Dakota County has released its latest parks update, highlighting upcoming events, recreation programs, beach water testing and current park projects taking place throughout July.

Burnsville Police are investigating after shell casings were found in the northernmost parking lot of Lac Lavon Park on Sunday morning. Police say no shooting was reported, and no injuries or witnesses are known.

A driver was injured after fleeing Inver Grove Heights police early on July 8, 2026. Police say an officer also accidentally discharged a firearm into the suspect vehicle's tire after the driver fled on foot. Criminal charges are pending for the suspect who fled.

A Lakeville man has been charged with felony second-degree assault after prosecutors say he stabbed a coworker in the neck at the Quality Inn on July 2.

A Hastings woman has been charged with a felony after prosecutors allege she stole, or attempted to steal, more than $1,800 worth of merchandise during three separate incidents at a Walmart store in Hastings.

A 21-year-old St. Paul woman is facing a felony charge after prosecutors say she stole a vehicle from a Lakeville motel, later abandoned it in Minneapolis, and was arrested after failing to appear in court.

A 62-year-old Apple Valley bicyclist was seriously injured Sunday morning after police say he entered the intersection of County Road 42 and Galaxie Avenue against a red light and was struck by a vehicle. Witnesses told investigators the traffic signal was red for the bicyclist at the time of the crash.

The Dakota County Sheriff's Office is renewing its appeal for information as Monday marks two years since Nicole "Nikki" Anderson disappeared from her home in Randolph, Minnesota.

Ibrahim Ali Mohamed pleaded guilty to first-degree assault in the 2025 Kelley Park shooting in Apple Valley. The attempted murder charge will be dismissed.

The West St. Paul Police Department is investigating after a body was discovered in a wooded area near the 199 block of Wentworth Avenue East.

Heavy rain and strong thunderstorms brought up to several inches of rain across the Twin Cities on July 3-4, triggering flash flood warnings and forcing fireworks cancellations and delays in Eagan, Lakeville, Prior Lake, Apple Valley, and Hastings.

A wrong-way driver caused a two-vehicle crash near County Road 42 and Portland Avenue in Burnsville on July 2, 2026. One person was hospitalized in stable condition, while another suffered minor injuries. The crash remains under investigation.

A Burnsville resident is facing a felony charge after allegedly leading a Dakota County Sheriff's deputy on a pursuit before crashing his vehicle in Lakeville late last month.

The West St. Paul Police Department is investigating after a body was discovered in a wooded area near the 199 block of Wentworth Avenue East.

A Minneapolis man with a prior Dakota County aggravated robbery conviction is charged after allegedly attempting to rob an Apple Valley McDonald's by claiming he had a gun before throwing a rock through an Apple Valley police squad car window.

Fourth of July 2026 Guide: Fireworks, Parades and Events Across Dakota & Scott Counties

Two people were injured Wednesday morning after a seven-vehicle crash on northbound Interstate 35E at Lone Oak Road in Eagan, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.

A driver was killed and a passenger suffered life-threatening injuries after a vehicle left the roadway, became airborne, and burst into flames on the northbound Interstate 35E exit ramp to Lone Oak Road in Eagan early Monday, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.

Lake Elmo Park Reserve was temporarily closed on Friday after an abandoned vehicle linked to a Dakota County pursuit was found. Authorities say there is no ongoing threat.

An Apple Valley man faces three felony financial transaction card fraud charges after allegedly using stolen credit cards in separate incidents during May and June.