Press Release: Subject Sustains Life-Threatening Cold Weather Exposure

Ten Lakes Township, Beltrami County, MN – An adult male sustained a life-threatening cold weather exposure injury following a medical and mental health crisis. On December 12, 2024, at approximately 7:00pm the Beltrami County Emergency Communications Center received a call for a male party experiencing a medical emergency following consumption of illicit drugs and over the counter medication. Leech Lake Ambulance was dispatched to the residence.

While ambulance personnel were attempting to aid the male, he fled into the woods. The subject was not dressed for the weather conditions with temperatures around ten degrees below zero. Beltrami County Deputies and Leech Lake Police Officers responded to the area to search for the subject. Approximately an hour later a resident reported a subject matching the description approached their residence and then walked on to Big Lake.

Deputies and officers began searching the lake for the subject and found him approximately one-half mile from the shoreline. He was only wearing a light sweatshirt, pants and tennis shoes. The subject appeared to be impaired and had armed himself with two large knives and was attempting to inflict self-harm. Deputies attempted to deescalate the situation ultimately using a taser to disarm the subject. The subject was secured in handcuffs as he was still attempting to fight law enforcement.

An ambulance was requested to the shoreline to provide emergency medical care. Due to unknown ice conditions, resources were limited and deputies used a backboard to bring him to shore. Upon arriving at shore, lifesaving efforts were performed. He was transported to Sanford Bemidji Medical Center for treatment of cold weather exposure and medical issues. He was later transferred to Sanford Fargo in critical condition.

Beltrami County was assisted by the Leech Lake Police Department, Leech Lake Ambulance and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. This case is currently under investigation by the MN BCA and no further information is available.

-Sheriff Jason Riggs

Beltrami County