Bemidji Man Charged in Knife Attack, Deputy Confrontation

BEMIDJI, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — Blake Thomas Gene Wagner, 27, faces four felony charges following an alleged knife attack in Beltrami County.

Prosecutors allege Wagner attacked someone he was dating during a birthday gathering on October 17, 2026.

Investigators say he later displayed a knife while confronting a Beltrami County sheriff’s deputy attempting to arrest him.

The charges include first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault, and felony domestic assault.

Victim Reports Knife Attack at Birthday Gathering

According to the criminal complaint, dispatchers received an assault report around 4:30 p.m. October 17.

The incident reportedly occurred at a residence along Division Street Southwest in Beltrami County.

The caller reported that someone was bleeding heavily from the face.

Dispatchers were initially told the victim might have been struck with a sign.

Additional information suggested the victim may have been stabbed.

Emergency medical personnel responded to the residence.

Investigators reported finding blood on the floor near the injured person.

Victim Describes Attack From Behind

At Sanford’s emergency department, the victim told investigators that people had gathered for a birthday party.

The victim alleged Wagner attacked from behind while the victim was standing on a stairway.

According to the complaint, Wagner used a knife during the assault.

Investigators documented a significant wound to the victim’s right shoulder.

They also reported cuts on both cheeks and a large bruise beneath the right eye.

The victim described another injury to the back of the head.

The victim said the two had been dating for several months.

They reportedly were not arguing immediately before the attack.

The victim told investigators they did not know why Wagner allegedly attacked.

Deputy Reports Armed Confrontation During Arrest

A sheriff’s deputy located Wagner walking along Division Street West after the reported assault.

The deputy ordered Wagner to kneel and advised him he was under arrest.

According to the complaint, Wagner initially complied with some commands.

However, he allegedly pushed backward and broke free while the deputy attempted to apply handcuffs.

The deputy deployed a Taser, but Wagner reportedly continued fleeing.

Investigators allege Wagner then pulled a fixed-blade knife from his waistband.

He reportedly yelled and turned toward the deputy while holding the weapon.

The deputy drew his firearm, fearing Wagner might stab or cut him.

According to the complaint, Wagner eventually discarded the knife and was taken into custody.

Deputies reported finding fresh blood and hair on the knife.

The complaint does not report that the deputy suffered physical injuries.

Four Felony Charges Filed in Beltrami County

Prosecutors filed four felony counts against Wagner in Beltrami County District Court.

The charges include:

First-degree assault: Allegedly using or attempting deadly force against a peace officer.
Second-degree assault: Allegedly using a dangerous weapon and causing substantial bodily harm.
Second-degree assault: Allegedly assaulting another person with a dangerous weapon.
Felony domestic assault: Allegedly causing fear of immediate bodily harm or death.

The first-degree assault charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $30,000 fine.

The two second-degree assault counts carry maximum prison terms of 10 years and seven years, respectively.

The felony domestic assault charge carries a maximum sentence of five years.

These are possible penalties upon conviction, not sentences imposed against Wagner.

Prior Domestic Assault Conviction Cited

The criminal complaint also lists Wagner’s previous criminal history.

That history includes a felony domestic assault conviction from April 2020.

Prosecutors allege the current domestic assault charge qualifies for felony treatment under Minnesota’s repeat-offense law.

The supplied complaint does not fully explain which earlier convictions support that enhancement.

Readers can review Minnesota’s domestic assault statute for additional information.

Beltrami County Court Proceedings

The case was filed October 19, 2026, under court number 04-CR-26-2592.

The complaint includes an order of detention.

No scheduled hearing or final case outcome appears in the supplied document.

Public case information can be searched through Minnesota Court Records Online.

Additional reporting on the case is available from MN CRIME.

The criminal complaint contains allegations that have not been proven at trial.

Wagner is presumed innocent of the pending charges unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.