Thief River Falls Man Faces DWI, Assault Charges

Thief River Falls (trfnews.i234.me) — Police arrested Marquis Antonio Middleton, 38, of Lumberton, North Carolina, after an Aug. 1 incident.

Officers received a report at about 12:54 a.m. A woman said Middleton had driven away with clothing, phones, and a laptop.

Middleton faces five charges tied to the incident. They include third-degree DWI and interference with a 911 call.

He also faces fourth-degree assault and two counts of domestic assault.

Woman Reports Assault And Threats

According to the complaint, the woman went to Thief River Falls Tourist Park. She said she was checking on Middleton and their dogs.

The two argued at the park, according to the complaint. The woman said Middleton allegedly pushed her onto a bed.

She said he held her wrists and placed a knee on her chest. The complaint says he also threatened to kill her.

The woman then tried to reach a phone and call 911. Middleton allegedly took the phone before she could complete the call.

She eventually pushed him away, according to the complaint. She said Middleton then took keys, two phones, clothing, and a laptop.

Middleton then left the park in a vehicle, the complaint states.

Police later located Middleton near the 200 block of LaBree Avenue South. Officers reported signs that he may have been impaired.

Marquis Antonio Middleton

Middleton denied putting his hands on the woman. He also acknowledged leaving the campground in a vehicle, according to the complaint.

The complaint says Middleton declined field sobriety testing. Police later found the woman’s phone in a dumpster near his parked vehicle.

Middleton was taken to the Law Enforcement Center. The complaint says he made comments indicating he had been drinking beer.

Police sought a search warrant for a blood or urine sample. The DWI charge also alleges Middleton refused chemical testing.

While an officer explained the warrant, Middleton allegedly moved toward the officer in an aggressive manner. He was ordered to sit down.

The complaint says Middleton then slapped the officer’s hand. That allegation led to the fourth-degree assault charge.

Middleton was restrained and handcuffed with help from a corrections officer. The complaint says he continued making vulgar and offensive comments.

The complaint also cites earlier North Carolina convictions. It lists a 2016 misdemeanor assault conviction in Cumberland County.

It also cites a 2017 case involving kidnapping, robbery, and misdemeanor assault convictions. The complaint did not identify the woman as a victim.

Charges are allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Readers can search public records through Minnesota Court Records Online.

Local information is available from the City of Thief River Falls.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.