Bemidji Man Faces Felony Domestic Assault Charge

Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bemidji man faces a felony domestic assault charge following an alleged August 1 incident.

Keith Shawn Howard is charged in Beltrami County District Court.

Prosecutors allege Howard assaulted his significant other, identified in court documents only as S.L.

The complaint says law enforcement responded to a reported domestic assault around 9:52 p.m.

Woman Found With Visible Injuries

According to the complaint, authorities found S.L. using a wheelchair when they arrived.

Investigators reported an abrasion on her forehead and bruising on both arms.

They also reported redness around her eyes and a possible developing black eye.

S.L. told investigators she had recently been injured in a vehicle crash.

She said the earlier crash left her with injured ribs.

S.L. alleged Howard punched her and struck the area of her injured ribs.

Investigators also reported seeing what appeared to be a handprint on the back of her arm.

The complaint states that S.L. appeared upset while speaking with authorities.

Howard provided investigators with a different account of the confrontation.

According to the complaint, Howard claimed S.L. assaulted him first.

He acknowledged responding by striking her with what he described as a “haymaker” punch.

The complaint also says a preliminary breath test showed a high alcohol concentration.

No separate alcohol-related charge is listed in this court complaint.

Howard is charged with felony domestic assault under Minnesota law.

The felony level is based on qualifying prior domestic violence-related convictions.

The complaint lists two domestic assault convictions entered on December 5, 2024.

The current felony charge carries up to five years in prison.

It also carries a possible fine of up to $10,000.

Public court records can be searched through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The case is filed under Beltrami County court file number 04-CR-26-1771.

The charge and supporting claims are allegations and do not establish guilt.

Howard is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.