Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) — A Cass Lake man is facing criminal charges after an incident at a Bemidji park, according to court documents.
Gary William Allen of Cass Lake is charged with two felony counts of fourth-degree assault of a peace officer.
He is also charged with a gross misdemeanor for obstructing the legal process.
Call at Paul Bunyan Park
According to a statement of probable cause, officers responded to Paul Bunyan Park on Jan. 8.
The call reported three people drinking in the park.
Police said Allen was hostile when officers arrived.
Court records say Allen tried to block officers from speaking to others.
The report says he kicked snow at an officer.
Officers also poured out a bottle believed to be vodka, the report says.
Spitting allegation
Court records say Allen yelled and used profanity toward officers.
The report says Allen spit a large amount of saliva at an officer.
Police then placed Allen under arrest, the report says.
Resisting during arrest
Court records say Allen refused to comply during the arrest.
The report says it took three officers to restrain him.
The report says Allen physically resisted.
It says he wrapped an arm around an officer’s head during the struggle.
Court records say Allen was handcuffed.
The report says he continued yelling and insulting officers.
The report says he refused to walk normally to a squad vehicle.
Court records say Allen stiffened his legs and braced against the pavement.
The report says he pushed back to prevent officers from moving him.
Charges filed
Prosecutors charged Allen with felony fourth-degree assault of a peace officer.
The charges include an allegation involving bodily fluids, court records say.
He also faces a gross misdemeanor count of obstructing the legal process.
Public information and resources
The City of Bemidji posts parks information online.
See: Bemidji Parks & Trails.
Minnesota law on fourth-degree assault is published here: Minn. Stat. 609.2231.
Minnesota law on obstructing legal process is published here: Minn. Stat. 609.50.
Criminal charges are accusations and are not proof of guilt.
Allen is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.