According to a Beltrami County criminal complaint, Norton allegedly resisted arrest, attempted to flee, and kicked a police vehicle.<\/p>\n
The incident occurred September 19, 2026, while officers monitored the downtown area near closing time for local bars.<\/p>\n
Norton faces gross misdemeanor obstruction of legal process and misdemeanor fleeing an officer on foot.<\/p>\n
The case was filed in Beltrami County District Court under number 04-CR-26-2300.<\/p>\n
Police Attempt to Arrest Norton Near Downtown Bars<\/h2>\n
According to the complaint, Bemidji officers were watching the area near Third Street as bars closed.<\/p>\n
During their patrol, officers spotted someone matching Norton’s description.<\/p>\n
Police reportedly had information indicating probable cause existed to detain Norton.<\/p>\n
An officer approached Norton and informed him that he was under arrest.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, Norton pulled away and attempted to run from the officer.<\/p>\n
Two officers then struggled with Norton before bringing him to the ground.<\/p>\n
Investigators alleged Norton continued resisting while officers attempted to place him in handcuffs.<\/p>\n
Complaint Describes Struggle at Police Vehicle<\/h2>\n
After officers secured the handcuffs, Norton allegedly went limp and refused to walk.<\/p>\n
The complaint states officers had to carry him to their squad vehicle.<\/p>\n
Once near the vehicle, Norton allegedly began kicking at the squad car.<\/p>\n
He also reportedly attempted to kick an officer while continuing to resist.<\/p>\n
After being placed inside the vehicle, Norton allegedly kicked a window with significant force.<\/p>\n
According to investigators, the kicks caused the window to shake.<\/p>\n
Officers eventually transported Norton to the Beltrami County Jail.<\/p>\n
The complaint does not report whether any officers were injured or whether the vehicle sustained damage.<\/p>\n
Two Criminal Charges Filed<\/h2>\n
The first charge involves obstructing legal process by interfering with a peace officer.<\/p>\n
Under Minnesota Statute 609.50<\/a>, the listed gross misdemeanor carries a maximum sentence of 364 days.<\/p>\n A conviction could also result in a fine of up to $3,000.<\/p>\n The second charge involves fleeing an officer by means other than a motor vehicle.<\/p>\n Under Minnesota Statute 609.487<\/a>, the listed misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of 90 days.<\/p>\n The maximum fine for that offense is $1,000.<\/p>\n These are possible penalties, not sentences imposed against Norton.<\/p>\n The complaint also references several earlier criminal cases involving Norton.<\/p>\n Those records include convictions for assault, disorderly conduct, drug offenses, and obstructing legal process.<\/p>\n The complaint identifies a previous second-degree assault conviction in Mahnomen County.<\/p>\n It also lists earlier convictions involving domestic assault and other offenses.<\/p>\n Two additional Beltrami County cases were listed as pending or open when the complaint was prepared.<\/p>\n Those matters involved domestic assault and alleged violations of a no-contact order.<\/p>\n Pending charges are separate from convictions and do not establish guilt.<\/p>\n The complaint lists prosecutor file number 0040093529 and investigative control number 26017777.<\/p>\n The document includes an order of detention.<\/p>\n No final court ruling or sentencing information appears in the supplied complaint.<\/p>\n Norton is presumed innocent of the new allegations unless proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n Readers can access available records through Minnesota Court Records Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n Additional information is available through the Beltrami County District Court<\/a>.<\/p>\n Further records would be needed to confirm the current status or outcome of the case.<\/p>\n I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News<\/a>.<\/p>\nPrevious Criminal History Cited<\/h2>\n
Beltrami County Court Proceedings<\/h2>\n
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