Cass Lake Woman Charged After Spitting on Officer

CASS LAKE, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A Cass Lake woman faces two charges following a June 21 encounter with tribal police.

Taliah Marie Curry, 19, is charged in Cass County District Court. The court file number is 11-CR-26-902.

Felony Assault Charge Filed

The complaint lists one felony and one gross misdemeanor. The felony charge is fourth-degree assault of a peace officer.

Prosecutors allege Curry intentionally spit on an officer during the arrest. No officers are identified in this report.

The second charge alleges obstruction of the legal process. Prosecutors say Curry used force while officers tried to arrest her.

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

The obstruction charge carries up to 364 days in jail. It also carries a possible $3,000 fine.

Leech Lake Tribal Police received a call around 9:25 p.m. The caller reported an intoxicated woman walking on 65th Avenue.

The reported location was near Northwood Loop in Cass Lake. Officers found a woman matching the caller’s description.

The complaint says officers identified the woman as Curry. She reportedly said she was 19 and had been drinking.

An officer asked Curry to sit inside a patrol vehicle. The request was made to prevent a fall or injury.

The complaint alleges Curry then ran south on 65th Avenue. Officers caught her and placed her under arrest.

Prosecutors say Curry tensed her body while officers tried to secure her. She also pressed her feet against the door frame.

The complaint alleges Curry wrapped her legs around an officer. It also alleges she spit on the officer’s neck.

Officers eventually secured Curry inside the patrol vehicle. She was taken to the Indian Health Service for medical clearance.

A preliminary breath test produced a reading of 0.215, according to the complaint. No alcohol charge was listed in the filing.

Readers can review Minnesota’s fourth-degree assault law through the Revisor’s Office.

The state’s obstruction of legal process law is also available online.

Public case updates may appear through Minnesota Court Records Online.

Criminal charges are allegations. Curry is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News.