Fillmore County Man Charged With Alleged Attack on State Trooper

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Preston, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Fillmore County man is facing over a dozen charges, three of them felonies, in connection with a traffic stop last week that led to a violent struggle with a State Trooper.

30-year-old Jacob Erickson of Canton was arraigned today in Fillmore County Court on the charges, which include felony counts of fourth-degree assault on a peace officer, fleeing police, and attempting to disarm a peace officer. He also faces 10 gross misdemeanor or misdemeanor charges that include DWI, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, driving without a valid license, and obstructing the legal process. Erickson's conditional bail was set at $100,000.

The criminal complaint says a State Trooper pulled Erickson over on a rural road northwest of Canton after spotting him in a car with expired registration on Highway 52 in Canton. After Erickson stopped, the trooper detected the odor of alcohol and marijuana. He also spotted an open case of beer inside the vehicle, which prompted the trooper to ask Erickson to shut off the engine and exit the vehicle.

The charges allege the Trooper and Erickson got into a physical altercation when the law officer indicated he was going to check out the man's vehicle. At some point, Erickson ran from the Trooper and attempted to reach for the keys in the ignition of his car. In response, the trooper announced that Erickson was under arrest and ordered him to the ground.

The trooper indicated Erickson did not comply and his efforts to radio for help were unsuccessful as Erickson threw snow and ice at the law officer, striking him on the face and head. When Erickson attempted to get inside his car, the trooper stated that he deployed his taser and attempted to subdue the man with electrical shocks, but Erickson was able to block the electrodes by holding up articles of clothing. The criminal complaint says Erickson was temporarily incapacitated by third Tazer shock but was able to resume fighting against the Trooper when he attempted to take the keys to the vehicle away from Erickson.

It is alleged that during that struggle, Erickson was able to gain control of the Taser and shock the Trooper’s left forearm. The trooper says he was then able to regain control and holster his taser before he ran back to his squad car, which he used to push Erickson's vehicle into the ditch along the highway. The court document says the trooper and Erickson then exited their vehicles and Erickson allegedly tried to flee on foot.

The Trooper stated he grabbed Erickson’s upper body, but Erickson was able to kick his legs out from under him, knock him to the ground, and pin him to the pavement. Two other motorists witnessed what was happening and came to the assistance of the Trooper by pulling Erickson off of him and holding Erickson on the ground with his hands behind his back.

The trooper was eventually transported to St. Mary's Hospital to be treated for his injuries, which were described as non-life-threatening. Erickson was also taken to the hospital in a State Patrol squad car to be evaluated. The charges say a search of Erickson's vehicle led to the discovery of a small amount of marijuana, a marijuana pipe, and two folded one-dollar bills with a white powder residue that later tested positive for cocaine.