Bemidji: Joseph Norton Accused of Fighting Officers

BEMIDJI (trfnews.i234.me) — Joseph Richard Norton, 30, faces two criminal charges following a confrontation with police in Bemidji.

According to a Beltrami County criminal complaint, Norton allegedly resisted arrest, attempted to flee, and kicked a police vehicle.

The incident occurred September 19, 2026, while officers monitored the downtown area near closing time for local bars.

Norton faces gross misdemeanor obstruction of legal process and misdemeanor fleeing an officer on foot.

The case was filed in Beltrami County District Court under number 04-CR-26-2300.

Police Attempt to Arrest Norton Near Downtown Bars

According to the complaint, Bemidji officers were watching the area near Third Street as bars closed.

During their patrol, officers spotted someone matching Norton’s description.

Police reportedly had information indicating probable cause existed to detain Norton.

An officer approached Norton and informed him that he was under arrest.

According to the complaint, Norton pulled away and attempted to run from the officer.

Two officers then struggled with Norton before bringing him to the ground.

Investigators alleged Norton continued resisting while officers attempted to place him in handcuffs.

Complaint Describes Struggle at Police Vehicle

After officers secured the handcuffs, Norton allegedly went limp and refused to walk.

The complaint states officers had to carry him to their squad vehicle.

Once near the vehicle, Norton allegedly began kicking at the squad car.

He also reportedly attempted to kick an officer while continuing to resist.

After being placed inside the vehicle, Norton allegedly kicked a window with significant force.

According to investigators, the kicks caused the window to shake.

Officers eventually transported Norton to the Beltrami County Jail.

The complaint does not report whether any officers were injured or whether the vehicle sustained damage.

Two Criminal Charges Filed

The first charge involves obstructing legal process by interfering with a peace officer.

Under Minnesota Statute 609.50, the listed gross misdemeanor carries a maximum sentence of 364 days.

A conviction could also result in a fine of up to $3,000.

The second charge involves fleeing an officer by means other than a motor vehicle.

Under Minnesota Statute 609.487, the listed misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of 90 days.

The maximum fine for that offense is $1,000.

These are possible penalties, not sentences imposed against Norton.

Previous Criminal History Cited

The complaint also references several earlier criminal cases involving Norton.

Those records include convictions for assault, disorderly conduct, drug offenses, and obstructing legal process.

The complaint identifies a previous second-degree assault conviction in Mahnomen County.

It also lists earlier convictions involving domestic assault and other offenses.

Two additional Beltrami County cases were listed as pending or open when the complaint was prepared.

Those matters involved domestic assault and alleged violations of a no-contact order.

Pending charges are separate from convictions and do not establish guilt.

Beltrami County Court Proceedings

The complaint lists prosecutor file number 0040093529 and investigative control number 26017777.

The document includes an order of detention.

No final court ruling or sentencing information appears in the supplied complaint.

Norton is presumed innocent of the new allegations unless proven guilty in court.

Readers can access available records through Minnesota Court Records Online.

Additional information is available through the Beltrami County District Court.

Further records would be needed to confirm the current status or outcome of the case.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.