On November 14, 2025, at approximately 4:46 P.M., Fridley Police Officers responded to the area of Two Stooges Sports Bar and Grill located at [ADDRESS REDACTED] NE, in the City of Fridley, Anoka County, Minnesota, on a report of a male who was, "having a psychotic break and busted through the door." Dispatch described the male as a white male who stood 6'2" tall with a beard, tattoos, wearing a black shirt and Carhart Pants. Dispatch also advised that the male has fought with police in the past.
While en route, officers were able to identify the male as Craig Kevin Stern, [DOB REDACTED], the defendant herein. Officers located defendant walking eastbound towards University Avenue N. E. Carrying a pool stick case. Officers repeatedly told defendant to stop so they could speak with him. Defendant ignored officers commands to stop and continued walking away from officers. Defendant walked nearly two car lengths west of the marked cross walk, north across 73rd Avenue N. E. Officers informed defendant that he illegally crossed the roadway and he needed to stop.
Defendant was told several times to stop and failed to do so. Officers now advised defendant that he was under arrest and he began running as officers closed in on him. Officers attempted to grab defendant and he spun away before falling to the ground. Defendant was lying on his back and kicked Officer Wegner, striking the officer directly on the right side of his face on his right cheek bone causing immediate pain to his nose, right eye, and cheek bone and causing him to fall to the ground. Officer Massey forced defendant onto his stomach while defendant was actively attempting to move away from officers.
As officers attempted to handcuff defendant, he clenched his hands together. Officers were eventually able to put handcuffs on defendant. Officer Massey sustained a 2"x1" scrape on his left knee during his altercation with defendant, attempting to keep defendant on his stomach so he could be handcuffed. Defendant was placed into a wrap device and secured in a squad car. Defendant was initially transported to the Anoka County Jail where he was refused. Defendant was transported to Mercy Hospital where he remained uncooperative with medical staff.
Defendant was transported by ambulance to Unity Hospital. On November 16, 2025 at approximately 11:11 P.M., Sergeant Kuefler was dispatched to Unity Hospital because defendant was going to be released. The sergeant arrived on scene, advised defendant he was under arrest and placed him into a wrap device. Defendant was then transported to jail.
