Bagley: Joseph Ross Faces 5 Charges After Family Dispute

BAGLEY (trfnews.i234.me) — Joseph Robert Ross, 51, faces five criminal charges following a reported family dispute in Clearwater County.

The charges include felony assault of a peace officer, domestic assault, and interference with an emergency call.

According to a criminal complaint, the incident occurred September 5, 2026, at a residence near Bagley.

Investigators allege Ross assaulted family members, resisted deputies, and later spit on a deputy at the county jail.

The case was filed in Clearwater County District Court under number 15-CR-26-317.

Deputies Respond to Family Disturbance

Authorities responded around 4:01 p.m. after a woman reported a disturbance involving her adult son.

The woman told dispatchers she was afraid of her son’s behavior.

When a deputy arrived, Ross was reportedly standing on a deck and shouting at the officer.

According to the complaint, Ross approached the deputy, ignored commands, and allegedly reached toward the deputy’s firearm.

The deputy used a Taser to gain control of Ross and place him in handcuffs.

Investigators allege Ross continued resisting while being escorted to a patrol vehicle.

The complaint states Ross kicked a deputy during the struggle.

Family Members Describe Alleged Assault

Investigators interviewed Ross’s mother and stepfather following the confrontation.

Both reported that Ross had been drinking and became increasingly aggressive.

They alleged Ross pushed his stepfather and grabbed his mother by the arm.

His mother also reported that Ross grabbed and threw her phone when she attempted to call 911.

Both family members declined medical assistance, according to the complaint.

The allegations led to two misdemeanor domestic assault counts and one gross misdemeanor emergency-call interference count.

Additional Allegations at Hospital and Jail

Deputies transported Ross to an emergency room for medical clearance before booking.

According to the complaint, Ross became agitated and knocked equipment away from a nurse.

He was later transported to the Clearwater County Jail.

Investigators allege Ross refused commands at the jail entrance and spit on a deputy.

That allegation forms the basis of the felony fourth-degree assault charge.

Five Criminal Charges Filed

The complaint lists one felony, two gross misdemeanors, and two misdemeanors.

The felony involves allegedly transferring bodily fluids onto a peace officer.

Under Minnesota Statute 609.2231, that offense carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison.

The maximum fine for the felony is $6,000.

The other allegations involve physically assaulting a deputy, preventing an emergency call, and assaulting two household members.

Readers can review the domestic assault law and emergency-call interference law.

These are allegations, and the listed penalties do not represent sentences imposed against Ross.

Clearwater County Court Proceedings

The complaint lists prosecutor file number 090801 and investigative control number 26000421.

The document includes an order of detention.

No final ruling or sentencing information was included in the supplied complaint.

Ross is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Readers can check the Clearwater County District Court website for court information.

Public case records may also be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

Additional court records would be needed to confirm the current case status or final outcome.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.