Fargo officer describes fight with assault suspect downtown

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — On June 7th, Fargo Police officer Avery Jensen and two other officers were dispatched to the Roberts Commons Garage in reports of two men appearing to do narcotics. 37-year-old Joseph Manitowabi, seen in a now viral video, was caught on camera resisting officers.

“Officer Winter, Officer Latasha Dean, and I we approached Mr. Manitowabi. We informed him that he was detained for the reports of the narcotics activity. Officer Winter proceeded to place handcuffs once we briefly had his hands behind his back. Almost immediately, he started resisting,” said Avery Jensen, Fargo Police Officer.

In the report made by officers, Manitowabi was chased outside to the corner of the 200 block Roberts Street North. In a video captured by KVRR News, officers can be seen attempting to hold Manitowabi, but shortly after assault the officers.

“He started pulling his hands forward up to his front midsection, and then I eventually lost my grip. At that time I was the first officer to be struck, and then the two officers got struck. At that time, we had to briefly disengage. I know I was discombobulated with being punched, and then he ran away at that time,” said Jensen.

Manitowabi’s defense attorney had then cross-examined Officer Jensen about his training, as he stated they had moved away from Manitowabi after the assault.

“I was dizzy, I had a headache. I couldn’t react at that time. I don’t believe I had bruising, but there was some redness,” said Jensen.

Jensen, along with another officer, had received treatment at a local hospital nearby. He states another office had a bump on their forehead after the assault.

Manitowabi pleaded not guilty during the hearing. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 28th.