Bemidji Woman Charged After Gun, Vehicle Case

Bemidji, MN (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bemidji woman is facing multiple charges after an investigation into an alleged firearm theft, attempted vehicle theft, and assaults in Beltrami County.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Beltrami County District Court, Verna Leigh Fairbanks, born February 28, 1999, is charged with five counts connected to an incident reported on July 9, 2026.

Officials Respond to Reported Disturbance

The complaint states deputies were called around 4:18 p.m. to 3311 Windy Hills Lane SW in Bemidji.

Authorities received a report of a woman allegedly assaulting people and attempting to take a vehicle that did not belong to her.

Investigators learned Fairbanks had walked into a nearby field. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots from the area.

Firearm Reported Stolen

The complaint states that a firearm was taken from a vehicle on Carr Lake Road.

The firearm owner told investigators he had placed a Ruger LCP .380 pistol inside his vehicle while working outside.

The owner later discovered the firearm was missing. He also noticed items out of place near his vehicle.

The complaint states that witnesses had seen a woman riding a red bicycle near the area earlier that afternoon.

Attempted Vehicle Theft Alleged

Investigators also spoke with two people identified in court documents by initials.

The complaint states Fairbanks allegedly attempted to take their pickup truck.

The individuals reported that they stopped the attempt and were assaulted during the incident.

Verna Leigh Fairbanks booking photo

Charges Filed in Beltrami County Court

Fairbanks faces a felony charge for allegedly possessing a firearm while prohibited because of a prior conviction for a crime of violence.

She also faces felony charges for theft of a firearm and attempted theft of a motor vehicle.

Two misdemeanor fifth-degree assault charges were also filed.

The firearm possession charge carries a possible maximum penalty of 15 years in prison or a $35,000 fine.

The theft charge carries a possible maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.

Prior Convictions Listed

The complaint lists several previous convictions in Beltrami County involving theft, robbery, assault, fleeing police, stalking, and other offenses.

Court records show a felony simple robbery conviction entered in March 2026.

The complaint also lists a prior theft conviction and a prior motor vehicle theft conviction.

Fairbanks was taken into custody after being located in a wooded area, according to the complaint.

The complaint states she directed investigators to the location of the firearm and admitted to possessing and firing it.

All charges are allegations, and Fairbanks is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

More information about Minnesota court records is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

I’m Adrian Cole, reporting for TRF News.