Albert Lea Police Department

10/22/2026

10/16/2026

Flash Back Friday: The ALPD broke up the "Yo-Yo Gang" in December of 1951. The group was aptly named as 30 yo-yos were among the items recovered from the juvenile shoplifting gang. Other items taken included cap guns, knives, clothing, ski-poles, alarm clocks, am******on, etc. The group consisted of 18 juveniles between the ages of 9 and 14 years old with most under 12 years old. For reference, $200 in 1951 is about $2,500 today.
-photo from the December 20th, 1951 Albert Lea Evening Tribune

10/16/2026

The Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) is proud to recognize Andy Nelson for being nominated for the 2026 Property and Evidence Technician of the Year by the Minnesota Association of Property and Evidence Technicians.

The association recently honored Nelson’s dedication and commitment to excellence in property and evidence management at its annual conference.

Nelson serves as the property room manager for both the ALPD and Freeborn County Sheriff's Office.

His hard work, professionalism, and attention to detail play an important role in maintaining the integrity and accountability of property and evidence for both agencies.
Congratulations Andy!

10/14/2026

SOUTH CENTRAL DRUG INVESTIGATION UNIT NEWS RELEASE

ALBERT LEA, MN, Oct. 09, 2026 – The South Central Drug Investigation Unit (SCDIU), United States Postal Service (USPS), Albert Lea Police Department, SCDIU SWAT, Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office and Faribault County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search warrant operation in the City of Albert Lea.

This investigation started in August of 2026. It has involved interstate methamphetamine trafficking from the southwest United States to Albert Lea. USPS intercepted a suspicious parcel destined for the City of Albert Lea. Law enforcement determined the parcel contained presumptive methamphetamine. A representative sample of the presumptive methamphetamine was delivered to the parcel address in Albert Lea on Oct. 9, 2026. This package was successfully delivered and that action set in motion the search warrant executions at:
1) 833 Broadway Ave. South
2) 220 Seventh St. East
3) 713 Plainview Lane

Quinten Duane Amos Junior, age 45, of Albert Lea; Kunta Kinte Lee Viverette, age 49, of Albert Lea; and Brandon Lee Moreno, age 33, of Albert Lea, were all arrested for controlled substance felony crimes, and were transported to the Freeborn County Jail.

SCDIU seized more than 10 pounds of methamphetamine and more than $3,700 in U.S. currency related to the operation.

While this investigation is still ongoing, this operation was a successful collaboration of local, county, and federal law enforcement agencies aimed at the disruption of narcotics trafficking to our area.

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10/09/2026

Ready to make an impact where your work matters? Join the Albert Lea Police Department.
At the Albert Lea Police Department, you aren’t just filling a shift—you’re building relationships, protecting a supportive community, and shaping your career path from day one.
We are actively recruiting entry-level recruits and experienced lateral transfers who value integrity, community-centered service, and professional advancement.

Requirements:
Associate degree in Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice, or equivalent.
MN POST licensed or POST-eligible.
Certified as an Emergency Medical Responder
U.S. citizen
Valid driver’s license.
Apply today: www.governmentjobs.com/careers/albertlea

10/09/2026

🚨 MAN DOWN! 🚨

Today, we mourn the loss of Hydrant #67… better known as “Six-Seven.” 😭🫡

We extend our sincerest condolences to our local fire department during this difficult time. 😔🫡 🧑‍🚒

Serious though…All jokes aside: Someone struck this hydrant and left the scene without reporting the incident to police.

Damage to fire hydrants can affect emergency water access and create hazards for the community. If you strike a hydrant or other property, please stop and report it. Accidents happen.

Help us keep our community safe. And please… keep an eye out for our remaining hydrants. 💧🚒

10/07/2026

NEWS RELEASE: ALBERT LEA POLICE DEPARTMENT PROVIDES UPDATE ON HIGH SCHOOL VANDALISM

The Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) has completed the preliminary investigation phase of the vandalism at Albert Lea High School on Sept. 20 during homecoming week.

The initial phase of the investigation is complete, and approximately 45 individuals have been referred to the appropriate prosecuting authorities for consideration of criminal charges. The individuals referred include both juveniles and adults.

The potential charges range from misdemeanor-level offenses to felony-level offenses, depending on each individual's actions and degree of involvement. Offenses referred for consideration include criminal damage to property, trespassing, and burglary. Each case has been evaluated individually based on the evidence gathered during the investigation.

Through the investigation, officers determined that entry into the school was gained through a student who had obtained a staff member's key.

Investigators have determined that all individuals identified in connection with the incident are from the local area. Those involved include students attending Albert Lea High School, participating in online educational programs, or attending other school districts through open enrollment.

Current damage and associated cost estimates total about $24,065 to date. This amount may change as additional repair, replacement, and cleanup costs are identified and finalized.

While the preliminary phase of the investigation has been completed, the investigation remains active and ongoing. Investigators continue to review information and identify additional individuals who may have been involved in the incident. As new information becomes available, additional cases may be referred for prosecution.

The ALPD has worked closely with Albert Lea Area Schools throughout the investigation and appreciates the cooperation of school officials, students, families, and community members who have assisted investigators.

Final charging decisions will be made by the appropriate prosecuting authorities following their review of the referred cases.
Any potential restitution will be addressed through the appropriate legal process. School disciplinary matters are handled separately by Albert Lea Area Schools.

The ALPD recognizes the impact of this incident on the school district and community. The department remains committed to ensuring accountability based on each individual's actions and involvement, while respecting the legal processes applicable to both juvenile and adult cases.

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The mission of the Albert Lea Police Department is to enhance the quality of life in Albert Lea by providing excellent public safety services through leadership, integrity, and collaborative partnerships with our community.

10/07/2026

Note that sirens will sound at 7 tonight, Oct. 7, to practice exiting buildings in case of fire!

🏡 Operation E.D.I.T.H. (Exit Drill In The Home)
📅 Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m.
Practice your home escape plan when the sirens sound! Test your smoke detectors and make sure your family knows two ways out.
More information on Operation E.D.I.T.H. can be found at: https://www.operationedith.com/m/

10/06/2026

October’s Pedestrian Safety Month is a great time for a quick reminder about a sneaky habit that can create dangerous situations for drivers and pedestrians — headphone and earbud distraction. Blocking out surrounding noise leaves you relying entirely on sight, creating silent blind spots that put everyone at risk. And in Minnesota, wearing earbuds or headphones in both ears while driving isn't just dangerous, it’s illegal.

Risks for Drivers 🚗
• Muffled sirens and horns: Blocks the sound of emergency vehicles, honking horns and railway signals.
• Distracted driving: Music or podcasts in both ears create a hidden distraction, slowing reaction times.
• The law: State law prohibits wearing headphones in both ears while driving.

Risks for Pedestrians 🚶🏻‍♂️
• Hidden hazards: Blocks the sound of turning cars, bicycles or electric scooters coming from behind.
• Crosswalk vulnerability: Stepping into a crosswalk or parking lot requires all your attention, so keeping ears open and staying alert is a must.

Quick Tips to Stay Safe ✅
• Keep one ear free: Always leave at least one ear completely uncovered if using headphones outdoors.
• Unplug to cross: Take earbuds out entirely when crossing streets, driveways or parking lots.
• Stay alert: Maximize awareness by staying fully tuned into the surrounding environment.

As daylight shrinks and fall schedules pick up, staying tuned in with both eyes and ears can help ensure that everyone makes it home safely. Together, we can drive Minnesota toward zero deaths!

09/28/2026

NEWS RELEASE: Former Albert Lea police officer facing charges
Former Albert Lea Police Officer Jacob Gibson has been charged in Waseca County District Court with one misdemeanor count of willfully violating the Government Data Practices Act or Rules, in violation of Minnesota Statute § 13.09(a). The criminal complaint was filed on Sept. 21, 2026.

According to the criminal complaint, the charge alleges that Gibson shared non-public law enforcement recordings and photographs outside of authorized purposes while employed by the Albert Lea Police Department. The matter was investigated by the Owatonna Police Department, and the complaint was filed in Waseca County District Court.

Because this is an active criminal matter, the Albert Lea Police Department will not comment further on the specific allegations or pending court proceedings.

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The mission of the Albert Lea Police Department is to enhance the quality of life in Albert Lea by providing excellent public safety services through leadership, integrity, and collaborative partnerships with our community.