Bemidji Man Charged After Wolfe Center Assault

Beltrami County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bemidji man is facing a felony assault charge after a reported fight at the Wolfe Center in Bemidji.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Beltrami County District Court, Michael Wayne Hatton, 44, was charged with fifth-degree assault. The charge was filed under Minnesota Statute 609.224.4(b). Prosecutors allege the case qualifies as a felony because of prior convictions listed in court records.

What the complaint says

The complaint says the incident happened on February 18, 2026, at about 10:45 p.m. Officers responded to a report of a fight at the Wolfe Center. Court records say Hatton, J.K., and V.W. were found at the scene. Hatton had a bleeding injury on his head.

The complaint says J.K. told police that Hatton and V.W. accused him of getting a girl high at People’s Church. J.K. said the two then followed him to the Wolfe Center. Once there, J.K. said both men assaulted him.

According to the complaint, surveillance video showed Hatton and V.W. following J.K. to the Wolfe Center. The filing says the video showed V.W. punching J.K. It also says Hatton kicked J.K. and swung a bottle at him.

Prior convictions listed

The complaint lists prior convictions for Hatton, including a 2024 misdemeanor DANCO violation and a 2023 felony domestic assault conviction. The filing also lists earlier convictions for gross misdemeanor domestic assault, misdemeanor domestic assault, and felony fourth-degree drug sale.

Hatton has been charged. He has not been convicted in this case. Formal charges are accusations, and the case will move through court before any final outcome.

For court records, visit the Minnesota Judicial Branch. For Minnesota law, visit the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.

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