Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bemidji man is facing a felony charge after a woman reported a violent attack involving a samurai sword. The reported assault happened on November 17 in a basement room at a home on the 1000 block of Park Avenue in Bemidji.
According to newly filed court documents, officers stopped a vehicle on its way to the hospital on the same day. A woman in the back seat was holding her hand, which was wrapped in clothing and bleeding. The people in the vehicle said she had been attacked with a sword during an argument at the Park Avenue home.
Officers then went to the residence. They entered the basement, where they reported finding blood on the floor and walls. A samurai-style sword was also located in the room. Investigators say the blood pattern suggested the woman tried to defend herself during the attack.
The suspect, identified as Jacob Garcia Binkley, was not at the home during the initial investigation. Officers learned he had left the property earlier in the day. The next morning, authorities found Binkley while he was being held for shoplifting at the Bemidji Walmart, where he had been detained by store staff.
Binkley denied assaulting the woman. He told investigators he had been in the home earlier but claimed he knew nothing about the sword attack or the woman’s injury. Officers said his statements did not match physical evidence from the scene.
After interviews and a review of the evidence, prosecutors charged Binkley with felony assault with a dangerous weapon. The charge carries a potential prison sentence under Minnesota law. More information on felony assault charges can be found at the Minnesota Courts website: mncourts.gov.
The woman’s medical condition has not been released. The case remains under investigation as authorities continue to review reports and physical evidence.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
