Bemidji, Beltrami County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bemidji-area man is facing a felony charge after an alleged assault at a local laundromat, according to a criminal complaint filed in Beltrami County District Court.
James Edward King, 53, of Red Lake, has been charged with third-degree assault causing substantial bodily harm. The charge is a felony under Minnesota Statute 609.223.
Charge Filed In Beltrami County
The complaint says the alleged assault happened on or about March 3, 2025, in Beltrami County. Court records show the case was filed in the Beltrami County District Court, part of Minnesota’s 9th Judicial District.
According to the complaint, police were called to the laundromat at 3211 Hannah Avenue NW in Bemidji. Officers found the reported victim, identified in court records as T.S., with visible injuries.
The complaint states T.S. had blood coming from his nose and the side of his face. Police also saw a blood trail coming from the bathroom area.
What Investigators Allege
According to the complaint, T.S. told police he was sitting inside the laundromat when James Edward King approached him. T.S. said King then struck him several times in the head and face.
A witness, identified in court records as G.L., reportedly told police he saw the attack. The witness said the assault happened as T.S. described it.
Investigators also reviewed surveillance video from the business, according to the complaint. The video allegedly showed T.S. sitting at a table. Seconds later, King approached him and hit him in the face multiple times.
Injury Listed In Complaint
Medical records reviewed by investigators said T.S. suffered a closed nasal bone fracture. In simple terms, that means a broken nose. Prosecutors say that the injury supports the felony assault charge.
Under Minnesota law, third-degree assault involving substantial bodily harm carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.
A criminal charge is only an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
For more on local law enforcement activity, readers can visit the Bemidji Police Department and the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
