Wright County law enforcement reported a busy period ending March 30th, 2026, with a significant number of arrests spanning a range of offenses, from driving under the influence to domestic disputes and drug-related charges. The data, released by the Wright County Sheriff’s Office, reveals a pattern of enforcement across the county, with arrests occurring in multiple cities including Buffalo, Monticello, and Delano. Understanding these trends in local law enforcement activity – the Wright County Sheriff’s Office being the primary agency – is crucial for residents and those following public safety in the region.
The period saw 13 arrests specifically for driving while intoxicated (DWI), highlighting ongoing efforts to address impaired driving. Beyond DWI, authorities likewise responded to incidents involving controlled substances, domestic violence, and outstanding warrants. Traffic incidents were also reported, including 15 property damage accidents, four resulting in personal injury, and three hit-and-run collisions. Eight violations of school bus stop arm laws were also documented, underscoring the importance of driver awareness around school buses.
DWI and Substance-Related Arrests Dominate Reports
A substantial portion of the arrests during this period involved driving under the influence. Jessica Larraine Helgerson, 44, of Waverly, was arrested on March 23rd on a 2nd Degree DWI charge. Hannah Elizabeth Noyes, 23, of Buffalo, faced a similar charge on March 24th in Monticello. Several other individuals were arrested on DWI charges, including Robert Everett Goodfellow, 72, of Mound, arrested in Delano on March 27th. Multiple arrests also involved test refusals, such as Anna Laura Meredith, 45, of South Haven, arrested in Monticello on March 25th for 3rd Degree DWI Test Refusal.
Alongside DWI arrests, several individuals were taken into custody on charges related to controlled substances. Courtney Lynn Olson, 31, of Prior Lake, and Matthew Earl Potter, 43, of Annandale, were both arrested on March 23rd on 5th Degree Controlled Substance charges. Kathleen Elizabeth Manke, 42, of Buffalo, was arrested on March 25th on charges of 5th Degree Controlled Substance and Tampering/Bypassing Ignition Interlock, a device often required for individuals convicted of DWI. The prevalence of these arrests points to continued efforts to combat drug-related offenses within Wright County.
Warrants and Domestic Incidents Lead to Arrests
A significant number of arrests stemmed from outstanding warrants. Michael James Wick, 45, of Maple Plain, was arrested in Delano on March 23rd on a Wright County warrant for 3rd Degree DWI. Tyler Aaron Pierce, 35, of Buffalo, was arrested on March 24th on a warrant for Violation of a Domestic Abuse No Contact Order. Preston Alan Bredow, 29, of Montrose, was arrested on March 25th on warrants for Theft and Financial Card Fraud. These arrests demonstrate the effectiveness of warrant enforcement in bringing individuals to justice.
Domestic incidents also resulted in several arrests. Alec Joseph Soderquist, 33, of Buffalo, was arrested on March 23rd in Cokato on a charge of Domestic Assault. Jacalyn Anna Schmieg, 41, of Annandale, faced a similar charge on March 25th. Michael Alan Degn, 46, of Buffalo, was arrested on March 29th for Domestic Assault. These incidents underscore the ongoing require for resources and support for victims of domestic violence in the community. Resources for domestic violence support can be found at The National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Traffic Safety Concerns and Other Arrests
Beyond the more serious offenses, the Sheriff’s Office also reported several traffic violations. Nico Earl Shilson, 24, of Sizeable Lake, was arrested on March 24th in Monticello on a warrant for Driving After Revocation. Alexander Riley Peterson, 34, of South Haven, and Adam Winfrey Redburn, 39, of Annandale, were both arrested on March 26th for Driving After Cancelation. Jason Wayne Dynneson, 48, of St Michael, was arrested on March 29th on a charge of Fleeing a Peace Officer in a Motor Vehicle.
Other arrests included David Charles Willmott Jr., 36, of Farmington, arrested in Dakota County on a charge of being a Fugitive from Justice from Another State and a Wright County warrant for Possession of Shoplifting Gear. Beau Darin Illikainen, 36, of Maple Grove, was arrested on a Wright County warrant for Trespassing. Willie James Stephon Lee Barron, 36, of Bloomington, was arrested on March 28th on a charge of Possession of a Firearm while a user of Controlled Substance.
The Wright County Sheriff’s Office reports that a total of 110 miscellaneous traffic tickets were issued during the reporting period. The office also reported 8 School Bus Stop Arm Violations, a concerning statistic that highlights the need for increased driver awareness around school buses.
Looking ahead, the Wright County Attorney’s Office will be handling prosecution for these cases. Court dates and further proceedings will be scheduled in the coming weeks. Residents can find updates on specific cases through the Minnesota Judicial Branch website. The Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to report any suspicious activity and to prioritize safety on the roads.
This report provides a snapshot of law enforcement activity in Wright County. We invite readers to share their thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
