Man Charged After Anoka County Courthouse Escape Attempt
BY MN CRIME STAFF
A man faces a new felony charge after authorities say he tried to flee from the Anoka County Courthouse moments after being ordered into custody following a conviction.
The incident happened Feb. 19 at the courthouse in Anoka, where deputies moved to take the man into custody after a jury had just convicted him in a separate felony case.
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David Edward Palmer, 40, of Fridley, had just been found guilty of second-degree possession of a controlled substance when a judge ordered him held pending sentencing.
The conviction followed a 2025 investigation in Fridley in which Palmer was originally charged with promoting prostitution and drug possession after police stopped a vehicle displaying stolen license plates and recovered cocaine and fentanyl during the investigation, according to court records. The promoting prostitution charge was dismissed prior to trial.
According to the criminal complaint, deputies instructed Palmer to place his phone on a table so he could be handcuffed. Court records show Palmer looked toward an exit door before shoving a deputy with his shoulder and arm and attempting to pull away.
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Investigators say Palmer then ran toward the exit in an apparent attempt to escape custody. Deputies immediately moved to stop him, taking him to the ground as he continued struggling and trying to break free. After a brief struggle, deputies secured Palmer in handcuffs. No injuries were reported.
Prosecutors charged Palmer with attempted escape from custody while being held pursuant to a lawful arrest, a felony offense punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 if convicted. He faces up to 25 years in prison on the second-degree drug conviction. Sentencing in that case is scheduled for April 20.
