Mower County Sheriff's Deputy Mark Anderson spotted a theft in progress early Monday morning.

When he requested assistance from Austin Police Department patrolman Rene Phan and his canine partner Joker, it resulted in the capture of a suspect.

According to the Mower County Sheriff's Office,

Anderson was on routine patrol early Monday along Mower County Highway 4 west of U.S. Highway 218.

When Anderson spotted a suspect using a hose to drain anhydrous ammonia from a tank at Central Co-op and into a gas can on the ground, the suspect panicked and fled the scene on foot.

Austin patrolman Phan and Joker responded and a search was begun in the area of the ag center.

Joker tracked the suspect to where he was hiding and apprehended him after a brief scuffle at the scene.

The suspect, a 34-year-old Austin man was taken into custody and jailed on theft charges.

He was also taken to Austin Medical Center for treatment of injuries suffered in the fight with the dog.

Money missing

Austin police are investigating a report of the theft of charitable gambling receipts at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1216.

Robert Nordgaard, gambling manager for the VFW post, discovered the missing money from the charitable gambling receipts collected by bartenders Saturday.

Police chief warns

against illegal fireworks

Austin Police Chief Paul Philipp issued a warning Tuesday, concerning illegal fireworks.

"The only legal fireworks are non-explosive and non-aerial fireworks," the police chief said.

According to Minnesota law, the list of legal fireworks includes sparklers, cones, fountains, wheels and snakes or smoke bombs.

"The key thing about the legal fireworks is that all of them are ignited on the ground and remain on the ground until their extinguished," he said.

That means, Minnesota law does not allow the discharge of bottle rockets, Roman candles and other fireworks, which leave the ground to discharge in the air with noise or illumination.

It is illegal to discharge them on public property, such as streets or sidewalks, alleys, school grounds, public playgrounds and other public places, such as parks.

"We have received a number of calls about fireworks," Philipp said.

Individuals must be at least 18 years of age to purchase fireworks in Minnesota. Businesses will check for proper identification.

Anyone desiring more information about fireworks may call the Austin Police Department's non-emergency number

at 437-9400 or the Austin Fire Department non-emergency number at 433-3405.