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Paul Walsh

Reporter | Breaking News
Phone: 612-673-4482

Paul Walsh is a general assignment reporter at the Star Tribune. He wants your news tips, especially in and near Minnesota.


Walsh writes what's interesting and important, with interesting being his preference.
Recent content from Paul Walsh

Boy, 3, dies after police go to Moorhead apartment on medical assistance call

Police have not explained any of the circumstances surrounding the boy's death.

IDs released of 2 drivers killed in crash near Mankato

The crash occurred late Sunday afternoon on Hwy. 22.
Matthew Alshaikhnasser

Plea deal spares jail for Minnesotan whose gun was used by boy, 4, to fatally shoot little brother

If the plea agreement is accepted by the judge, the conviction would come off Colton D. Mammenga's record once he completes probation without a violation.

Man faces term topping 37 years for fatal shooting near Lake Street gas station

Prosecutors agree to drop first-degree murder count as part of a plea deal.
Dennis Hankins

Bemidji High School graduate wins confirmation to be U.S. ambassador to Haiti

Dennis Hankins is taking on the diplomatic assignment as Haiti is in turmoil from gang violence.

Jurors convict Albert Lea man in fatal shooting of man following a rift over stolen meth

After emptying a shotgun, Ben Moreno then got a rifle and killed Juan Vasquez, according to prosecutors.
Cortez Williams, left, and Savontray Collins, shown on Twin Cities airport video on their way to California.

2nd man sentenced to prison for hauling 2.2M potentially lethal doses of fentanyl to Minnesota

Both men received prison terms topping 10 years.

Judge, citing mental illness, acquits woman of murder for stabbing father in Lowry Hill home

The woman will remain hospitalized under a court-ordered civil commitment for mental health treatment until at least early next year.
John Horgeshimer

Duluth music teacher cornered preteen student in stairwell and molested her, charges say

The teacher has been charged with two felonies and remains jailed.

Jurors convict man of murder for 7-year-old son's fentanyl overdose in Minneapolis home

"Because of the shapes and colors of the pills," the charges read, "their appearance was similar to chewable children's vitamins."
A plane prepared to land at Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport on Tuesday. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ cgonzalez@startribune.com June 25, 2013, Blooming

Bird strikes front landing gear, disables airliner arriving at Twin Cities airport

Passengers and crew on the flight from Miami were stuck on the plane for nearly two hours after it landed.
Fireworks are seen on the main stage as Wrestlemania XXX begins at the Mercedes-Benz Super Dome in New Orleans on Sunday, April 6, 2014. (Jonathan Bac

Minneapolis smackdown? City is finalist to host WWE's WrestleMania in '25

If chosen, the pro wrestling extravaganza would be held at U.S. Bank Stadium. Boosters say the local economic benefit would approach Super Bowl levels.

Charges say Willmar massage parlor owner held woman captive for days

The woman told police that the business owner would not let her drink water, cook food or turn on the lights, the charges read.

ID released of man killed in Roseville house fire

A passerby saw smoke coming from a door and window, according to the Fire Department.
Asante Simmons

Minneapolis cop beat man who was then treated as the aggressor, lawsuit says

Asante Simmons was jailed for more than a month after his encounter with former officer Alexander Brown, only to see the charges dismissed. Now he's suing.

Charges: Driver was on iPad learning English when he crashed and killed veteran Minnesota trucker

The trucker had logged 4.5 million miles, according to his obituary.
Once a production-only brewery, Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative is about to have itself a taproom, too.

Emailer threatened to bomb kid-friendly 'Drag Queen Story Time' at Minneapolis brewery, police say

No explosives found at Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative or two other threatened locations.
Mateo Harding

Day 5 of landfill search for baby allegedly drowned by mom in Bloomington hotel tub, put in dumpster

The 7-month-old boy's mother and her boyfriend have been charged in connection with the death.
Traffic cam video captures Hwy 7 collision

Video: Teen clings to life after collision with unlicensed driver who raced through red light

The State Patrol suspects that the speeding driver was under the influence of an illicit drug at the time.

Charge: Woman drowned baby in Bloomington hotel tub, put him in dumpster; body still missing

Her boyfriend is also charged in connection with the killing.
A fight occurred Thursday outside a Chick-fil-A in Roseville.

Roving rumbles after event at Roseville High erupt at two fast-food restaurants; up to 200 involved

The Roseville fighting followed a similar outbreak at Fridley High School, where an officer was injured and three teens were arrested.

Edina financial adviser admits stealing $1.6M to buy 6 homes in the city

She used some of the money to buy a residence in Edina for a family member, according to court documents.
Wright County Sheriff's Office

BCA identifies man fatally shot by Wright County deputy, says he was holding a knife

The BCA did not say whether the 67-year-old man said something troubling to the deputy or made any threatening moves.

Murder charge: Scott County woman shot lover, then said she kicked gun from his hand and it went off

The dead man's son said Jennifer Lieber had been drinking for much of the night, got a gun and was yelling and threatening to kill them, the criminal complaint read.
Stephon Jones used someone else' name to get a temporary driver's license in Minnesota.

Prison for convicted child molester who used fake name to get hired at famed Minnesota language camp

Stephon Jones used the identity of another man in order to pass a background check for a job as a cook at Concordia Language Villages, according to prosecutors.
Target in Burnsville

Texans charged with stealing $18K in calculators in one day from 8 Targets in Twin Cities

The charges say the accused are part of a larger theft ring in the Dallas area.
A gunman in this home fatally shot two Burnsville police officers and a firefighter/paramedic before killing himself.

911 transcript reveals moment police comforted kids after Burnsville first responders killed

Dispatcher to child on phone: 'I want you to listen to the officers ... and do exactly as they say. ... I will stay on the line with you, OK?'
Gavin P. Meany

Appeals Court: Judge erred giving former Twin Cities psychiatrist longer sentence for raping patient

The woman said she feels like the Appeals Court 'turned its back on the victim with its decision.'
Eric Heuer, district chief with North Memorial Ambulance, places flowers on a squad car of a fallen police officer on Feb. 20 outside the Burnsville P

Burnsville 'decommissioning' police squad memorial for slain first responders

The public is advised that items for the memorial outside City Hall can still be placed there through Saturday.
Allison Lussier was found dead nine days after police went to her Minneapolis home and heard from her that she was a victim of domestic assault.

Police, court records: Woman found dead in North Loop home complained of many assaults by boyfriend

Officers were at her apartment on a domestic assault call 9 days before her body was found.

Woman jailed, accused of killing man whose body was found night before in her home near Prior Lake

The Sheriff's Office did not explain how the man was killed, but the jail log suggests that a gun was used.

On trial's opening day, Canadian man admits to role in $30M nationwide magazine subscription scheme

Abdou-Rahmane Diallo was one of more than 60 defendants charged for their roles in a $300 million fraud scheme that exploited more than 150,000 victims.
Keyo’nce Gladney

Mother: Young woman from Chaska killed in Chicago mass shooting aspired to be paramedic

Her sister was among three other people wounded, according to their mother.
Tou Mo Cha

Charge: Former St. Paul cop set fire to building that houses his restaurant

In 2019, he pleaded guilty to an assault that led to five St. Paul police officers being fired.

Man, 58, shot to death in south Minneapolis is identified

Police have yet to announce any arrests in connection with the shooting.
Family and friends grieve for a loved one who was a homicide victim on the 3900 Sheridan Ave North in Minnepolis, Minn., on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. T

Officials ID man killed in drive-by shooting in Minneapolis

The 22-year-old New Brighton man was shot multiple times while sitting in a vehicle along Sheridan Ave. N, according to police.

Authorities investigating shooting incidents involving deputies in Wright County, St. Paul

A Wright County deputy was placed on administrative leave after fatally shooting a motorist following a confrontation in St. Michael.

Woman ID'd whose death in North Loop apartment more than a week ago is called suspicious

She 'had been deceased for an unknown amount of time,' a police statement read.
Officials found Noah Johnson, a 1-year-old  from Houston missing since early February, on Thursday in Minneapolis.

Boy, 1, with health challenges from Houston, missing since Feb. 6, found in Twin Cities; mom jailed

'Noah is safe and is getting the medical attention he desperately needs,' according to law enforcement in Texas.
Carver County Justice Center

Man who verbally and violently defied law enforcement in Carver County gets lengthy prison sentence

The many cases filed against 35-year-old outline repeated defiance — in words and actions — against authority.

Jail for trucker who killed motorcyclist in hit-and-run at Chaska intersection

The driver ran a red light, and his overloaded semi had faulty brakes, according to prosecutors.
A shooting at Minneapolis Market in August in south Minneapolis left eight people shot and more than 40 shell casings littering the street within seco

Teen hit by gunfire Monday in Uptown charged in Mpls. mass shooting last summer

Nine people were wounded in August outside a Minneapolis corner store, where 4 people were hit — one fatally — with gunfire Tuesday.

Two charged with robbing stash of cash from Hopkins grocery, blindfolding employees with duct tape

Court filing said the store manager was pistol-whipped and threatened with death.
Cargill Inc. headquarters in Minnetonka.

Former Cargill employee admits stealing hundreds of company laptops, putting them on eBay

The Shakopee man worked for Cargill for more than 30 years until he was fired, according to a court filing and a company official.
Lives of fallen Burnsville police and firefighter celebrated in multi city ceremony

'Nothing could be more honorable': Fallen Burnsville police, firefighter mourned in massive ceremony

Thousands attended in person and watched the livestream sending off the first responders.
Members of the honor guard fold the flags for each of the three fallen public servants.

Burnsville responders mourned: 'May you forever rest in peace'

The BCA said 10,000 people filled Grace Church, hundreds more attended Prince of Peace Lutheran Church to watch the 2-hour service. More than 20,000 watched the livestream.

Woman who said her fiancé fell on knife is given 22-year sentence for his death in western Wisconsin

Marian Smith told law enforcement various accounts of what happened, including that Shaun Lewis fell on the knife as they argued.
The Modern Sportsman Gun Shop and Range

Gun in Burnsville killings was bought through 'straw purchase,' shop owner says

The owner told the Star Tribune that his gun shop 'had no way of knowing' the weapon would end up being in the hands of the man who killed two police officers and a firefighter/paramedic.
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) during a game against the Detroit Lions on Oct. 10, 2021 at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Deal allows former Viking Griffen to avoid drunken driving conviction

In the months following the drunken driving allegation, Griffen was involved in two other driving-related situations. Charges in those cases were dropped as part of the agreement.
Burnsville officer Paul Elmstrand, left, firefighter/paramedic Adam Fineth, center, and Burnsville officer Matthew Ruge, right ] Provided by Burnsvill

Here's how you can watch Wednesday's funeral service for Burnsville officers, firefighter-paramedic

The service in an Eden Prairie church's 4,300-seat auditorium has organizers "anticipating an unprecedented attendance," read a statement from the state Department of Public Safety.

Pedestrian hit by SUV and killed in Burnsville

The crash occurred about 8:45 p.m. Saturday on eastbound County Road 42 just east of 145th Street.

Ex-teacher at Hmong Academy in St. Paul charged with having sexual encounters with student

"The sexual relationship is believed to be ongoing," prosecutors wrote in the complaint they filed late last week.
Shanni Fladebo, house manager, and Chase Richins helped prepare for the opening of the Ranch in Sauk Center.

Haven for healing is born after death of 'Miracle' hockey star Mark Pavelich

Following the urging from the Olympic gold medalist shortly before he died by suicide, the Ranch was conceived and offers mental health care in a serene setting in Sauk Centre.

Officials say house fire in Ely that claimed one life was accidental

The fire occurred Sunday afternoon just off the eastern shore of Spaulding Bay.

Driver passing on 2-lane highway in western Wisconsin kills other motorist in head-on crash

The collision occurred north of Menomonie, the Wisconsin State Patrol said.

Edina financial adviser, property investor cheated clients out of $1.6M to buy homes in the city

She used some of the money to buy a residence in Edina for a family member, according to the charging document.
Savage police Sgt. Jacob Swartout bumped his fist against a fallen officer's squad car Tuesday. Two officers and a paramedic were killed Sunday during

BCA: Man who killed 2 Burnsville officers, paramedic fired 100-plus rounds

Roughly 3½ hours of negotiations failed to persuade Shannon Gooden to surrender, the agency said.
Federal officials say the circle marks where Brian Mock pushed a police officer with a law enforcement shield.

Prison for Twin Cities man who assaulted officers during the Jan. 6 insurrection in Washington

After his conviction, Brian Mock continued to perpetuate doubt about the validity of Joe Biden's victory over Donald Trump.
A Brooklyn Park police officer was among several at the Brooks Landing apartment building on 74th Ave. N., where a woman was shot and killed Monday

Murder charges: Gun-hoarding Brooklyn Park man with mental illness history 'just lost it,' shot woman

"He stated that he doesn't have an excuse" for killing the woman, the charges read.
Taylor Jacobs, center, who was with Burnsville police for 10 years, embraced honor guard members Tuesday outside the Ballad-Sunder Funeral and Cremati

Medical examiner: Man killed self after fatally shooting 2 Burnsville officers and medic

Details about services for Paul Elmstrand, Matthew Ruge and Adam Finseth could come this week. The family in the home at the time has had to move, a relative said.
Signs such as this one warns alerts motorists to slow-moving Amish buggies travel in the area.

Filing: Minnesotan who hit Amish buggy and left injured kids behind has troubling driving record

The woman initially told a sheriff's deputy that she hit a deer.
Ruth and Paul Larsen of Lakeville supported law enforcement Tuesday outside Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation in Jordan. “They don’t know if th

BCA says Shannon Gooden used multiple guns to kill 2 Burnsville police officers and paramedic

A joint memorial event for the three will be held Feb. 28 at Grace Church in Eden Prairie.
Classic Car Night in downtown Victoria.

A 'long weekend' in jail and a big bill to pay for Victoria restaurant owner who evaded taxes

At the time he was charged, Paul Carlson owed more than $440,000 in taxes, penalties and interest.

Woman spared prison for South St. Paul crash after bar-hopping that killed ex-husband

Her blood alcohol content was 2 ½ times the legal limit when she crashed and killed her ex-husband last June.
Winona High School

Sex assault charges: Winona High School teacher had encounters with 3 track athletes he coached

Eric Birth is an alum of the high school and went on to play football at Winona State University.
Members of the Burnsville Police Department gathered outside the department's headquarters among three memorials for the slain first responders.

Suspect in shooting of Burnsville officers and medic had violent past, lost right to own guns

Two orders for protection were filed against the man by women he shared children with. Authorities say the 38-year-old killed himself Sunday after fatally shooting two Burnsville police officers and a paramedic.
Fans observed a moment of silence for the Burnsville first responders who were killed in the line of duty yesterday  in St. Paul on Monday.

Minnesota Wild honor Burnsville officers, medic fatally shot on duty

The recognition before Monday afternoon's game came during the Wild's previously planned appreciation for law enforcement, first responders and other public safety personnel.
Federal officials say this photo shows Minnesotan Harafa Abdi holding an AK-47 while training with ISIS overseas.

Charges: Minneapolis man trained by ISIS rapped about leaving Somalia to 'shoot New York up'

In early 2017, Harafa Hussein Abdi sent an audio clip of rap lyrics that pledged support for ISIS and described acts of violence including shooting and bombing individuals in New York City.
A three-vehicle crash on I-694 last week killed two people.

Driver accused of being drunk, causing collision on I-694 that killed couple

Luis Tipantuna is being held on suspicion of criminal vehicular homicide and having a blood alcohol content greater than the legal limit of 0.08%, according to jail records.
A health care professional weeps on a paramedic vehicle that has become one of three memorials in front of the Burnsville Police Department in Burnsvi

Two Burnsville cops, paramedic shot and killed; gunman dead

The first responder was trying to help one of the wounded officers when shot, police said. The shootings happened after an hourslong standoff following a domestic abuse call.
A view of 33d Avenue in Burnsville, Minn., on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024. Two Burnsville police officers and one first responder have been shot and killed,

Burnsville shooting is ninth incident of officers hit by gunfire in the region since April 2023

The shootings occurred in Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa.
Shards of what appeared to be ceramic and cookie crumbs were scattered about the hood of this car. The driver said he was in downtown Minneapolis when

Plea deal rejected for Minneapolis man who sent heavy items off downtown balcony onto cars

The plea agreement called for probation and no time locked up for a man with a lengthy rap sheet.
Ray Skoglund

Duluth firefighter, badly injured by suspected hit-and-run while running, is given big rehab sendoff

The driver, whom police found miles from the scene of the Duluth crash, is now charged with a felony. The 24-year-old firefighter is heading to Colorado for physical therapy.

Suspected carbon monoxide poisoning in home near Twin Cities kills 2, sends 3rd person to hospital

Occupants were using makeshift means to heat the home, the Sheriff's Office said.
Dr. Cathy Donovan

Tesla driver said if he did kill Mille Lacs doctor, he might have been on autopilot, distracted

The suspect in the hit-and-run initially denied hitting the small-town doctor.