Mahnomen County Sheriff's Office

09/26/2026

Thank you, Ed, for all that you do for our community! The role of Emergency Manager is vital to a community's safety and emergency preparedness, and we appreciate the work that you do!

Congratulations and thank you, White Earth Band of Chippewa Indians and Mahnomen County Emergency Management Director Ed Snetsinger! Incoming Association president Marlyn Halvorson recognized Past President Snetsinger’s devotion and expertise during his term as president, noting his efforts will have a lasting impact on the Association and its members.

09/10/2026

***UPDATE*** He has been found and is safe.

Late this afternoon Michael Johnson Sr was reported missing from his residence. The last contact family had with him was at 7 a.m.

If you have any information about his whereabouts, please contact the Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Office. 218-935-2255.

09/01/2026

The first day of the 2026-2027 school year for our SROs. Have a great day Tucker and Randy!

08/09/2026

CHRISTOPHER L. DEWEY

Deputy Sheriff Chris Dewey succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained 18 months earlier after responding to reports of a drunk driver and shots fired in the city of Mahnomen.

On February 18, 2009, Deputy Dewey responded to the call in the town of Mahnomen. When he arrived, he encountered two suspects, and a physical confrontation ensued. He was shot in the head and abdomen by one of the men. When backup units arrived, they found Deputy Dewey and transported him to the hospital.

A search for the suspect led to a nine-hour standoff at a mobile home that was near the scene of the incident. The suspect eventually surrendered to police.

Deputy Dewey underwent a series of operations and required rehabilitative care following the initial shooting. In July, he was moved into hospice care where he died from his wounds on August 9, 2010.

The suspect was found guilty of first-degree murder on September 1, 2011, and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. His accomplice was sentenced to two years in prison for failing to render aid.

Chris' badge number, 909, was retired by retired Sheriff Doug Krier, and all Mahnomen County squad cars have Chris' badge number on them in his memory.

God Bless Chris Dewey #909

"Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God." Matthew 5:9

08/04/2026

REMINDER: Come and see us tonight in Waubun near the football field from 5-7 pm. There will be food and games, first responders and their vehicles, and LifeLink will be landing a helicopter on the football as long as they are available.

08/01/2026

The Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Office and White Earth Police Department are investigating a shooting incident that occurred last night in the city of Mahnomen.

There are two victims. The incident is believed to be an isolated event and that there is no threat to the public.

Suspects have been identified and law enforcement is currently working to locate and apprehend them.

Please contact law enforcement with any information you may have related to the incident.

Mahnomen County Sheriff: 218-935-2255

White Earth Police: 218-983-3281

07/31/2026

UPDATED PRESS RELEASE

July 29, 2026

On July 29th at approximately 7:30 a.m. dispatch received a 9-1-1 call regarding a car going off of Co Rd 3, south of Hwy 200, into a small lake with the female driver trapped inside. Mahnomen County Sheriff’s deputies and White Earth Police Department officers responded, as well as the Mahnomen, Waubun, and Twin Lakes Fire Departments, and White Earth conservation officers. Deputies and officers entered the water in an attempt to locate the vehicle, which was fully submerged under water. The vehicle was located and a deputy attached a winch line from a fire truck to the vehicle. The vehicle was pulled from the water and the driver, Kaylee Smith, 36, from Mahnomen, MN, was found, deceased.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

Sheriff Josh Guenther

07/03/2026

The Mahnomen County Sheriff's Office would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Independence Day holiday weekend!

06/26/2026

Stolen from County Rd 4 just south of Co Rd 14.

2021 Polaris Ranger 570

Plate

Vin # 3NSMAE577ME118673

Contact the Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Office with any info you may have about locating the stolen ATV.

06/09/2026

PRESS RELEASE

June 9, 2026

On June 8, 2026 Mahnomen County deputies located a stolen vehicle at a residence on 320th Ave west of Roy Lake. Upon approaching the vehicle the deputies observed two suspects. One fled on foot, was pursued and apprehended, and the other was taken into custody near the vehicle. 11.7 grams of methamphetamine were seized along with drug paraphernalia, $4,177 in cash, and an AR style r***e.

Darius Barnes, 28, of Onamia, MN and Alejandro Sanchez, 23, of Mahnomen, were arrested and booked into the Tri-County Corrections facility awaiting charges.

Sheriff Josh Guenther