On Friday, 06/11/10, at approximately 0927 hours West Hennepin Public Safety and Maple Plain Fire Department were dispatched to a house fire at 2125 Heritage Trail in Independence.  Both agencies were advised that the house had been struck by lightning around 0400 hours and now smoke was seen coming from the attic.

It was learned the homeowner, Stacy Musel, was out of town and her son, Brett Duda, was watching the home. At 0400 hours Brett Duda heard the lightning strike hit the home and he later discovered a hole in the roof. Brett called his father, Tim Duda, who inspected the roof and all appeared ok so arrangements were made to repair the roof later in the day.  As he was getting ready for work Brett Duda began to smell smoke and went outside to see smoke coming out of the roof vents. 

Brett Duda immediately called 911 and the Maple Plain Fire Department was dispatched to the scene. Loretto Fire was also called for mutual aid in extinguishing the house fire. As Maple Plain Fire firefighters and WHPS police arrived they immediately noticed smoke coming from the roof vents and soffits.

Maple Plain Firefighters discovered the lightning strike had ignited building material inside the attic causing the fire. The fire was contained to area of the attic and was quickly extinguished by the Maple Plain Fire Department.  Maple Plain Fire Department assisted Brett Duda and the homeowner with necessary repairs and patching the roof until the damage can be fixed.

West Hennepin Public Safety Sgt. Gary Kroells stated that this incident turned out with a good result; however, this fire could have destroyed the entire home.  Home owners are encouraged to contact their local police and fire departments in the event that their house is struck by lightning.  As this case shows, several hours after a lightning strike a small ember can start an entire house on fire.

4^th Degree Assault Against a Police Officer

On Saturday, 06/12/10, at approximately 1044 hours a West Hennepin Police Officer was assaulted by suspect; Lance Andrew Schendel, DOB 10/29/86. Schendel is currently at Hennepin County Jail and on 06/15/10 he was charged with 4^th degree felony assault against a police officer.  His bail was set at $100,000.00.

On Saturday, 6-12-10 at 1044 hours West Hennepin Public Safety Department was dispatched to 1429 Halgren Road in Maple Plain in reference to a possible mental health issue.  Lance Schendel’s sister called 911 as she stated Lance Schendel was acting strangely and was mumbling to himself so she contacted West Hennepin Public Safety for assistance.  Police Officer’s from Orono Police and Medina Police Departments responded to assist West Hennepin PSD.

 As the West Hennepin police officer arrived and approached the rear of the residence Lance Schendel looked at the police officer and began to flee on foot.  The officer told Lance Schendel to stop and police officer started pursing him across the yard. As the officer went to take Lance Schendel into custody, Schendel turned and assaulted the officer by striking him in his face with a closed fist.  The West Hennepin police officer was able to take Lance Schendel into custody after being assaulted.

The West Hennepin Police Officer was transported to Ridgeview Hospital Emergency Room and was treated for his injuries. The officer was later released from the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.