{"id":59907,"date":"2026-10-24T15:21:16","date_gmt":"2026-10-24T20:21:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/?p=59907"},"modified":"2026-10-24T07:07:01","modified_gmt":"2026-10-24T12:07:01","slug":"bemidji-man-charged-in-knife-attack-deputy-confrontation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/bemidji-man-charged-in-knife-attack-deputy-confrontation\/","title":{"rendered":"Bemidji Man Charged in Knife Attack, Deputy Confrontation"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bemidji Man Charged in Knife Attack, Deputy Confrontation<\/h2>\n

BEMIDJI, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me<\/a>)<\/strong> \u2014 Blake Thomas Gene Wagner, 27, faces four felony charges following an alleged knife attack in Beltrami County.<\/p>\n

Prosecutors allege Wagner attacked someone he was dating during a birthday gathering on October 17, 2026.<\/p>\n

Investigators say he later displayed a knife while confronting a Beltrami County sheriff’s deputy attempting to arrest him.<\/p>\n

The charges include first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault, and felony domestic assault.<\/p>\n

Victim Reports Knife Attack at Birthday Gathering<\/h2>\n

According to the criminal complaint, dispatchers received an assault report around 4:30 p.m. October 17.<\/p>\n

The incident reportedly occurred at a residence along Division Street Southwest in Beltrami County.<\/p>\n

The caller reported that someone was bleeding heavily from the face.<\/p>\n

Dispatchers were initially told the victim might have been struck with a sign.<\/p>\n

Additional information suggested the victim may have been stabbed.<\/p>\n

Emergency medical personnel responded to the residence.<\/p>\n

Investigators reported finding blood on the floor near the injured person.<\/p>\n

Victim Describes Attack From Behind<\/h2>\n

At Sanford’s emergency department, the victim told investigators that people had gathered for a birthday party.<\/p>\n

The victim alleged Wagner attacked from behind while the victim was standing on a stairway.<\/p>\n

According to the complaint, Wagner used a knife during the assault.<\/p>\n

Investigators documented a significant wound to the victim’s right shoulder.<\/p>\n

They also reported cuts on both cheeks and a large bruise beneath the right eye.<\/p>\n

The victim described another injury to the back of the head.<\/p>\n

The victim said the two had been dating for several months.<\/p>\n

They reportedly were not arguing immediately before the attack.<\/p>\n

The victim told investigators they did not know why Wagner allegedly attacked.<\/p>\n

Deputy Reports Armed Confrontation During Arrest<\/h2>\n

A sheriff’s deputy located Wagner walking along Division Street West after the reported assault.<\/p>\n

The deputy ordered Wagner to kneel and advised him he was under arrest.<\/p>\n

According to the complaint, Wagner initially complied with some commands.<\/p>\n

However, he allegedly pushed backward and broke free while the deputy attempted to apply handcuffs.<\/p>\n

The deputy deployed a Taser, but Wagner reportedly continued fleeing.<\/p>\n

Investigators allege Wagner then pulled a fixed-blade knife from his waistband.<\/p>\n

He reportedly yelled and turned toward the deputy while holding the weapon.<\/p>\n

The deputy drew his firearm, fearing Wagner might stab or cut him.<\/p>\n

According to the complaint, Wagner eventually discarded the knife and was taken into custody.<\/p>\n

Deputies reported finding fresh blood and hair on the knife.<\/p>\n

The complaint does not report that the deputy suffered physical injuries.<\/p>\n

Four Felony Charges Filed in Beltrami County<\/h2>\n

Prosecutors filed four felony counts against Wagner in Beltrami County District Court.<\/p>\n

The charges include:<\/p>\n