Naytahwaush Man Charged After Foot Chase
NAYTAHWAUSH (trfnews.i234.me) — Robert James Azure, 51, faces three charges in Becker County District Court.
One count alleges felony fifth-degree controlled substance possession.
Two misdemeanor counts allege obstructing legal process and fleeing an officer on foot.
Search Warrant Led to Foot Chase
According to court records, the case began May 12 near a home on Wolf Clan Lane.
A special agent was helping execute a search warrant at the residence.
Investigators believed Azure was nearby and knew he had an active felony warrant.
Court records state Azure had missed a January 14 sentencing hearing.
Just before 11 a.m., officers saw a man in dark clothing near the home.
As they approached, the man allegedly ran away.
An agent followed and recognized him as Azure.
Azure was told he was under arrest, according to the complaint.
He allegedly hid behind a tree and then tried to run again.
Officers used a pepper ball, and Azure fell to his knees.
When an agent reached for his wrist, Azure allegedly resisted.
A brief struggle followed before officers placed him in handcuffs.
Substance Allegedly Found After Arrest
After the arrest, an agent saw a small clear bag near Azure.
The complaint says the bag had fallen from his pocket.
It contained a white crystal substance weighing about two grams.
The substance field-tested positive for methamphetamine.
Field tests are preliminary and do not replace final laboratory testing.
The supplied records do not include a laboratory result.
Charges and Possible Penalties
Azure faces a felony fifth-degree controlled substance charge.
Under Minnesota Statute 152.025, unlawful possession can qualify as a fifth-degree offense.
The listed felony can carry up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Those are maximum penalties and do not predict the case outcome.
The obstruction charge is listed as a misdemeanor in the supplied records.
Minnesota law also covers running or hiding to avoid arrest.
Fleeing an officer on foot is classified as a misdemeanor.
A Minnesota misdemeanor can carry up to 90 days and a $1,000 fine.
Next Court Appearance
Azure’s next court appearance is scheduled for July 8.
It will take place in Becker County District Court, according to the supplied record.
The courthouse is located at 913 Lake Avenue in Detroit Lakes.
Schedules can change, so readers should confirm the date before attending.
The supplied records do not state Azure’s bail or current custody status.
Charges Remain Allegations
A criminal complaint presents allegations and does not establish guilt.
The prosecution must prove each charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
Azure is presumed innocent unless the charges are proven in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.