Startling Discovery in Area Park, Tragic Crash and a Lockdown: South Metro Crime Rewind

The following is a rundown of crime-related stories from our Dakota County Patches this last week. All stories have been verified, and those accused are innocent until proven guilty. For the complete story, click on the link in the headline.  

Eagan

Standing on the bluffs, the pair saw a man on fire far below them, and ran for police.

Fire crews from Mendota Heights and Eagan are on the scene. Southbound traffic was crawling on Interstate 35E.

In a separate incident, police say a caretaker allegedly stole furniture and appliances from a home she was supposed to watch.

Limousine Driver Groped by Man She Picked Up in Eagan

The man groped a female limousine driver in her car in late February, according to a criminal complaint.

Apple Valley-Rosemount

Thomas James Rourke, 42, faces one felony count of third-degree burglary, one gross misdemeanor count of stalking, among other charges.

Apple Valley Man Seriously Injured After Driving Motorcycle into Ditch

Brett Luke, 36, of Apple Valley, crashed his motorcycle into a ditch Saturday afternoon in Wisconsin.

Northfield

The crash occurred at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday on County Road 86, just west of Iberia Avenue.

Becky Kasper Remembered Online by Friends and Classmates

Becky Kasper's friends and classmates at Northfield High School and Arizona State University remembered the murdered teen.

Burnsville

Main Campus of Burnsville High Under Partial Lockdown After Fight

District officials say an isolated incident—a fight—prompted the suspension of six students and a modified lockdown at the school on Wednesday.

Sourisack Sihanantharath strong armed a stranger at local health club into touching him, and then was allegedly groping the woman in the club's hot tub.

Lakeville

Dumb Criminal: Officer Tracks Down Distracted Driver

Woman who allegedly struck a traffic control sign was charged with several violations.

Man Reportedly Falls Asleep in Lakeville Drive-Thru Lane

Michael Marshall Simmons, 26, faces a felony driving-while-impaired charge and a gross misdemeanor charge as result of the April 25 incident.