Williams: Chandler Faces 3 Felonies After Road Arrest
WILLIAMS, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — Wilburne Tom Chandler Jr. faces three felony charges after an arrest near Williams.
Chandler, 54, is charged in Lake of the Woods County District Court file 39-CR-26-135.
He also faces a misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge.
The alleged incident happened during the early morning hours of Aug. 24, 2026.
Man Found Lying on Highway 11
The complaint says dispatch received reports of a man lying on Minnesota Highway 11 west of Williams.
One caller initially believed the man was dead.
Another caller later reported that the man said he was taking a nap.
Law enforcement arrived around 3:15 a.m.
An officer found Chandler lying in the westbound lane, according to the complaint.
A duffel bag was lying nearby.
Police told Chandler to stand and began moving him away from the roadway.
Prosecutors allege Chandler became combative and threatened to strike the officer.
The complaint says Chandler pulled away, and both men fell into a roadside ditch.
Officer Allegedly Kicked During Arrest
Chandler continued resisting while officers tried to place him in handcuffs, prosecutors allege.
The complaint says Chandler kicked an officer in the face after being handcuffed.
Wilburne Tom Chandler Jr. | Public booking image
Police later transported Chandler toward the county jail.
He suffered facial cuts during the transport, according to the complaint.
Officers then took him to a hospital in Baudette for possible treatment.
The complaint says Chandler remained combative at the hospital.
Prosecutors allege he kicked an officer in the head during that encounter.
Chandler also allegedly made threats against officers.
No law enforcement officer names are included in this report.
Jail Incident Leads to Second Assault Count
Chandler was eventually taken to jail, according to the complaint.
Prosecutors say he continued yelling and resisting during the booking process.
The complaint alleges Chandler intentionally urinated toward and onto an officer from inside a holding cell.
That allegation forms the basis for one fourth-degree assault count involving bodily fluids.
Three Felonies Filed
Count One charges threats of violence under Minnesota Statute 609.713.
The felony carries up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Counts Two and Three cite Minnesota Statute 609.2231.
Both fourth-degree assault counts are charged as felonies.
Each carries up to three years in prison and a $6,000 fine.
Count Four alleges misdemeanor disorderly conduct.
That charge cites Minnesota Statute 609.72.
The complaint lists up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Charges Remain Allegations
The criminal complaint contains allegations that have not been proven in court.
Chandler is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Public court records are available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
Custody information is available through the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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