Man Arrested After Choking Deputy, Climbing Tree in St. Louis County

May 26

A man was arrested Monday afternoon in Rice Lake after allegedly attacking a St. Louis County deputy.

Authorities say the man then fled into a tree, starting an hours-long standoff.

Just after 1:15 p.m. on May 26, authorities responded to a report of a suspicious male in the 4100 block of Willard Road. A St. Louis County deputy made contact with the man and attempted to take him into custody. According to officials, the man became physically violent during the arrest and managed to put the deputy in a chokehold.

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The suspect then ran from the scene and climbed roughly 30 feet into a tree. Officers from multiple departments responded to the area and began negotiating with the man, who remained perched in the tree for about four hours. Eventually, he climbed down on his own and was taken into custody without further incident. He was booked into the St. Louis County Jail.

The deputy who was assaulted received treatment at a medical facility and was later released.

Officials credited the peaceful resolution to coordinated efforts by the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office, Duluth Police Department, Hermantown Police Department, Superior Police Department, Rice Lake Fire Department, Duluth Fire Department and Mayo Ambulance.

The suspects name has not been released and no charges have been filed at this time.

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