Bemidji Woman Accused of Carrying Rifle on Sidewalk

BEMIDJI, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – Kathy Jean White, 62, faces a gross misdemeanor charge after police allegedly spotted her carrying a rifle along a public sidewalk.

The incident happened October 8, 2026, near Norton Avenue Northwest and 22nd Street Northwest in Bemidji.

According to a Beltrami County criminal complaint, White was walking while holding a black rifle.

Officers later recovered a .22-caliber semiautomatic rifle and several rounds of ammunition.

Officer Spots Woman Carrying Rifle

At approximately 6:11 p.m., a Bemidji police officer was patrolling Norton Avenue Northwest.

The officer reportedly noticed a woman walking briskly along the sidewalk while carrying what appeared to be a rifle.

According to court documents, the firearm had no visible orange markings indicating it was a replica.

The officer attempted to contact the woman and check whether she could legally carry the weapon.

White reportedly continued walking east along 22nd Street Northwest.

The officer activated emergency lights and repeatedly ordered her to stop.

According to the complaint, White continued walking despite those commands.

Police Intercept Woman on 22nd Street

A second Bemidji police officer arrived and positioned a patrol vehicle farther east along White’s path.

The officer exited the squad car and waited as White approached.

According to the complaint, the officer drew a handgun before moving toward White.

The officer then took control of the rifle she was carrying.

Police reported that White allowed the officer to take the weapon without resistance.

She was then handcuffed and searched.

The complaint states she remained physically cooperative during that part of the encounter.

Rifle and Ammunition Recovered

Investigators identified the firearm as a Derya .22-caliber semiautomatic rifle.

According to the complaint, its detachable magazine contained one round of ammunition.

However, officers found no ammunition inside the rifle’s chamber.

Police also reported finding four additional .22-caliber rounds in White’s hand during the search.

After receiving a Miranda warning, White reportedly acknowledged that she did not have a permit to carry.

Dispatch confirmed she lacked a valid permit, according to the complaint.

Records also indicated that White had recently been denied a permit.

Police Locate Vehicle at Bemidji Skate Park

Investigators later located White’s black Chevrolet at the Bemidji Skate Park.

According to court documents, officers observed a cardboard rifle box inside the vehicle.

The box was visible between the rear seats.

Police arranged for the vehicle to be towed to the Bemidji city impound lot.

At the impound lot, an officer reported seeing a box of .22-caliber ammunition on the driver’s floor.

The supplied complaint does not identify additional charges involving the ammunition found inside the vehicle.

Gross Misdemeanor Firearm Charge Filed

White faces one gross misdemeanor charge under Minnesota Statute 624.7181, subdivision 2.

The law generally restricts carrying rifles, shotguns, and certain other weapons in public places.

State law also provides exceptions for qualifying activities, lawful transport, and certain permit holders.

Prosecutors allege White unlawfully carried a rifle on a public sidewalk.

The complaint lists a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.

Beltrami County Court Proceedings

White was arrested and transported to the Beltrami County Jail following the October 8 encounter.

The case is filed under Beltrami County Court File No. 04-CR-26-2504.

The complaint includes an order of detention and identifies Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.

The supplied document does not identify an upcoming hearing date or final court outcome.

Readers can search public court records through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The charge remains an allegation and does not establish guilt.

White is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.