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From summer through the end of 2024, Hugo experienced several incidents of what is called the TikTok door-kick challenge, usually perpetrated by teens who record themselves trying to kick in people’s front doors, then running away — a variation on the old ding-dong ditch prank. However, this version often causes substantial property damage to doors and door frames, and many times the prank- sters are filmed on doorbell cameras. “The damage these types of actions can cause are significant and the risk of some- one getting hurt during it is real. Kicking in someone’s door is a serious crime, and the deputies are working hard to help prevent them from occurring,” said Chief Deputy Doug Anschutz. Since these usually occur late at night, any teens or juve- niles who might be identified while attempting the door-kick challenge would be subject not only to charges on vandal- ism and property damage, but also for curfew violation. Except in emergencies, it is unlawful for juveniles to be unaccompanied by an adult in any public place or establishment within the county. ANYONE AGE 15-16 ANYONE AGE 12-14 ANYONE YOUGER THAN 12 3 Meet the new Hugo Sergeant! Please welcome Sergeant Matt Wieland, who was assigned to Hugo at the beginning of 2025. Sgt. Wieland assumes the responsibilities that were previously held by Sgt. Joe Zerwas, who was recently selected to be a sergeant in the Investigations Division. Sgt. Wieland, who has been with WCSO since 2001, previously led the Special Services Division, where he was responsible for supervising the Sheriff’s Office fleet operations, with well over 100 vehicles, boats, ATVs and other important equipment. In addition to his fleet duties, he also oversaw the Civil and Evidence units. Through the years, his other positions have included patrol deputy, Lake Elmo contract deputy, canine handler, Explorer adviser and Patrol ser- geant. Sgt. Wieland spends most of his free time getting his three kids to their athletic activities, which include tennis, track and hockey. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office kicked off 2025 by introducing its new Com- munity Impact Unit (CIU). The countywide patrol unit’s leader, veteran WCSO Sgt. Joe Stoehr, explained that planning for CIU began in 2024, when the Sheriff’s Office was explor- ing ways to address the many quality-of-life type of complaints it receives. By combining the Special investigations Unit with the Spe- cial Enforcement Team, Sgt. Stoehr and the team hope to bring a more concentrated and efficient approach to street-level community concerns such as speeding and other traffic safety issues, as well as other everyday issues ranging from barking dogs to junk houses. “We can be more consistent and come up with more creative solutions in addressing things,” Sgt. Stoehr said, like working directly with residents and property owners or coor- dinating discussions between residents and city staff. In its first several weeks, CIU conducted speed saturations, coordinated an apprehen- sion in St. Paul and assisted with a violent incident in Scandia in a moving vehicle. After initiating a traffic stop where the driver fled, CIU arrested a person with active warrants for felony threats of violence, gross misdemeanor domestic assault and felony fleeing police. CIU has four dedicated patrol officers and specially marked squads, so keep an eye out for them. Unlike the usual brown Sher- iff’s squads, the CIU squads are black with special ghost graphics to remain low-profile. While CIU deputies will be working across the county, current patrol deputies will con- tinue their work in specific communities and that coverage won’t change. Be sure to follow the WCSO Facebook page, where we’ll be posting updates on CIUs efforts! SHERIFF’S REPORT UNDERSTANDING JUVENILE CURFEWS “Curfews have several purposes, including to help prevent juveniles from committing crimes but also to help prevent them from being victimized themselves.” New Unit Has a Fast Start January totals: 242 traffic stops, 109 citations and 18 arrests. Washington County ordinance considers anyone younger than 17 to be a juvenile. Sunday through Thursday 11 pm - 5 am the following day Saturday - Sunday 12:01 am - 5 am Sunday through Thursday 10 pm to 5 am the following day Friday - Saturday 11 pm - 5am Saturday to Sunday Sunday through Thursday 9 pm - 5 am the following day Friday - Saturday 10 pm - 5 am Saturday to Sunday