Charges filed for Duluth burglaries

Update as of November 12: Minnesota court records show that 58-year-old Jeffrey Scott Montana, has been charged with multiple accounts of first-degree burglary, 2nd degree assault, threats of violence as well as the felony kidnapping of two victims. Montana is suspected in a series of burglaries that began on November 4, in Duluth.

Court records state that Montana allegedly broke into an 80-year-old male’s house, on November 4, after reportedly knocking asking for help. The victim was struck as Montana proceeded to rummage through his house for money armed with a firearm. The following day, November 5, Montana allegedly broke into an 85-year-old male and 80-year-old female’s house after asking for help. He then proceeded to strike them with a billy club-type object before forcing them both to the basement and striking once more. He approached each home asking for assistance. The last of his burglaries was a 70-year-old female who ran from Montana after he allegedly broke in and demanded for her purse.

Based on multiple 911 calls and security footage off a smoke shop nearby, the Duluth Police were able to locate and arrest Montana on November 7.

Third update as of November 7: The Duluth Police Department reports the suspect, 58-year-old male, has been lodged at the St. Louis County Jail pending charges of multiple counts of first-degree burglary, 2nd degree assault, threats of violence, and felony kidnapping.

Second Update as of November 7: The Duluth Police Department reports that they have arrested a male suspected in the series of burglaries that began on November 4 at around 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, November 7. They also report that the incident remains active and under investigation and that no additional information will be released at this time.

Update as of November 7: On Thursday, November 7, the Duluth Police Department provided on update on an ongoing series of burglaries. Mattie Hjelseth, the Duluth Police Department Public Information Officer, reported that another robbery occurred on Wednesday, November 6, on the 2500 block of E 2nd Street at around 9:00 p.m.

“Initial investigation shows a white male entered the residence and the occupant inside fled,” explained Hjelseth. “While fleeing, they fell and received non-life-threatening injuries from the fall. Officers quickly responded and set up a perimeter. After a K9 track, drone deployments, and canvasing the area, the male was unable to be located.”

Chief Mike Ceynowa asks that the community remain vigilant and said the Department is actively trying to apprehend the individual.

“We share the concerns of our community and are working tirelessly to hold this individual accountable for his actions,” said Ceynowa. “We have staff canvasing the area around the clock and will continue to utilize our resources and surrounding partner agencies to make an arrest.”

Original Story: The Duluth Police Department reported a series of burglaries during the week of November 4.

The first burglary was reported on the 200 block of West Kent Road with a subsequent burglary reported November 5 on the 1500 block of Vermillion Road. Both burglaries were reported between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m.

“Initial investigation shows that an individual, described as being a white male, entered both residences and made threats to the occupant’s inside. A resident in the West Kent Road incident was transported by Mayo Ambulance to a local hospital for treatment for non-life-threatening injuries,” explained Mattie Hjelseth, Duluth Police Department Public Information Officer. “The two residents in the Vermilion Road incident were also transported by Mayo Ambulance to a local hospital for treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.”

The Duluth Police Department does believe that incidents may be related. They ask the community to reach out to the department at 218-730-5050 if they see anything suspicious or by texting a tip to 847411.

The incidents remain under investigation and the Duluth Police Department will provide additional details once there is more information.