A woman threw drinks and food at a man inside a Bloomington bar, hit him and ripped a chain from his neck before fleeing police in a grey Nissan Versa, prosecutors say.
Lakeisha Nasha Yates, 45, of Saint Paul, faces four charges: fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle, refusing to submit to a chemical test, fifth-degree assault and disorderly conduct. The charges were filed Monday, August 17, in Hennepin County District Court.
According to the complaint, officers responded to Chevy’s Fresh Mex bar in Bloomington on August 15 after several callers reported a man and woman fighting inside. Witnesses said both had been drinking. While officers were on the way, dispatch advised that the woman, later identified as Lakeisha Nasha Yates, had left the bar and was driving a grey Nissan Versa.
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An officer spotted the Nissan near 24th and Lindau Lane and saw it drift left across the lane line. The officer, in a marked squad, tried to stop the vehicle using emergency lights. The Nissan slowed but did not stop. The officer activated the siren and used a microphone to order the driver to pull over. The vehicle briefly stopped, then accelerated away, prompting a pursuit. After about six-tenths of a mile, the officer used a PIT maneuver to stop the car and arrested Yates.
Officers noted that Yates had a moderate odor of alcohol, bloodshot eyes and slurred speech. At the police station, she was read the breath test advisory twice and asked three times if she wanted to consult an attorney. Yates responded that she could not decide and refused to answer yes or no.
When asked if she would take a breath test, she said “no,” explaining she refused because of “life.” During booking, Yates removed her clothing despite officers’ commands to remain clothed and had to be escorted to the holding tank.
Officers found the man from the bar, who said he and Yates had dated for six months but were no longer together. He told police that a server touched his shoulders and made a comment, which caused Yates to yell at him and become assaultive. Yates hit him on his right side, leaving scratch marks and ripped a chain from his neck, breaking it. She also threw several drinks and food items at him. The victim said both had been drinking alcohol.
Bar staff confirmed both Yates and the victim had been drinking. The bar manager said staff intervened when Yates became animated, pushed items off the bar and yelled. Yates bit one bartender and scratched another, but neither staff member wanted to pursue charges.
A court date has not yet been set.
About This Charge
Minnesota classifies assault by degree under § 609.221 (first), § 609.222 (second), § 609.223 (third), § 609.2231 (fourth) and § 609.224 (fifth). First-degree assault, alleging great bodily harm, carries up to 20 years in prison. The lower degrees range from gross-misdemeanor up to 10-year felony exposure depending on weapon use and harm.
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Jurisdictional Context
Hennepin County is Minnesota’s most populous jurisdiction. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office handles felony prosecutions across Minneapolis and 45 surrounding cities; the Fourth Judicial District presides over felony arraignments and trials at the Hennepin County Government Center in downtown Minneapolis.
