Albert Lea Police Department

06/23/2026

NEWS RELEASE: VEHICLE PURSUIT
On June 21, 2026, at approximately 7:39 a.m., an Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) officer took a stolen vehicle report of a 2013 Toyota Tacoma that had been taken some time over the previous evening.

On June 22, 2026, at approximately 7:33 p.m., ALPD officers were dispatched to the area of Front Street West and First Avenue South for a report of the stolen Toyota Tacoma being driven in the area. Officers arrived in the area and confirmed this was the reported stolen vehicle.

ALPD officers attempted to stop the stolen vehicle near First Avenue North and Fountain Street, but the driver fled. The vehicle was pursued for approximately 1.2 miles before the driver drove off the road near the intersection of Abbott Street and Winter Avenue. The driver then fled from the disabled vehicle on foot for approximately 500 feet, followed by officers. The driver was ultimately taken into custody after a short foot pursuit.

The driver was identified as Eh Wah Htoo, age 21, of Albert Lea. Htoo was charged with possession of stolen property, fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle, and fleeing a peace officer on foot. Htoo also had an outstanding parole warrant from the Minnesota Department of Corrections. Htoo was taken to the Freeborn County Adult Detention Center where he was held on felony charges.

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The mission of the Albert Lea Police Department is to enhance the quality of life in Albert Lea by providing excellent public safety services through leadership, integrity, and in collaborative partnerships with our community.

06/19/2026

AAA's "E-Ride Ready" campaign aims to help parents better understand the risks associated with e-bikes and e-scooters and take steps to prevent serious injuries.
Families should review their state and local laws before allowing children or teens to ride and identify safe riding locations.

Minnesota law at a glance:
- Riders under 18 must wear helmets.
- Riders must be 15 to ride a Class 3 e-bike.
- E-bikes are permitted on state trails where bicyles are allowed.
- Sidewalk riding is restricted in business districts unless locally allowed.
- Minnesota does not currently have a statewide bicycle/e-bike helmet law.

Learn more and download AAA's free E-Ride Safety Guide at https://newsroom.acg.aaa.com/mn-e-ride-ready/.

06/09/2026

Don't miss Albert lea Police Lt. Jeff Strom in the dunk tank at Wind Down Wednesday, June 10! Brought to you by the Human Rights Commission. Downtown Albert Lea from 3 - 8 p.m. Lt. Strom will be on the platform at 5:30 p.m. EDIT: Lt. Strom's dunk time has been changed to 6:20 p.m.

06/06/2026

This jacket was found at Snyder Fields yesterday. Please contact dispatch if it’s yours.

06/05/2026

**UPDATE: phone retrieved

Missing your iPhone? We have it and would love to return it to you.

06/03/2026

Bear with us for a moment as we paws to make an important announcement…

After visiting Freeborn County and taking a tour of Albert Lea, Todd the Bear has officially accepted a position with the Albert Lea Police Department.

Welcome Todd!

05/25/2026

05/21/2026

BUCKLE UP. EVERY SEAT. EVERY RIDE. Safety is a team effort! From now through May 31, Minnesota law enforcement is stepping up seat belt enforcement to keep our roads safe during daily commutes and summer travels. While over 95% of us buckle up, unbelted passengers still account for nearly a third of all traffic fatalities—a heartbreaking statistic we can change together. Remember, state law requires everyone in the vehicle to wear a seat belt properly, with the strap tight across the hips and chest. For children, prioritize the most protective option: keep little ones rear-facing as long as possible, use booster seats for ages 4–9 until they pass the safety test, and always seat kids under 13 in the back. Let’s protect each other and drive toward zero deaths.

05/19/2026

As the weather warms up, more of us are hitting the road on two wheels! Since May is National Bike Safety Month, it’s the perfect time to brush up on some essential habits to keep everyone safe—whether you’re in the bike lane or behind the wheel.

Check out these quick reminders on how we can all share the road responsibly this summer and work toward our goal of zero deaths. Stay safe and enjoy the ride!

As we head into the warmer months, many are dusting off bicycles to enjoy the sunshine, commute, or get some exercise. Since May is National Bike Safety Month, it’s the perfect time to share a few quick reminders to help keep both cyclists and drivers safe on the road this summer.

🚴For cyclists: Gear up & stay alert
• Check your equipment: Ensure your tires are properly inflated, seats are locked, and your bike is equipped with reflectors.
• Wear a helmet: Every rider, every time. Make sure it fits snugly–two finger-widths above your eyebrow, with the chin strap securely fastened.
• Be visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing and use flashing lights if riding at night.
• Follow the rules: Obey all traffic laws, ride single file in the direction of traffic, and always use hand signals.

🚗For drivers: Share the road
• Practice the "far-hand reach": When parking, use your hand furthest from the door to open it. This forces you to turn your body and check your blind spot for oncoming cyclists before opening the door.
• Give space: Always stay alert and give cyclists plenty of room on the road.

Safety is a shared responsibility and integrating simple, mindful habits into our daily routines can help assure everyone makes it home at the end of the day. Together, we can drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.

05/19/2026

UPDATED 2:35 PM - OWNER LOCATED!
Found Property:

The Albert Lea Police Department is looking for any local descendants of Robert E Garin of Selenas, California. His birth year would have been 1924. We have located some personal property that needs to be returned to its owner. Please contact Officer Bassett at 507-377-4489.