanor theft.

Almendinger was found to be in possession of a trace amount of methamphetamine. The vehicle was towed for further investigation. "Officers were able to link this couple to stealing aluminum from other Industrial Park businesses a few hours earlier. A search of the vehicle revealed torches, a catalytic converter, power tools, and 87 pounds of aluminum scrap," according to Just the Facts.

OPD TO ASSIST IN DISTRACTED DRIVING CRACKDOWN

Owatonna police encourage, "Eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, and mind on driving." OPD and agencies throughout Minnesota are putting an extra effort into limiting distracted driving during an enforcement period through the end of April.

Distracted driving can include cell phone use, dealing with children or other passengers, adjusting your music or navigation, or eating and drinking among other possibilities. Read more here (just not while you are driving).

DOMESTIC ASSAULT ARREST

Owatonna police arrested a man in connection with a reported domestic assault in late March. After receiving a report of a woman who was struck and kicked by her boyfriend, police came into contact with the individual when the woman went to collect personal property from his residence.

Upon gaining access, "the officers attempted to arrest (Nereus R.) Montemayor, but a struggle ensued," reports Just the Facts. "After Montemayor was restrained, he kicked an officer twice near the knee. Montemayor, 33 of Owatonna, was held in custody and charged with five counts ranging from misdemeanor domestic assault, obstructing legal process, assault to a peace officer, and a felony threat of violence."