DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

City of Mankato, MN

Administration Division

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P R E S S   R E L E A S E

Date:                     October 5, 2003

SUBJECT:            Riot

Case Number:       03-30616

Contact Person:    Director Jim Franklin Or Deputy Director Mike Hoffman

Phone 387-8790

At approximately 2228 hours on 10/4/03, officers responded to a report of a disturbance occurring in the 1500 block of Monks Ave.  When officers arrived they observed 200-300 persons in a parking lot jumping on cars, rocking vehicles and drinking.  Officers attempted to quiet the crowd and when they were unable to do they so called for additional assistance.

Additional officers were brought to the scene, but by this time the crowd had grown to over 500+.  Officers again were unable to break up the crowd and additional resources were called.  By the time those resources arrived the crowd had grown to an estimated 2-3000 persons.  It became clear that a much larger number of officers would have to be called to manage this situation.  By this time the crowd had crossed Monks Ave and entered the Campus View and Highland Hills apartment area.  Additional cars were being over turned windows, signs, fences being broken, cars and dumpsters were then lit on fire.

Mutual Aid assistance was requested.  41 different law enforcement agencies with approximately 160-175 officers responded to our community.  Additional 40 fire fighters, EMS personnel, CSO’s and Crime Lab Technicians supported these officers.

Forty-Five persons were arrested in conjunction with this incident.  Charges vary from Disorderly Conduct, Obstructing Legal Process and 3rd Degree Riot.  Situation was brought under control at approximately 0400AM and city streets were cleaned and re-opened to traffic at approximately 0600AM.

One officer and three deputies received minor injuries during the Riot.  Mankato DPS is asking members of the public to assist with the on-going investigation of this incident.  Any persons who have video or still photo’s that may show suspects committing criminal acts are requested to contact the department on duty Commander at 507-387-8780 or e-mail the department at dps@city.mankato.mn.us. 

Summary List of Calls for Service /Damage Report

Loud Party Complaints                                     4

Disorderly Disturbance                                     11

Criminal Damage to Vehicles/Property              16

Liquor Violation                                               1

Robbery of Person                                           1

Hit & Run Accident                                          1

Motor Vehicle Personal Injury                          1

Juvenile Nuisance                                             1

Medical                                                           5

Assault                                                             2

Motor Vehicle Theft                                        1

Suspicious Activity                                           2

Domestic                                                         1

Attempted Theft                                              1

Burglary                                                          1

Arson   Dumpster Fire                                      4

            Motor Vehicle Fire                               2

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