Bemidji: Parker-Schnell Faces Officer Assault Charge
BEMIDJI, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — Joleen Parker-Schnell faces two assault charges after an incident outside a Bemidji hospital.
Parker-Schnell, 64, is charged in Beltrami County District Court file 04-CR-26-2013.
The alleged incident happened on Aug. 21, 2026.
Prosecutors filed fourth-degree and fifth-degree assault charges.
Police Called to Bemidji Hospital
The complaint says police responded to Sanford Hospital around 8:21 p.m.
Officers were called about a reported family dispute at the hospital.
Police spoke with several family members outside and inside the emergency department.
Investigators later escorted an adult man and a minor family member from the building.
Ashley Parker was outside the hospital during the encounter, according to the complaint.
The complaint says Parker approached the group on a bicycle.
Police stopped Parker and placed her under arrest.
No police officer names are included in this report.
Parker-Schnell Allegedly Slaps Man
During Parker’s arrest, Parker-Schnell allegedly exited a red SUV nearby.
Prosecutors say she began yelling at the man and the minor.
The complaint alleges Parker-Schnell then slapped the man in the face.
An officer told Parker-Schnell that she was under arrest.
The officer then moved her away from the man, according to the complaint.
Prosecutors allege Parker-Schnell turned and struck the officer in the face.
The alleged blow knocked an earpiece from the officer’s ear.
Police then placed Parker-Schnell in handcuffs.
She was taken to the Beltrami County Jail after the incident.
Fourth-Degree Assault Charge
Count One charges Parker-Schnell with fourth-degree assault of a peace officer.
The charge cites Minnesota Statute 609.2231.
The cited section covers physical assaults against peace officers performing lawful duties.
The complaint classifies the charge as a gross misdemeanor.
It lists a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail.
A fine of up to $3,000 is also possible.
Fifth-Degree Assault Also Charged
Count Two charges Parker-Schnell with fifth-degree assault.
The charge cites Minnesota Statute 609.224.
Prosecutors allege she intentionally inflicted or attempted bodily harm against another person.
The complaint classifies that count as a misdemeanor.
The maximum listed penalty is 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
These maximum penalties do not represent a sentence against Parker-Schnell.
Charges Remain Allegations
The criminal complaint contains allegations that have not been proven in court.
Parker-Schnell is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Current custody information is available through the Beltrami County inmate locator.
Public court information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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