Court documents reveal man involved in officer assault was allegedly smoking meth in parking ramp

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — People on social media continue to debate the now-viral KVRR video of a man punching three Fargo Police officers in downtown Fargo in broad daylight.
According to court documents, the man was allegedly seen smoking meth in the Roberts Commons Parking Ramp before the assault happened.

On Saturday, Fargo Police apprehended a man who assaulted three officers on the 200 block of Roberts Street North. A video taken of the incident has garnered over six million views.

The man, 37-year-old Joseph Manitowabi, has been charged with three counts of assault on a police officer, possession of drug paraphernalia, preventing arrest, and refusal to halt.
Many comments on social media began to ask the question of what kind of training the officers were given and why they didn’t use a taser.

The written statement by one of the officers states that he followed Manitowabi around the north side of the Salvation Army building.
“I drew my conducted energy weapon, also known as a taser, at Joseph. I shouted at Joseph to put his hands in the air, then yelled “Stop.”

The officer had radioed in his location, where Manitowabi was eventually arrested.

Other comments on social media spoke on his privilege, stating, “I wonder how long this clip would’ve been if his skin was a lil darker.”

Another saying, “And he’ll be walking the streets again in a week. Unreal! I’m sure this guy has been trouble for some time. Justice system letting him walk.”

Manitowabi has previously been charged as early as 2018 with disorderly conduct, fighting, and possession of marijuana.

Currently, he is being held in the Cass County Jail until his court hearing this week. His bail has been set at $25,000.

The video has been shared numerous times across social media and on TMZ.