On March 4, 2026, at approximately 0728 hours, Brainerd officers were dispatched to a domestic assault occurring at residence on Laurel Street, Crow Wing County, State of Minnesota. The reporting party (fully identified in police reports) was advising that Meagan Marie Smith, the Defendant herein ([DOB redacted]), was threatening her boyfriend, BCH (fully identified in police reports), with a hatchet. Sergeant Pallansch was at the Brainerd police department at the time of the report. Pallansch knows the residence mentioned is directly behind the police department.
Pallansch arrived on scene and made contact with the Defendant. He had her step outside and went into the residence to speak to witnesses. Pallansch then met with two witnesses inside of the apartment (both fully identified in police reports). The witnesses reported that the Defendant's mental health had been deteriorating over the last couple of days. They informed Pallansch that the Defendant and BCH are romantically involved and often sleep at the residence. The witnesses described to Pallansch how today the Defendant was arguing with BCH. During the argument, the Defendant grabbed a hatchet and held it over her head threatening BCH. Meanwhile, Sgt.
Dooley spoke to BCH. BCH confirmed he is in a romantic relationship with the Defendant and they often live at the residence. BCH confirmed being threatened with the hatchet by the Defendant. BCH added that the Defendant also threw the hatchet at him and stuck a table he was by. Other law enforcement officers were able to retrieve the hatchet and took photos of the table where the hatchet struck it, confirming BCH's account. The Defendant was placed under arrest.
