Crookston Man Charged After Parking Lot Assault
CROOKSTON, Minn. — (trfnews.i234.me) — A Crookston man faces felony charges after a parking lot fight injured a neighbor.
Chris Gabriel Noah, 53, was charged Tuesday, June 30, in Polk County District Court.
He faces third-degree assault causing substantial bodily harm. He also faces fifth-degree assault and obstructing the legal process.
The last two counts are gross misdemeanor charges.
The felony count carries up to five years in prison. It also carries a possible $10,000 fine.
Fight Reported Near Gazebo
The criminal complaint says police were called around 7 p.m. June 28.
The reported fight happened near a gazebo at 1700 Widman Lane.
An officer arrived and found Noah standing over an injured man. The man was bleeding while lying on the ground.
A woman was also lying nearby, according to the complaint.
The victim said his group had been sitting near the gazebo. Noah later came outside and sat close to them.
The group began packing its belongings to move away. The victim tried to guide a wagon around Noah.
The complaint says Noah backed into the victim and became upset. Noah then allegedly kicked the wagon over.
The men grabbed each other before the victim pushed Noah away.
Victim Required Multiple Stitches
The victim said Noah struck the side of his head. The blow knocked his glasses onto the ground.
Noah allegedly stepped on the glasses and broke them. He then repeatedly punched the victim with closed fists.
The complaint says Noah punched the man near his eye while he was down.
The victim reported hearing a cracking sound during the assault.
Noah also allegedly pushed a woman to the ground during the fight.
Witnesses said the group had moved several times that day. They said they were trying to avoid Noah.
One witness said Noah continued striking the victim until law enforcement arrived.
The victim was taken to Riverview Hospital for treatment. Police photographed his injuries the following day.
The injuries included stitches, swelling, and purple discoloration above the victim’s eye.
Arrest and Court Case
Noah told police he had been attacked first.
He said he struck the victim because the man would not release him.
The complaint says Noah forcefully resisted officers during his arrest. Officers also reported smelling alcohol on him.
Court records cited in the complaint show Noah remains on supervised probation.
That case involved a 2025 harassment conviction in Polk County.
Noah was booked into the Northwest Regional Corrections Center.
His next court appearance is scheduled for July 14.
The charges are allegations. Noah is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Local agency information is available through the Crookston Police Department.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News.