Walker Casino Fight Leads to Felony Threat Charge

Walker (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bemidji man faces three charges following an alleged fight at Northern Lights Casino.

Jayden Daniel Schmerbeck, 19, is charged in Cass County District Court.

Schmerbeck faces one felony count of threats of violence.

He also faces two misdemeanor counts of fifth-degree assault.

The alleged incident happened on August 29, 2026.

The case is filed under court number 11-CR-26-1289.

Casino Staff Report Fight

According to the criminal complaint, authorities responded to Northern Lights Casino around 8:55 p.m.

Dispatchers received a report that a man was fighting with casino employees.

Several employees reportedly had to restrain the man before officers arrived.

Schmerbeck had already been placed inside a patrol vehicle when another officer reached the casino.

The complaint says officers noticed an odor of alcohol coming from Schmerbeck.

He was also described as being in a heightened emotional state.

Casino workers said staff had been asked to remove a guest from the property.

The complaint alleges Schmerbeck ran toward employees and began trying to fight them.

Staff told investigators Schmerbeck made repeated threats to kill employees during the confrontation.

The complaint also says he directed racial slurs and other offensive statements toward staff members.

Schmerbeck allegedly kicked toward several employees during the struggle.

One casino worker was allegedly struck on the side of the head.

Several employees reportedly suffered scrapes and cuts during the confrontation.

Staff also reported that Schmerbeck tried to strike other workers.

Investigators were told another incident happened earlier inside a concert area.

A woman reported that Schmerbeck headbutted her, according to the complaint.

Staff said that incident led to efforts to remove him from the casino.

The felony charge is filed under Minnesota Statute 609.713.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

The two assault counts fall under Minnesota Statute 609.224.

Each misdemeanor carries up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

The case was filed with an order of detention in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.

A criminal complaint contains allegations and does not establish guilt.

Schmerbeck is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.