Mendota Heights Police Department

08/28/2026

Notice Regarding Proposed Enhancements to the Ivy Hills and Victoria Highlands Park Ballfields:

The Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission will consider making a recommendation to the Mendota Heights City Council regarding proposed enhancements to the ballfields at Ivy Hills Park and Victoria Highlands Park.

Ivy Hills Park:
Outfield and sideline fencing
Team dugouts
Infield grading and pitching mound
Replacement of the backstop

Victoria Highlands Park:
Grass infield
Irrigation
Batting cages
Replacement of the backstop
Infield grading

Relocation of the outfield fence to expand the field dimensions

Persons with comments regarding the proposed ballfield improvements at either park are invited to attend the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on Tuesday, September 8, at 6:30 p.m. at the Mendota Heights City Hall Council Chambers, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN.

Staff will present the proposed projects at the meeting, and designated time will be provided for those wishing to share comments or opinions regarding the proposed improvements. Questions or comments related to this notice may be directed to Meredith Lawrence, Parks and Recreation Director, through the City’s directory at MendotaHeightsMN.gov/Directory.

08/27/2026

Speed camera phase two (warnings only) is in the books and we are in the “citation possible” phase.

For this speed camera roll out, we are dividing the season into three phases. The first phase, from June 18-July 20, we just collected data. From July 20-August 27, we issued warnings. Starting tomorrow, we will be issuing citations for repeat offenders.

Here are the numbers so far:
Phase one: 70,426 vehicles with 3,109 over 41 MPH
Phase two: 87,105 vehicles with 1,938 over 41 MPH
We issued 1,037 warnings in phase two with an average of 31 per day in July and 21 per day in August. We had 107 repeat offenders responsible for 262 violations.

To date, we have approximately 50 hours of staff time ($4,000) and $1,000 postage invested in the project for a total cost of about $5,000.

As always, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to call (651-255-1141) or email me at [email protected]

Chief McCarthy

PS. Here are the usual disclaimers. In my head, it sounds like the guy from the micro machines commercial is reading them….
The camera does not take a picture of the driver nor does it record every vehicle. It does take a picture of the rear of the vehicle IF the vehicle is going 41 MPH or more. We do not know who is driving so the warning/citation is issued to the registered owner of the vehicle (just like a parking ticket). Every vehicle gets at least one warning. Upon receiving a citation, the registered owner or driver can watch a 30 minute video and the citation will be dismissed. If you are not speeding, the camera does not take a picture of your car. There are two “photo enforced” signs and a driver feedback sign (that sign that flashes your speed if you are going over 31) prior to the camera. That sign collects data regarding number of vehicles and speed in addition to the camera.

PPS. Don't worry city comms, the Micro machines photo is provided by Wikimedia commons.

08/24/2026

At the Aug. 18 City Council meeting, the Mendota Heights Police Department presented Michael Mealman with the Citizen's Award of Merit. Earlier this summer, Michael identified an endangered, missing person and stayed with him until help arrived. We thank Michael for his selflessness and assistance.

08/19/2026

Special thanks to the West St. Paul Reader for helping get accurate information out to the public! Local news is where it is at.

The Mendota Heights speed camera is now on Delaware Avenue with citations starting August 21. Learn more about how it works and what it's not:
https://weststpaulreader.com/2026/08/19/speed-camera-on-delaware-avenue/

08/15/2026

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Date: August 15, 2026
Contact: Lieutenant Dan Tocko
Event: Eagan Police Update
Released By: Chief Salim Omari

Details:

Eagan Police officers responded to a domestic disturbance this morning at approximately 6:10 a.m. in the 4400 block of Lynx Court, where a suspect fired a shot at officers during their attempt to take him into custody.

Upon arrival, officers made contact with the involved parties outside the residence. Officers attempted to detain an adult male, who actively resisted and refused repeated, clear commands to comply. As officers worked to detain the man on the ground, he produced a handgun and fired a single shot in their direction. No one was struck by the gunfire. Officers were able to take the man into custody after several minutes.

Involved officers sustained minor injuries and were treated on scene. The suspect sustained minor abrasions and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.

The suspect will be booked into the Dakota County Jail on weapons-related charges.

There is no ongoing threat to the public.

This incident remains under investigation. Additional details will be released as they become available.

08/14/2026

It's not you, it's me.

I think about thinking a lot. Some might say too much. I share my feelings a lot. Some might even say too much. This is going to be the result of both, so prepare yourself.

I have been trying to figure out why I get so annoyed when I hear people say, "we support the police and a new building for them, but not for city hall…". At first, I thought I got annoyed because of the fundamental misunderstanding of the importance of the work that is done at city hall. Saying you want to provide a safe and efficient working environment for police and not city hall staff is like saying you want your apple tree to bear fruit, but you don't want to water the roots. That would be a possible explanation if it were only people who don't have much knowledge of local government saying such things, but that is not the case. BUT, I think I've figured it out. I am interpreting people saying that the police deserve safety more than city hall as the public believing that I think my safety is more important….and that is the EXACT opposite of why we do this work. The police are trained. The police are armed. We are willing and able to put ourselves in harm's way to ensure the safety of our residents, visitors, elected officials, and city staff. I will gladly sit in front of residential grade windows as moisture comes up from the floor and walls if it means that City Hall has actual emergency exits, accessible spaces, properly defined and securable public and nonpublic spaces.

So, if you have said, "I support the police but not city hall", and I have been terse or obviously annoyed with you, I am sorry. I will be better in the future.

sincerely,

Chief McCarthy

08/13/2026

***FOUND HUSKY***
Young female Husky, white coat with blue eyes. Very skittish. Located in the northern part of Mendota Heights. She will be at the South St Paul Animal Hospital.

08/12/2026

The scammers are at it again! I received a phishing email that said I had an invitation to an event. The email was from an email that appears legit. When I clicked on it, it wanted me to sign into my gmail account.

Not today scammers, not today.

XXOO,
Chief

08/05/2026

Update to Missing Person Case

A body believed to be that of Edward Hanton was located Tuesday afternoon, August 4th, 2026, in a heavily wooded area of Douglas County Forest Land in the Town of Summit.

Dr. Hanton, 89, Mendota Heights, went missing from his residence during the afternoon hours of July 22, 2026. An electronic ping placed him on HWY 48 near Hinckley around 5 p.m. and video evidence showed his vehicle in the Danbury/Webster area around 6 p.m. His family believed he may have been heading to Superior or a family property near Amnicon Lake.

His vehicle was located on July 27, 2026, on a trail west of Bear Lake and east of Carlson Rd between Pioneer Trail and Tower Fire Lane. An extensive ground search by several agencies over the next several days led to the eventual discovery. A forensic examination and positive identification will be conducted.

Dr. Hanton’s family has released the following statement:
“We want to express our deepest gratitude for the law enforcement agencies, search and rescue teams, and members of the community who dedicated their time, expertise, and compassion to the search efforts. Your unwavering commitment, countless hours, and kindness have meant more to our family than words can express. Thank you for standing with us during this incredibly difficult time.”

Assisting the Douglas County Sheriff's Office in this search were the St. Louis County, MN Rescue Squad and K9 Teams, the Sawyer County, WI K9 team, and numerous volunteers from the fire departments of the Towns of Summit, Superior, Oakland, and Parkland. The Douglas County Sheriff and Medical Examiner's Office continue the investigation.