Police Upload

10/29/2025

Former Minneapolis Council Member Arrested After Crash Outside City Hall

MINNEAPOLIS – A former Minneapolis City Council member was taken into custody late Tuesday night following a two-vehicle crash near City Hall.

Police say Alondra Espejel, who previously served under the name Alondra Cano, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The crash occurred around 315 S. 4th Street, the same address as Minneapolis City Hall.

According to police records, the incident was classified as a property damage crash, and no injuries were reported. Officers spoke with both drivers and witnesses before taking Espejel into custody.

Law enforcement noted that Espejel refused testing for alcohol and controlled substances, leading to her arrest. Jail records show she was booked into the Hennepin County Jail around 11:30 p.m. and remains held without bail as charges are pending.

Espejel was first elected in 2013, representing Ward 9 until stepping down in 2022. She was among several council members who called for the dismantling of the Minneapolis Police Department following the 2020 death of George Floyd, a proposal that later lost support amid rising violent crime.

Police Upload will continue to monitor updates as this story develops.

10/15/2025

Saint Paul, Minn.

A growing coalition of Minnesota city leaders is once again urging lawmakers to give municipalities more control over their own gun regulations. On Tuesday, the mayors of Saint Paul, Minneapolis, Rochester, Bloomington, and several surrounding suburbs gathered at the State Capitol to call for the repeal of Minnesota’s long-standing preemption law.

That law, enacted in the 1980s, prevents cities from passing firearm ordinances that differ from state law. Local leaders argue that the restriction ties their hands when it comes to addressing rising gun violence in their own communities.

“We are asking our state to take action, either by setting these common-sense rules statewide or by allowing cities to protect residents on their own,” said Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter. “Right now, state law blocks us from enforcing even the most basic local safety measures.”

Carter announced that the Saint Paul City Council plans to introduce a new ordinance next week, which would take effect only if the preemption law is repealed. The proposal includes bans on assault-style weapons, high-capacity magazines, binary triggers, and ghost guns, as well as restrictions on carrying fi****ms in public spaces such as parks, libraries, and recreation centers.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said his city is prepared to follow suit, with a nearly identical ordinance ready to go. “If given the authority, we would act immediately,” Frey said.

Bloomington Mayor Tim Busse and Rochester Mayor Kim Norton echoed the same message, emphasizing that local leaders are better positioned to understand their communities’ needs.

Stillwater Mayor Ted Kozlowski expressed his own frustration with the limits imposed by state law. “We’ve had people openly carrying AR-15s on Main Street,” Kozlowski said. “But under the current law, there’s nothing we can do about it. Our hands are tied.”

This renewed effort follows a similar press conference last month, held just days after the Annunciation Church shooting. City leaders at the time called for either a statewide assault weapons ban or the authority to create local restrictions.

For now, the debate heads back to the legislature, where lawmakers will once again weigh the balance between state uniformity and local control over gun laws.

10/04/2025

Minneapolis Launches Speed Camera Pilot Program

-Policeupload

The City of Minneapolis has launched a new traffic safety pilot program that introduces speed cameras at several high-crash intersections across the city. This program is part of Vision Zero, an initiative to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries on Minneapolis streets.

How the Program Works
• Cameras detect vehicles traveling above the posted speed limit.
• The system photographs the vehicle’s license plate only—not the driver or passengers.
• Notices are mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.

During the first month (October), drivers will receive warnings only. Beginning November 1, 2025:
• 10+ mph over the limit: First violation results in a warning. Repeat violations carry a $40 fine.
• 20+ mph over the limit: $80 fine.
• Drivers may choose to complete a free traffic safety class instead of paying their first fine.
• Citations will not appear on a driver’s official record and will not affect insurance.

Purpose of the Program

This pilot is designed to encourage safe driving behavior, not to be punitive. The ultimate goal is to reduce speeding, prevent crashes, and save lives.

Looking Ahead

In 2026, the city plans to expand the program with additional cameras, including both speed and red-light enforcement.

The Minneapolis Police Department and city leaders encourage all drivers to:
• Observe posted speed limits.
• Drive attentively in high-traffic areas.
• Remember that these cameras are in place to protect everyone on our roads.

10/03/2025

Austin Police Department-Minnesota

FOR RELEASE-
Armed Robbery

on Wednesday, 10/01/2025 around 9:20pm, the Austin Police Department was dispatched to a local gas station (By The Way Food-mart and Gas) on Oakland Place right by Hoot&Ole’s bar. The store clerk reported one male, possibly Hispanic, walked in wearing all black carrying a handgun.

The male demanded money and then ran off, last seen north on 12th St, in front of where the store is located. If you have credible information to assist us in capturing the suspect, please contact the Austin Police Department through dispatch.
507-437-9400 Ex #1. Thank you.

10/03/2025

10/03/2025

White Bear Lake Police Investigate 22-Year-Old Who Enrolled in High School as a Teen

By Police Upload Staff | October 2025

White Bear Lake, Minn. — A 22-year-old man is under investigation after allegedly using a falsified identity and foreign birth certificate to enroll at White Bear Lake Area High School, raising serious concerns about student safety and verification processes within Minnesota schools.

Enrollment Under False Identity

According to Superintendent Wayne Kazmierczak, the man — identified as Kevin Luebke — registered under the name “Kevin C. Perry Jr.” and claimed status as a “homeless unaccompanied youth.”

Under federal and state law, school districts are required to immediately enroll students who self-identify as homeless minors, even if they lack full documentation such as academic records, immunization paperwork, or proof of residency.

Luebke presented a foreign birth certificate that appeared authentic, displaying official stamps, seals, and watermarking, and listed his age as 18. Based on this documentation, the district processed his enrollment.

He was a student for nearly four weeks, from September 3 to September 29, before the deception was uncovered.

Attempted Participation in Athletics

Luebke joined the high school’s football program, attending three practices. Officials confirmed he never played in a game or traveled with the team.

The superintendent emphasized that staff had no reason to doubt the validity of the birth certificate at the time.

Community Reactions

A man who knows Luebke through a church youth group told reporters that Luebke has been living with him. He described him as a “confused young man” who may genuinely believe he is younger than his actual age.

“He had no clue how serious it is,” the acquaintance said after speaking to Luebke by phone from jail. “I didn’t think he was that clever.”

Criminal Investigation Underway

White Bear Lake police confirmed Luebke is now prohibited from entering any school property while the matter is investigated.

He already faces unrelated legal challenges. Earlier this week, he appeared in Washington County court for a probation violation tied to a 2023 indecent exposure case. Records also show he was recently held in Anoka County Jail on an outstanding warrant.

Authorities are now reviewing whether fraud, trespassing, or other criminal charges may apply in connection with the school enrollment.

Broader Concerns

This case highlights a potential loophole in student enrollment laws, particularly surrounding protections for homeless youth. While these safeguards are designed to ensure vulnerable minors receive an education without delay, they may also create opportunities for exploitation.

10/03/2025

DC Police Chief Retains Command After Legal Battle With Trump Administration

By Police Upload Staff

Washington, D.C. — A dramatic showdown over control of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) ended late this week with Chief Pamela Smith retaining command of the city’s police force after a federal order to replace her was rolled back.

The Dispute

The conflict began when U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi issued an order directing that DEA Administrator Terry Cole assume “all powers and duties” of Chief Smith, effectively sidelining the city’s top cop. The order stated Smith would have to receive approval from Cole before issuing directives to MPD.

Mayor Muriel Bowser and D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb immediately challenged the move, calling it “unlawful” and warning it would endanger both public safety and officer safety. Chief Smith herself declared in court filings that the order represented the greatest threat to law and order she had seen in her 30-year career.

Courtroom Clash

The city filed suit, and after an emergency court hearing, the Department of Justice rescinded Bondi’s original order. Instead of taking command, Cole will now serve as an intermediary between the Trump administration and MPD leadership.

Judge Ana Reyes noted that while the Home Rule Act gives the White House authority to direct D.C.’s mayor in matters of public safety, it does not grant full control over the MPD’s chain of command.

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Federal Pressure in the Capital

President Donald Trump has made it clear he intends to exert federal influence over policing in Washington, citing crime concerns and a 1970s law that allows the federalization of MPD for “federal purposes.”

In recent days, the administration has deployed:
• 800 National Guard troops
• 500 federal law enforcement agents (including FBI personnel)
• Armored vehicles near landmarks
• Checkpoints in nightlife corridors
• Helicopters over tourist areas

Federal officials say the crackdown has already resulted in 189 arrests, including 39 related to fi****ms.

Political Divide

Bowser, a Democrat, has rejected Trump’s framing of the city as being in crisis, calling the moves “an authoritarian push.”

Federal officials, however, maintain the effort is about restoring order. Bondi stated on social media that local leaders continue “to oppose our efforts to improve public safety.”

The Crime Data Reality

Despite the federal rhetoric, crime numbers tell a different story. According to MPD’s own data:
• Violent crime in D.C. fell sharply in 2024 to its lowest level in three decades.
• In 2025, violent crime has dropped 26% year-to-date compared with 2024.
• Robbery reports are down 28% over the same period.

These figures raise questions about the justification for deploying troops and federalizing aspects of MPD.

Final Thoughts

For the first time in history, a sitting president attempted to federalize the Metropolitan Police Department by replacing its chief. While that effort was blocked in court, the Trump administration continues to exert pressure on D.C. through the use of federal forces and mandates.

02/22/2025

Accused Killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Appears in Court as Case Moves Forward

POLICE UPLOAD—New York City—Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of assassinating UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appeared in court on Friday for a status hearing as legal proceedings continue in one of the most high-profile murder cases in recent memory.

Mangione, who has pleaded not guilty to state charges, entered the courtroom shackled at the wrists and ankles, wearing a bulletproof vest over a green sweater—a color notably worn by his supporters gathered inside and outside the courthouse. Judge Gregory Carro denied a request from the defense to remove his restraints.

The December 4, 2024, killing of Thompson, which occurred on a busy Manhattan sidewalk near a hotel hosting UnitedHealthcare’s annual investor conference, sent shockwaves through the corporate and legal communities. The case has drawn widespread media attention, particularly given the suspect’s alleged grievances against the health insurance industry.

Evidence and Legal Developments

Prosecutors outlined the extensive evidence against Mangione, including surveillance footage, police body camera recordings, forensic DNA results, autopsy reports, and a cell phone found at the crime scene. The prosecution stated that additional materials still need to be turned over to the defense.

Judge Carro scheduled the next hearing for June 26, setting deadlines for the defense to file motions, despite objections from Mangione’s attorneys. Karen Friedman Agnifilo, his lead defense attorney, raised concerns about what she called “serious constitutional violations” regarding evidence collected during his arrest in Pennsylvania.

“There are three separate prosecutions happening for one event,” Agnifilo said, referring to the federal, New York State, and Pennsylvania cases against her client. She further argued that law enforcement may have unlawfully seized some of Mangione’s belongings, indicating a potential challenge to the admissibility of key evidence.

Public Reaction and Support for Mangione

The case has generated an unusual level of public interest and even support for Mangione. Outside the courtroom, demonstrators held signs reading “Free Luigi” and “Healthcare is a Human Right,” while others displayed mock “WANTED” posters featuring the faces of other high-profile healthcare executives. Inside the courthouse, many young women packed the hallways wearing “Free Luigi” apparel.

This hearing was held in the same courtroom where former President Donald Trump faced trial last year, adding another layer of intrigue to an already sensational case.

Charges and Possible Sentences

Mangione faces an 11-count indictment in New York, including first-degree murder “in furtherance of an act of terrorism,” a charge rarely seen in the state’s legal system. If convicted on this count, he faces life in prison without the possibility of parole. Prosecutors argue that Mangione’s alleged actions were motivated by an ideological opposition to corporate healthcare practices.

On the federal level, Mangione has been charged with murder through the use of a firearm, multiple counts of stalking, and other weapons offenses. If convicted federally, he could face the death penalty—though the Justice Department has not yet announced whether it will pursue that option.

Next Steps

The legal battle ahead remains complex, with Mangione’s attorneys pushing for full access to all discovery materials before making additional legal moves. The federal trial is on hold while the New York state case proceeds.

Mangione recently issued his first statement from jail, thanking supporters who have written to him, saying their messages have “transcended political, racial, and class divisions.” His legal team has also launched a website to provide case updates.

As the case unfolds, prosecutors remain firm in their stance that this was a premeditated act of domestic terrorism, while Mangione’s defense prepares for a hard-fought legal battle.

02/19/2025

Adam—— Police upload contributor—Turks and Caicos – February 7, 2025 – A 55-year-old Canadian woman suffered life-altering injuries after being attacked by a shark while snorkeling near Blue Hills, Providenciales. Authorities say the tourist was attempting to take photos of the shark when it suddenly bit her, severing both of her hands and causing significant injuries to her thigh.

According to witnesses, the victim and her husband were in shallow waters when the attack occurred. As she reached out to photograph the shark, it lunged at her, biting her thigh first. In a desperate attempt to defend herself, she raised her arms, which were then mauled by the predator. Her husband reportedly fought off the shark and pulled her to safety, where bystanders provided immediate first aid.

Emergency responders rushed the woman to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre before she was airlifted to Canada for specialized treatment.

Authorities have not confirmed the species of shark involved, though estimates suggest it was approximately six feet long. The beach was temporarily closed following the attack, and local officials have reminded the public of the dangers of interacting with marine wildlife.

The victim’s family has since launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover medical expenses, which has raised nearly $16,000 so far. Her relatives describe the event as a nightmare, emphasizing the lasting impact of the attack on her life.

Shark attacks in Turks and Caicos are rare, but officials are urging tourists to exercise caution, avoid provoking wildlife, and follow safety guidelines when snorkeling or diving.

For more updates, follow Police Upload.

02/19/2025

By Ahmed—Contributor | POLICE UPLOAD

(Mogadishu, Somalia) – More than 30 years after the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu, Netflix’s new docuseries Surviving Black Hawk Down is shedding light on a perspective often overlooked in mainstream media – the Somali viewpoint. While Ridley Scott’s 2001 film Black Hawk Down focused primarily on the experiences of U.S. soldiers trapped behind enemy lines, this documentary expands the narrative by including voices from Somali civilians, militia fighters, and journalists who lived through the battle.

A Different Side of the Story

For many Somalis, the events of October 3-4, 1993, were not just a dramatic military engagement but a day of devastating loss. The battle erupted when U.S. forces attempted to capture top aides of Somali warlord Mohamed Farah Aidid. What followed was an intense firefight between American troops and Somali militias that resulted in hundreds of deaths—most of them Somali civilians.

Somali interviewees in the documentary describe the battle not as a heroic survival story, but as an attack that left their city in ruins. “We were just people living our lives,” says one survivor featured in the series. “Then suddenly, bullets were flying everywhere. We had nowhere to run.”

The Reality of War on Somali Streets

Unlike the Hollywood film, which portrayed the Somali militias as faceless enemies, Surviving Black Hawk Down gives insight into their motivations. Former fighters explain how they saw the American presence in Mogadishu as an invasion rather than a peacekeeping mission. They argue that their resistance was not about terrorism or extremism, but about defending their city from foreign forces.

The documentary also highlights the destruction caused by U.S. firepower. Eyewitnesses recall the relentless gunfire from Black Hawk helicopters and the devastating impact on civilians. According to estimates, between 200 and 500 Somalis were killed in the battle, including women and children. “People died in their homes, in the streets, everywhere,” one Somali resident recounts.

The Lasting Impact on Somalia

The battle—and the subsequent withdrawal of U.S. forces from Somalia—left deep scars on the country. Many Somalis viewed the American retreat as a sign that the international community had abandoned them. In the years that followed, Somalia descended further into chaos, with warlords and extremist groups filling the power vacuum.

For Somali civilians, the legacy of the battle remains painful. “No one talks about what happened to us,” says another interviewee. “It’s always about the soldiers, the helicopters, the rescue. But what about the people who lost everything that day?”

A More Balanced Retelling?

By including Somali voices, Surviving Black Hawk Down challenges the dominant narrative that has shaped public perception of the battle for decades. While the series does not diminish the bravery of the U.S. troops who fought that night, it provides a more comprehensive look at the conflict—one that acknowledges the suffering of Somali civilians and the complexities of urban warfare.

For those who only know the story through the 2001 film, the documentary offers a chance to see the other side of the battle—one that has remained in the shadows for far too long.

02/19/2025

Delta Air Lines Flight Flips Upside Down at Toronto Pearson, No Fatalities Reported

Toronto Pearson International Airport witnessed a dramatic aviation incident on February 17, 2025, when a Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis flipped upside down upon landing. Despite the severity of the crash, all 80 passengers and crew members survived, with only minor injuries reported.

Hard Landing Leads to Aircraft Overturning

The aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ-900 operated by Endeavor Air under Delta Connection, encountered difficulties as it approached Toronto amid challenging weather conditions, including strong crosswinds and blowing snow. Upon touchdown at approximately 2:13 p.m. EST, the plane experienced a hard landing that caused its landing gear to collapse. The aircraft skidded down the runway before flipping over and coming to rest upside down near the intersection of runways 23 and 15.

Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, evacuating passengers and crew. Photos from the site showed the aircraft with significant structural damage, including a severed tail fin and parts of the wing missing.

Passengers and Crew Escape Safely

Although the crash appeared catastrophic, there were no fatalities. Twenty-one passengers sustained injuries, with 19 treated and released from local hospitals. Aviation safety experts have credited the aircraft’s structural integrity, the use of seatbelts, and the rapid response of flight attendants for preventing a more tragic outcome.

Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, emphasized the importance of wearing seatbelts during landings, noting that they played a critical role in minimizing injuries.

Disruptions at Toronto Pearson

The incident caused major disruptions at Toronto Pearson International Airport, leading to the temporary closure of two runways. More than 40 flights were diverted to alternative airports, including Montreal, Ottawa, and Pittsburgh. Some international flights, such as a British Airways flight from London and a TAP Air Portugal flight from Lisbon, had to return to their points of origin after hours in the air.

Investigation Underway

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada, along with the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Preliminary findings suggest that wind shear—a sudden shift in wind speed or direction—may have contributed to the hard landing. Data indicates that the aircraft was descending at a higher-than-normal rate before impact, and there was little sign of deceleration.

The Bombardier CRJ-900, known for its strong safety record, had not been involved in any major accidents before this incident. Investigators will examine weather conditions, pilot actions, and mechanical factors to piece together what went wrong.

Aviation Safety Measures in Focus

While the crash resulted in significant damage to the aircraft and operational disruptions, the survival of all passengers and crew highlights the effectiveness of modern aviation safety measures. The quick response from emergency personnel and the structural design of the aircraft prevented what could have been a far worse outcome.

Authorities continue to analyze the incident, with further updates expected as the investigation progresses.

-POLICE UPLOAD

02/19/2025

Protesters near Ridgedale Mall in Minnetonka today.