Bemidji Man Charged In Choking, DWI Case
Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) — A Deer River man is facing several charges in Beltrami County after a reported assault at a Bemidji apartment.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Beltrami County District Court, Robin Lee Jones is charged with felony domestic assault by strangulation. He is also charged with misdemeanor domestic assault, gross misdemeanor interference with a 911 call, and misdemeanor DWI.
The charges stem from an incident reported on May 27, 2026. Court records say dispatchers received a report that a woman had been punched by her boyfriend. The report later changed from disorderly conduct to assault.
Traffic Stop Followed Reported Assault
The complaint says Jones left the scene in a tan Chevrolet Suburban. Police later stopped a matching vehicle near Anne Street Northwest in Bemidji.
Jones was identified as the driver. The complaint says he had blood on his face and chest. It also says his eyes appeared watery and bloodshot.
Jones told police he had been assaulted first. He said he pushed the woman away and left for his safety. Officers noted scratches on Jones, according to the complaint.
Jones also admitted to drinking several shots about an hour earlier. A preliminary breath test allegedly showed a .14 reading. He was later taken to Sanford Bemidji Medical Center. A blood draw was completed after a search warrant was signed.
Robin Lee Jones
Victim Reported Choking And 911 Interference
The woman told police she returned home around 10:30 p.m. She said she and Jones had argued about household chores.
She alleged Jones shoved her and then punched her several times. She also said she tried to call 911.
According to the complaint, Jones took her phone and threw it. She said this stopped her from calling emergency services.
The woman also alleged that Jones came behind her and placed an arm around her neck. She said she struggled to breathe and feared she might black out.
Police reported seeing a raised lump above her right eye. They also noted swelling, redness, and marks consistent with her account.
Charges Remain Allegations
The felony strangulation charge carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison. It also carries a possible $5,000 fine under Minnesota Statute 609.2247.
The DWI charge was filed under Minnesota Statute 169A.20. The complaint also cites Minnesota laws on domestic assault and emergency call interference.
Jones was booked into the Beltrami County Jail after medical treatment. The complaint also notes an active Itasca County warrant.
The charges are allegations. Jones is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.