Man Charged After Officer Injured During Duluth Arrest
BY MN CRIME STAFF
A man is charged after a Duluth police officer suffered a leg injury during a late-night arrest when investigators say he resisted officers.
During the arrest, authorities say the officer was accidentally stabbed by a knife protruding from the man’s pocket during a struggle.
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The incident happened around 12:35 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at the intersection of North 1st Avenue West and West 1st Street in Duluth, where officers were sent on reports of a man striking a Mayo ambulance and threatening paramedics inside.
Kevin Daniel Couillard, 22, of Duluth, is charged with felony obstructing legal process causing substantial bodily harm, along with misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct and fleeing a peace officer on foot.
According to the criminal complaint, officers arriving at the scene saw Couillard walk away from the ambulance before falling onto his back in the middle of the intersection. As officers approached, investigators say he ran northbound on North 1st Avenue West.
An officer later located Couillard one block north of the original location and gave verbal commands, but authorities say he refused to comply and kept both hands in his pockets. When the officer attempted to gain control and take him into custody, Couillard allegedly pulled away, leading to a takedown as officers attempted to restrain him.
The officer reported feeling a stabbing sensation during the struggle. Police later determined an unsheathed paring knife was protruding from the exterior pocket of Couillard’s jacket, and the officer was accidentally stabbed as the two went to the ground. The blade punctured the officer’s leg, causing a severe wound that was actively bleeding. A tourniquet was applied at the scene before the officer was transported to a local hospital for additional treatment.
Prosecutors say Couillard did not intentionally stab the officer but allege his resistance during the arrest resulted in substantial bodily harm, forming the basis for the felony obstruction charge.
Authorities say Couillard continued resisting while on the ground and kept his arms tight against his body as officers attempted to restrain him. While being transported to jail, investigators say he yelled about demons and made threats to kill the injured officer and other people.
The felony obstruction charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The misdemeanor charges each carry potential penalties of up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Court records show Couillard made an initial court appearance Tuesday where a judge set unconditional bail at $20,000. He may be released without posting bail if transferred directly to an inpatient treatment facility. As of publication, he remains jailed.
During the arrest, authorities say the officer was accidentally stabbed by a knife protruding from the man’s pocket during a struggle.