On March 3, 2026, at approximately 8:12 A.M., Saint Paul Officers were dispatched to a house on the 100 block of Wheelock Parkway, Saint Paul, County of Ramsey, on a fire. Saint Paul Regional Water Services Worker Masiello reported they had been at the residence to check a water meter during which a lot of water was used. Masiello said the front door was unlocked and a cloud of smoke was coming from inside the house. Saint Paul Fire was called to assist. The home appeared to be vacant and the windows were boarded.
Saint Paul Fire advised that there was a male inside the detached garage. Officer Halder made contact with the male who verbally identified self as JOHN PAUL SPINOLA, [DOB REDACTED]. SPINOLA said he was at the address for an hour before officers arrived. He said he had permission from the homeowner, Dorothy, to be on the property. SPINOLA said his phone was dead and he could not provide further information on Dorothy. SPINOLA said he used to live in the garage about a month ago. He said he had no keys to the property and the front door was always unlocked.
Officer Wendlandt could not find SPINOLA on file in NCIC. He was arrested because his identity could not be confirmed and for trespassing. During a search, Officer Wendlandt found a plastic bag with an unknown white powdery rock-like substance and several pieces of tinfoil with residue on SPINOLA. A small flood was observed inside the home. The smoke was from a small bonfire in the living room. At the LEC, staff determined SPINOLA gave his correct name to officers. Officer Gallatin conducted presumptive tests on Item #1, labeled small plastic bag with an unknown white powdery substance, result positive for methamphetamine, net weight.76 grams.
