On or about March 30, 2026, Mille Lacs Tribal Officers were advised by Dispatch of a disturbance at the Mille Lacs Heath System-Onamia, located in Onamia, Mille Lacs County. Dispatch advised that DESMOND DEAN SAM [DOB REDACTED] had called and stated that he did not want to be at the hospital and was going to fight someone. Prior to this call by dispatch, SAM called 911 reporting that he was experiencing a seizure and was transported to the hospital. Upon arrival, Officers observed SAM in the emergency room waiting area with medical staff present.
Officers obtained a statement from A. A. S, an adult female fully identified in the police report, who is a nurse. A. A. S. Stated that while staff were attempting to draw blood from SAM, he threw himself out of the bed. Staff assisted him back into the bed. A. A. S. Reported that SAM became upset about being informed by medical personnel that he was not experiencing a seizure. A. A. S. Stated that SAM then began exhibiting seizure-like behavior again, refused to answer questions, removed medical equipment from his body, and got out of the bed.
A. A. S. Advised that she has treated SAM multiple times in the past and is familiar with his seizure activity. She stated that he was not having a seizure on this occasion due to knowledge of his heart rate range. SAM attempted to leave the hospital but returned shortly thereafter. Upon returning, SAM began yelling and using profane language toward medical staff. A. A. S. Reported that SAM then rushed toward and make threatening statements toward S. A. T, an adult male fully identified in the police report, who is an ER physician.
SAM began accusing staff of talking about him, escalating his behavior. SAM then approached A. A. S. With a closed fist and stated, “I’m going to beat your ass.” A. A. S. Stated that prior to making contact, S. A. T. Intervened and prevented SAM from striking her. A. A. S. Stated that SAM threatened her by stating that he knew what time she got off work and that he would have his sister come to the hospital to assault her. A. A. S. Stated that she was in fear due to SAM’s actions and her knowledge of his physical strength.
Officers made contact with SAM and placed him under arrest. SAM was placed into the patrol vehicle and transported to the Mille Lacs County Jail. SAM was convicted for Felony Assault in the 4th degree in 2020 (See 48-CR-19-600) and Felony Domestic Assault in 2020 (See 48-CR-19-1491).
