Bena Incident: Woman Faces Felony Assault Charge

BENA, Minn. — (trfnews.i234.me) — A Cass Lake woman faces a felony assault charge after an incident near Bena.

Suzanne Rose Cutbank is charged with fourth-degree assault against a peace officer. The charge is a felony under Minnesota law.

The case was filed in Cass County District Court. Court records list the alleged offense date as June 12, 2026.

Deputies Respond Near Bena Park

According to the criminal complaint, deputies responded around 9:35 p.m. They received a report about problems at Big Winnie Bar.

The caller also reported that a person had tried to fight people. Deputies later learned she was walking on Highway 2.

The complaint says she was heading toward Bena Park. Deputies found Cutbank and saw an injury on her right hand.

Deputies said Cutbank appeared highly intoxicated. They also reported smelling a strong odor of alcohol.

The complaint states Cutbank was on probation. Her probation conditions allegedly barred her from using alcohol.

Deputies said Cutbank tried to fling blood toward them. They detained her while continuing their investigation.

The complaint says a deputy then requested a preliminary breath test. Cutbank allegedly spat toward the deputy during that process.

The deputy reported feeling saliva land on an arm. Cutbank allegedly tried to spit again but missed.

An ambulance arrived and examined the cut on Cutbank’s hand. Deputies then placed her under arrest.

Minnesota Statute 609.2231 covers fourth-degree assault involving protected workers.

The law includes intentionally transferring bodily fluids onto a peace officer. The complaint cites subdivision 1(c)(2).

The charge carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison. It also carries a possible $6,000 fine.

Public records may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online. The case number is 11-CR-26-843.

A criminal complaint contains allegations. Cutbank is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.