law enforcement

Many were answering the call June 23, 2026, of the MN branch of the American Civil Liberties Union to pack the room in light of recent enforcement activity in the region.

The string of incidents was an uncommon run for the Iron Range city, which features a handful of locally owned shops and an active bar scene at night.

The formal move on June 8, 2026, follows discussion on the perpetual vacancies and rising costs of operating a rural police force.

The number of detainees has not been confirmed. Bemidji police and Beltrami sheriff's deputies did not take part, leaders say. Some community members gathered to protest.

Harper is accused of resisting arrest by Deputy Michael Cowan on May 4, 2026 as deputies attempted to serve an arrest warrant in Max, in rural northwestern Itasca County.

Sheriff Joe Dasovich said he still expects Elias Harper to be charged in the incident. Deputy Michael Cowan was shot in the thigh during a scuffle and is expected to make a full recovery.

County Attorney Ben Lindstrom says Deputy Aaron Ammerman violated policy and engaged in "unbecoming conduct," but Ammerman says Lindstrom is tampering with the election.

Jordan Zempel, 35, of Apple Valley, faces a third-degree criminal sexual conduct charge for sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl.

The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension found Deputy Michael Cowan did not discharge his weapon, according to the sheriff's office. The incident is now being called a "conflict case."

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension identified Virginia Police Lt. Henry Trunk as the officer who fired his department-issued firearm.