JUST THE FACTS

May 23, 2025 Volume 16 Issue 21

Congratulations to Police Chief Jeff Mundale!

We are thrilled to recognize the outstanding academic achievement of Chief Jeff Mundale, who earned his Master of Public Safety (MPS) degree through the prestigious University of Virginia (UVA) in Charlottesville.

The official graduation ceremony was held on May 18, 2025, at UVA - a well-deserved celebration of dedication, perseverance, and academic excellence.

We couldn’t be prouder. Way to go, Chief Mundale!

THIS WEEK'S IN CUSTODY ARRESTS

Jonathan Bautista was formally charged with fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle and 3rd degree possession of cannabis stemming from a May 17th traffic stop.
Aaron Feig was formally charged with 2nd degree assault with a dangerous weapon and 1st degree damage to property stemming from a disturbance complaint on May 16th.

SPEED ENFORCEMENT AHEAD

Speeding won’t get you there quicker, but it may take your life. Extra enforcement has started to save lives. Slow down or you will be pulled over. The days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are, unfortunately, some of the deadliest days of the year on Minnesota roads. To help prevent fatal crashes and save lives, the Owatonna Police Department (OPD) is joining a statewide speed enforcement campaign coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety. The added enforcement will run from May 1 through September 2.

Speeding continues to be a danger on Minnesota roads. In 2024, at least 137 fatal crashes were attributed to speeding. As of February 2025, there have already been at least 13 fatal speed-related crashes. Speeding is a costly choice. A citation may affect your bank account, driving record or insurance rates. The cost of a speeding ticket varies by county, but it will typically cost more than $110 with court fees for traveling 10 miles per hour (mph) over the limit. Fines double for those speeding 20 mph over the limit and you can lose your license for six months for going 100 mph or more.

Speeding is one of the OPD’s targeted offenses identified in our traffic safety initiative. On April 25, the OPD initiated an extra patrol request on Mosher Avenue targeting speed violations due to several complaints of vehicles traveling at high rates of speed in the area. Since then, officers have logged a total of 63 traffic details which have resulted in 28 traffic stops.

Citations: 11 for speeding, two for careless driving, one for reckless driving

Warnings: 20 for speeding

Mosher Avenue is posted as a 30-mph zone. Some of the highest speed citations issued were 48, 51, 62, 65 and 66 mph. OPD will continue focusing on this extra patrol request and on all speed violations around Owatonna as the department is currently utilizing grant-funded overtime hours in conjunction with the MN Towards Zero Death Program.

Buckle Up: A Simple Click Can Save a Life

A seat belt is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself in a crash — and it only takes a second to click. As part of the Click it or Ticket campaign, law enforcement across Minnesota will be increasing seat belt and child restraint enforcement May 19–June 1 to help save lives. In 2024, 106 traffic fatalities involved unbelted drivers or passengers in Minnesota. These deaths were 100% preventable. If you won’t buckle up for yourself, do it for the people who count on you.

Child passenger safety is equally critical. From 2019 to 2024, only 68% of children ages 0 to 9 involved in crashes were properly secured. Of those who were, most (87%) were not injured, and the rest had only minor injuries. Morgan's Story is a powerful reminder of why properly securing a child in a car seat matters. On June 3, 2024, she buckled her three young daughters in before leaving her mom’s house in Lamberton. Just 12 minutes later, a crash took Morgan’s life. Her daughters survived without a scratch – thanks to her care in securing them properly.

Minnesota’s updated child restraint law includes these key points:

Rear-Facing: Keep your child rear-facing for as long as possible, at least until age two, AND until they’ve outgrown the seat by weight or height according to the manufacturer. This is the safest position for your child’s head, neck, and spine.
Forward-Facing: Once your child has outgrown their rear-facing seat and is at least two years old, they can transition to a forward-facing seat with a 5-point harness. They should stay in this seat until at least age four AND until outgrown by height or weight.
Booster Seat: Children must use a booster until at least age nine or until they’ve outgrown the booster AND can pass the 5-Step Test.
Back Seat: Kids under 13 must ride in the back seat whenever possible.
Restraint Requirement: All children under 18 must be properly restrained in a car seat, booster, or seat belt, depending on their size and age.

For more info and safety tips, visit:

Let’s work together to keep ourselves and each other safe – one click can save a life. Buckle up – every trip, every ride, front seat and back seat.