Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bemidji man is facing a gross misdemeanor obstruction charge after a reported assault call in Beltrami County.
John (JT) Thomas Duffy is charged in Beltrami County District Court.
The case is filed in Minnesota’s 9th Judicial District under court file 04-CR-26-822.
The charge stems from an April 7, 2026, incident at a residence on Hock Hvn NW.
Reported Assault Call
According to the complaint, dispatch received a call at about 11:24 p.m.
A woman identified as K.D. reported being physically assaulted by her adult son.
A deputy was in the area and responded to investigate.
The complaint says a loud, angry male voice was heard from the residence.
A man later identified as Duffy allegedly looked through a window.
He then quickly ducked away, according to court documents.
John (JT) Thomas Duffy
Complaint Details Allegations
K.D. told authorities that Duffy had choked her.
She declined medical help, according to the complaint.
The deputy reported seeing fresh redness on the lower part of K.D.’s neck.
K.D. then led the deputy into the residence to speak with Duffy.
The complaint says Duffy smelled of alcohol and had watery eyes.
Authorities tried to calm the situation and speak with him.
Duffy allegedly removed his sweatshirt during the contact.
The deputy reported concern that the situation was escalating.
Struggle During Detention
The complaint says the deputy tried to detain Duffy until help arrived.
Duffy allegedly pulled away and refused commands.
Authorities said Duffy tried to move toward a bedroom.
The deputy reported concern about possible weapons inside the room.
Duffy also allegedly pulled toward the kitchen area.
The complaint says the deputy forced Duffy to the ground.
Duffy allegedly continued pulling away before being placed in handcuffs.
Authorities then escorted him outside to a patrol vehicle.
The complaint says Duffy again pulled away with significant force.
Charge Filed In Beltrami County
Duffy is charged with obstructing legal process.
The charge is listed under Minnesota Statute 609.50.
The charge carries up to 364 days in jail.
It also carries a possible $3,000 fine, or both.
The charge is only an accusation at this stage.
Duffy is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
More case information may be available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.