Crookston (trfnews.i234.me) — Ryan Daniel Melby, 20, of Fertile, is facing a gross misdemeanor charge in Polk County District Court.
The charge stems from a March 20, 2026, call in Crookston.
Court records list the case as 60-CR-26-370.
Melby is charged with obstructing legal process and interfering with peace officers.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail.
It also carries a possible $3,000 fine.
Police Called To Crookston Residence
According to the complaint, officers were called at about 11:05 p.m.
The call involved a report that Melby was fighting with another person.
Officers arrived at a North Acres Estates residence in Crookston.
They found Melby lying on the living room floor, according to the complaint.
The complaint says Melby appeared to be intoxicated.
Authorities say he did not follow orders to show his hands or turn over.
Melby was then detained in handcuffs.
After being advised of his rights, Melby agreed to speak with police.
He reportedly said he had been released from a mental health treatment center that day.
He also said he had returned to Crookston.
The complaint says Melby did not know whose home he was in.
Incident Continued At Emergency Room
After speaking with witnesses, police arrested Melby for disorderly conduct.
Due to his intoxication level, the jail would not accept him.
He was then taken to Riverview Emergency Room in Crookston.
The complaint says Melby became verbally aggressive and made threats.
Medical staff approached the squad car to evaluate him.
Police say Melby refused orders to return to the vehicle.
Authorities allege Melby resisted and kicked an officer.
He also allegedly tried to leave the squad car.
The complaint says Melby grabbed an officer’s duty belt near the handgun.
Police say he also attempted to headbutt an officer.
Melby allegedly continued resisting while being moved to another squad car.
Charge Remains An Allegation
The complaint states Melby’s alleged obstruction involved force or the threat of force.
It also notes that Melby was on unsupervised probation in another Polk County case.
The charge is an allegation at this stage.
Melby is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
More information about Minnesota court records is available through Minnesota Court Records Online.
Minnesota law on obstructing legal process is listed under Minnesota Statute 609.50.
Information about Polk County court services is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
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