Bemidji Man Charged After Alleged 911 Call Disruption

Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) — John Paul Martin faces three charges following an alleged August 1 assault in Bemidji.

Prosecutors allege Martin assaulted a man, damaged his cellphone, and interfered with an emergency call.

Martin faces one gross misdemeanor and two misdemeanor charges in Beltrami County District Court.

Police Respond to Apartment Dispute

Bemidji police responded around 1:56 a.m. to a reported dispute at an apartment.

The caller, identified as L.G., told police that Martin had already left the area.

L.G. said Martin had visited the apartment to prepare food.

According to the complaint, L.G. later asked Martin to leave.

Martin allegedly refused and threw food onto the floor.

Prosecutors say Martin then struck L.G. with a closed fist.

The confrontation later moved outside the apartment building.

L.G. alleged Martin struck him three or four more times in the head.

Martin then left the area, according to the complaint.

Investigators reported seeing blood near the outside of L.G.’s ear.

They also observed fresh cuts on his leg and elbow.

L.G. told police those injuries were connected to the confrontation.

The complaint does not describe any hospital treatment following the alleged assault.

L.G. also showed investigators a damaged cellphone.

He said Martin broke the phone while L.G. was speaking with emergency dispatch.

Dispatchers reported hearing another man take the phone during the call.

The call then disconnected, according to the complaint.

Prosecutors allege Martin intentionally interfered with L.G.’s attempt to seek emergency help.

The complaint says the phone damage was valued at less than $500.

The emergency-call charge cites Minnesota Statute 609.78.

The gross misdemeanor carries up to 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine.

The property-damage count cites Minnesota Statute 609.595.

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

The court file number is 04-CR-26-1870.

Public case information is available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The complaint contains allegations and does not establish Martin’s guilt.

Martin is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.