Cass Lake Casino Incident Leads to Two Charges

Cass Lake (trfnews.i234.me) — Robert William Erle faces two charges after an incident at Cedar Lakes Casino.

Erle, of Fargo, North Dakota, is charged with obstructing legal process and fourth-degree property damage.

The case is filed as 11-CR-26-1332 in Cass County District Court.

The incident happened during the morning of September 6, 2026.

Police Called to Casino Hotel

Leech Lake Tribal Police responded to Cedar Lakes Casino around 7:35 a.m.

A hotel guest reported an intoxicated man had locked himself inside another guest’s bathroom.

Authorities identified the man as Robert William Erle.

The complaint says Erle refused requests to leave the bathroom and return to his room.

He also told officers that he wanted to die.

Officers initially tried to convince Erle to leave the bathroom peacefully.

Hotel staff later provided a tool that allowed officers to begin opening the bathroom door.

Prosecutors say Erle pushed against the door and used force to keep it closed.

As officers opened the door, they allegedly saw a knife in Erle’s hand.

A Taser was then deployed, according to the complaint.

The knife was moved away before officers entered the bathroom.

Erle allegedly continued resisting as officers placed him in handcuffs.

The struggle damaged the bathroom door, according to the court filing.

Jonikka Kleeb also spoke with investigators about the incident.

Kleeb said she and Erle had gone to another guest’s hotel room the previous night.

She said the group had been drinking heavily.

Kleeb told authorities she left after Erle became aggressive.

She returned that morning to get Erle, according to the complaint.

Erle allegedly refused to leave the room.

The hotel guest then asked security for help removing him.

Erle faces a gross misdemeanor charge under Minnesota Statute 609.50.

The complaint alleges force was used while officers attempted to remove him.

That charge carries up to 364 days in jail.

It also carries a possible fine of up to $3,000.

Erle also faces misdemeanor fourth-degree property damage.

Prosecutors allege the struggle caused less than $500 in damage.

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

The charges are allegations and do not establish guilt.

Erle is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Readers can search public cases through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.