Cass Lake Man Booked on Officer Assault Charge

CASS COUNTY (trfnews.i234.me) — A Cass Lake man was booked Tuesday evening on a felony assault charge.

Vernon Dale Howard Jr., 33, entered the Cass County Jail at 8:07 p.m. on June 30, 2026.

The county’s in-custody report lists one charge against Howard.

Booking Details

The report identifies Howard as a Cass Lake resident. It lists fourth-degree assault involving a peace officer.

The charge alleges the assault caused demonstrable bodily harm. The record cites Minnesota Statute 609.2231, subdivision 1(c)(1).

The public booking report does not explain what led to the arrest. It does not identify the officer involved.

No details were listed about the officer’s condition. The report also did not provide a court date or bail amount.

Minnesota law treats this form of fourth-degree assault as a felony.

The law applies when an alleged assault on a peace officer causes demonstrable bodily harm.

A conviction may carry up to three years in prison. It may also bring a fine of up to $6,000.

Those figures are the maximum penalties allowed by the statute. They do not predict a sentence in this case.

Howard’s listing reflects an arrest and jail booking. It is not a finding of guilt.

Criminal charges remain allegations unless proven in court. Howard is presumed innocent unless convicted through the court process.

More information may appear through Minnesota Court Records Online.

Available court records may include hearing dates, filed complaints, and case outcomes. Some records may not appear immediately.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office posts current jail information for public review. Listings may change after release, transfer, or court action.

Readers can also visit the Cass County Detention Center page for jail information.

I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News.

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