Police: Man Assaulted Officer During Mall Argument
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A 26-year-old man is accused of assaulting a police officer at a north metro mall while responding to a domestic situation at the mall, according to charges filed Wednesday in Anoka County Court.
Michael Allen Hobbs was charged with fourth-degree assault, obstructing the legal process and giving false information to police in connection with the Nov. 8 incident.
According to the complaint, Blaine Police were called to the Northtown Mall at about 11:35 p.m. on a report of a mall security needing assistance with a verbal domestic situation. When authorities arrived, an adult female was with her boyfriend, who didn't have his ID on him. The man wrote his name on a piece of paper for police, identifying himself as 25-year-old Michael James Hobbs.
Police tried to confirm the information but couldn't find that identity. Mall security told police they knew his real identity and that he had been told to leave the mall, and Hobbs admitted that to police, the complaint states. Hobbs was arrested for trespassing and providing false information to police.
During the arrest, Hobbs started fighting with police, pushing the officer and flailing his arms. A Blaine Police officer was elbowed in the side of his arm by Hobbs and injured his elbow and left hand when Hobbs fell on top of him. Hobbs was tased, then complied with police, the complaint states.
The officer sprained his left pinky finger and had contusions on his elbow and left shin.
If convicted, Hobbs faces more than four years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines.
