Caledonia Argus

Sheriffís Office seeks info in cabin burglaries

Posted: 10/30/02

by Andrew Miller
Argus News Reporter

The Houston County Sheriffís Office is seeking information in connection with two cabin break-ins that occurred on or about October 16 and 17 in Houston County. The first cabin is located in Winnebago Valley on CSAH 5, the second is located on CSAH 2 between Eitzen and New Albin. Items taken in the burglaries include a television, a vacuum cleaner, a VCR, several beer steins, and beer. It is believed that a vehicle was parked on the road in front of the cabin on CSAH 2 for a period of time.

Houston County authorities have requested that anyone having information regarding these crimes should call the Sheriffís Office at 507-725-5122. Callers can remain anonymous and can receive a reward of up to $1000 for information leading to the arrest or conviction of suspects.

Crime spree suspects plead guilty

Four male juveniles pled guilty to charges related to a string of burglaries that occurred in November and December 2001. Houston County businesses burglarized in the crime spree include Good Times, the Redwood Cafe, Green Power Equipment, Starlite Lanes, Kraus Oil, the Hokah Co-op, Kenís Auto Repair, Class Cycle Bikes, and Houston High School.

The suspects were apprehended in the course of a multi-jurisdictional investigation coordinated by the Houston County Sheriffís Office that involved the police departments of Caledonia, Hokah, Houston, Rushford, as well as the Winona County Sheriffís Office.

Suspect charged in garage thefts

An investigation into a number of thefts from garages and residential yards in Houston has led to the arrest of 19-year old Keith Butler, the Houston County Sheriffís Office announced on October 23.

A joint investigation by the Sheriffís Office and the Houston PD resulted in the discovery of Butlerís campsite in a wooded area south of Houston. A number of items reported stolen were recovered at the site, including a .10 gauge shotgun, binoculars, knives, and ammunition.

An interview with Butler led to an admission that all of the items recovered had been stolen from residences in the Houston area.

Butler was arrested and placed in the Houston County Jail. He is charged with numerous counts of burglary and misdemeanor theft.

Rollover on CSAH 249

Houston County deputies, Caledonia police, and Caledonia firefighters responded to the scene of a one-car accident on CSAH 249 near CSAH 5 the night of October 23. According to HCSO authorities, the driver failed to negotiate a sharp turn in the road.

Jesus Deleon and Hector Salinas, both Texas residents, were the occupants of the vehicle. Salinas was transported via Medlink to Gunderson Lutheran Hospital, where he was treated for possible paralysis and the loss of one of his ears. The ear was recovered by Houston County deputies at the scene of the accident and was transported to Gunderson ER. Authorities at the hospital were advised by medical staff that the ear could not be re-attached.

The accident is still under investigation.

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