MN Trooper's Squad Torched: In His Own Driveway

PeterJasonMN · 10-27-07, 01:56 AM

http://www.northlandsnewscenter.com/.../10826596.html

A Minnesota State Patrol squad car is down to its bare frame after being set on fire, and officials are calling the incident arson.
Laura Langemo tells us how this crime literally hit close to home for one trooper.
It happened right in the trooper's driveway in Cloquet and while no one was injured, officials are actively searching for the person or people who did this.
"The squad car and its equipment were a total loss." Sgt. Mark Baker of the Minnesota State Patrol said Friday.
"That trooper goes to work and he's expected to carry out his duties and lay down his life if necessary," states Cmdr. Kent Matthews, "But his family: we don't have that expectation of them."
The squad car was only 20 feet from the trooper's front porch.
Flames became so intense, that it even caused damage to the patrolman's driveway and personal vehicle.
"It appeared that an accelerant was used to ignite the fire."
The State Patrol says multiple points of the car were set on fire including the left rear and the engine compartment.
The damage is estimated at about $45,000.
The Cloquet Police and Fire Department are continuing to investigate this criminal act, but they are asking for the help.
Anyone with information about this arson is asked to contact the Cloquet Police Department or the Minnesota State Patrol.
A reward up to $2,500 is being offered by the International Association of Fire.

**BEK** · 10-27-07, 03:10 AM

better get maco

1*girl · 10-27-07, 04:53 AM

Originally Posted by BEK

better get maco

Lol...I would be kicking some ass.

**BigDawg** · 10-27-07, 11:08 AM

It just shows were never really safe. Wonder if when they catch the ass wipes who did this if they could charge them under the Federal hate crime law?? Seems like they chose him because of who or what he does (cop). It might be a bit of a reach but not to big.

**kay88** · 10-27-07, 12:07 PM

Originally Posted by BigDawg

It just shows were never really safe. Wonder if when they catch the ass wipes who did this if they could charge them under the Federal hate crime law?? Seems like they chose him because of who or what he does (cop). It might be a bit of a reach but not to big.

May be a reach, and it may not be valid in the eyes of a court, but in my eyes it's definitely valid. Some ass-kicking is in order...

**Motorwaycop** · 10-27-07, 12:29 PM

That's why we don't get take home cars.

Pretty sure that would happen here all the time.

Sadly gone are the days when you are completely open about what you do for a living.

That and the fact we couldn't afford a car for each cop.

**Car 4** · 10-27-07, 12:40 PM

We have had take home cars for years. Minor vandalisim but never anything like that. Our deputies have a reputation as people you don't mess with but even so, we have suffered very little in the way of problems in my county. Have seen people try to blow up or sabotage police cars in other jurisdictions but they are usually caught pretty fast.

Any time something brings danger near our families, it is time to "do what is necessary" to nip it in the bud.

Car 4

**Wolven** · 10-27-07, 12:44 PM

My first day on the road by myself...someone covered my entire car in used motor oil. I had oil coming out of the cracks and crevices of my car for about 6 months.

I figured it was my fellow deputies...sticking one to the rookie. After over 4 years..no one has come forward or admitted it. I was told no one would have done it from work as it may have caused damage to the car. I am not too keen on that being an excuse. LOL

But setting a car on fire in a driveway? What would have happened if his house would have caught on fire? Hope they find whoever did it!

**armsmaster270** · 10-27-07, 12:49 PM

Just goes to show if you'r a cop, Don't advertise at home.

**OXCOPS** · 10-27-07, 01:16 PM

There are two DPS officers that live in my girlfriend's neighborhood. One leaves his fully marked SUV out in the yard for all to see. The other built a 7' wood fence all the way around his yard, and included a drive-thru gate on one side. He parks his CVPI behind that fence. I went by his house every day for almost two months before I knew a LEO lived there. I just happen to catch him backing it through the gate.

PeterJasonMN · 10-27-07, 01:33 PM

I know there's a couple Troopers who live in that city (Pop. approx 10,000). If it's the one I'm thinking, he's one of MSP's top, if not the #1 K9 handler.

**PapaBear** · 10-27-07, 01:57 PM

Except for resident posts, those who are permitted to take home marked units on the CHP must house them in the garage. Time for the MN trooper to set up a video monitor and recorder.