Erle, of Fargo, North Dakota, is charged with obstructing legal process and fourth-degree property damage.<\/p>\n
The case is filed as 11-CR-26-1332 in Cass County District Court.<\/p>\n
The incident happened during the morning of September 6, 2026.<\/p>\n
Police Called to Casino Hotel<\/h2>\n
Leech Lake Tribal Police responded to Cedar Lakes Casino<\/a> around 7:35 a.m.<\/p>\n A hotel guest reported an intoxicated man had locked himself inside another guest’s bathroom.<\/p>\n Authorities identified the man as Robert William Erle.<\/p>\n The complaint says Erle refused requests to leave the bathroom and return to his room.<\/p>\n He also told officers that he wanted to die.<\/p>\n Officers initially tried to convince Erle to leave the bathroom peacefully.<\/p>\n Hotel staff later provided a tool that allowed officers to begin opening the bathroom door.<\/p>\n Prosecutors say Erle pushed against the door and used force to keep it closed.<\/p>\n As officers opened the door, they allegedly saw a knife in Erle’s hand.<\/p>\n A Taser was then deployed, according to the complaint.<\/p>\n The knife was moved away before officers entered the bathroom.<\/p>\n Erle allegedly continued resisting as officers placed him in handcuffs.<\/p>\n The struggle damaged the bathroom door, according to the court filing.<\/p>\n Jonikka Kleeb also spoke with investigators about the incident.<\/p>\n Kleeb said she and Erle had gone to another guest’s hotel room the previous night.<\/p>\n She said the group had been drinking heavily.<\/p>\n Kleeb told authorities she left after Erle became aggressive.<\/p>\n She returned that morning to get Erle, according to the complaint.<\/p>\n Erle allegedly refused to leave the room.<\/p>\n The hotel guest then asked security for help removing him.<\/p>\n Erle faces a gross misdemeanor charge under Minnesota Statute 609.50<\/a>.<\/p>\n The complaint alleges force was used while officers attempted to remove him.<\/p>\n That charge carries up to 364 days in jail.<\/p>\n It also carries a possible fine of up to $3,000.<\/p>\n Erle also faces misdemeanor fourth-degree property damage.<\/p>\n That charge falls under Minnesota Statute 609.595<\/a>.<\/p>\n Prosecutors allege the struggle caused less than $500 in damage.<\/p>\n The misdemeanor carries up to 90 days in jail and a possible $1,000 fine.<\/p>\n The charges are allegations and do not establish guilt.<\/p>\n Erle is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n Readers can search public cases through the Minnesota Judicial Branch<\/a>.<\/p>\n I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News<\/a>.<\/p>\nWitness Describes Events<\/h2>\n
Two Charges Filed<\/h2>\n
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