Crow Wing County Sheriff Todd Dahl reports that on Monday, March 29, at approximately 11:01 a.m., the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office, Brainerd Fire Department and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources were dispatched to a grass fire in the 9000 block of 50th Avenue in Brainerd.
It was determined that the fire was started by an explosion in a mailbox. A second fire was located on the 5000 block of Sweet Road. An exploded mailbox was also located at this location. Damage to a third mailbox was reported earlier in the morning on Norway Drive on the western edge of Baxter. All three incidents are believed to be the result of fireworks type explosions purposely placed in the mailboxes.
A short time later, a Crow Wing County deputy made contact with a vehicle on Crow Wing Heights Drive. A juvenile suspect was identified as a suspect in this investigation and arrested. The investigation is continuing and other suspects are expected to be identified.
The sheriff’s office is seeking information regarding other mailbox damage or suspicious activity in this area and encourage everyone to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.
