Cass Lake, Cass County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Cass Lake man is facing multiple charges after a reported gunfire call and a struggle with police, according to court records.
Charges Filed
Daniel Joseph Washington, 53, of Cass Lake, has been charged with felony second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon. He is also charged with felony attempted disarmament of a peace officer. He also faces felony threats of violence. He also faces misdemeanor obstruction of legal process.
What Police Say Happened
Court records say officers responded to reports of gunfire near 162nd Street in Cass Lake. The call was reported on February 26, 2026. Officers with the Leech Lake Tribal Police Department went to the area.
Police made contact with a reporting party, according to the complaint. The person said he was walking home on a makeshift path. He reported that a neighbor shouted at him. The neighbor also threatened to shoot him, the complaint said.
The person said he then heard gunshots while he ran away. He did not report seeing a firearm. He described the suspect as a man with a gray beard. He said the man wore sweats. He also said the man lived two doors down from where he took shelter.
Arrest And Search
Officers then contacted Washington at the identified home, court records say. Washington allegedly admitted he owned a shotgun. He reportedly denied firing it. Police say they saw pieces of a shotgun shell in the yard.
When officers moved to detain Washington, he allegedly tried to run inside. Police say a struggle followed. During the struggle, Washington allegedly put a hand on an officer’s holstered gun. Another officer allegedly saw him try to take it. Police say the officer struck Washington’s arm. Officers then placed Washington in handcuffs, the complaint said.
Police later executed a search warrant at the home, records say. Officers reported finding a Remington 870 12-gauge shotgun. They also reported finding unfired shells. Police also reported a fired shell casing in a kitchen trash can.
Court Hearing And Bail
Washington appeared in court after his arrest. Judge Christopher J. Strandlie set bail at $40,000 without conditions. Bail was set at $20,000 with conditions.
The alleged offense date is February 26, 2026. Court records list the filing date as February 27, 2026.
For more about Minnesota laws, visit Minnesota Statutes. For general court information, visit Minnesota Judicial Branch. For community information, visit Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.