Bestul offered permanent Brainerd police chief position
Mike Bestul stepped up from deputy chief to acting chief in January after the retirement of Chief Corky McQuiston 10:50 am, May 4, 2021 ×
Mike Bestul will be the next Brainerd police chief, following his appointment of acting chief.
Bestul, a 24-year veteran of the police department, stepped up as acting chief in January after the retirement of Chief Corky McQuiston. The Brainerd City Council offered him the permanent position Monday, May 3, conditional on the successful completion of a pre-employment background check and a 90-day trial period.
“I’m very excited to lead the department going forward and looking forward to a brand new adventure, if you will,” Bestul said after Monday’s meeting.
Forest Lake Man Faces Multiple Charges Following Arrest in Becker
Becker Police Chief
Brent Baloun says an officer made a traffic stop at the intersection of Highway 10 and 137th Street at around 12:15 a.m.
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Baloun says the driver, 33-year-old
Darren Ward, had a suspended driver s license and a warrant for his arrest in Hennepin County.
While speaking with Ward, the officer noticed he was under the influence of an unknown substance. A handgun was also found near Ward, who is prohibited from having a gun.
Authorities searched the vehicle and found 4.5 grams of meth, roughly 40 grams of marijuana and numerous drug paraphernalia items.
Bestul to remain as acting Brainerd police chief through 2021
After the top two candidates chosen to replace outgoing chief Corky McQuiston, the council agreed to have Deputy Chief Mike Bestul continue on as acting police chief through at least the end of the year. 8:42 pm, Jan. 19, 2021 ×
Brainerd Police Deputy Chief Mike Bestul talks to community members during a search for a missing man in Kiwanis Park in Brainerd in 2014. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
Brainerd will not have a new police chief until next year.
Chief Deputy Mike Bestul who was appointed as acting chief Jan. 4 will remain in that post through at least the end of the year, the Brainerd City Council decided Monday, Jan. 19.