Fargo Police Department Release Body Camera Video, Reports Regarding June 7 Assault

Joseph Manitowabi pled guilty to three felony charges for his role in the assault, and will serve two years in prison.

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – The original video showing Joseph Manitowabi punching three Fargo police officers before making his escape – captured by KVRR’s Alex Bertsch – became an immediate sensation when it was uploaded on June 7th.

The Fargo Police Department, though, says this snippet only tells part of a multifaceted story.

They say that an officer in the city’s real-time crime center noticed Manitowabi with Jesse Galusha in the elevator bank for the Roberts Commons parking garage.

Galusha had an active warrant for his arrest, so the officer dispatched patrol to pick him up.

Manitowabi attempted to slip away – but police had already caught him allegedly smoking meth.

What happened next was an attempted arrest – and a definite assault.

Manitowabi punched all three officers before fleeing on foot.

Officer Cole Winter resumed the chase after taking a brief moment to gather himself and tracked Manitowabi down just about a block away.

All three were then able to bring him into custody.

Manitowabi has since pled guilty to three felony counts – and the officer reports released alongside the video indicated he packed a punch, as they said they suffered headaches, bruising, and dizziness as a result of the assault.

“Unfortunately, law enforcement officers are assaulted by members of the public on a daily basis in this county, and Fargo is no different,” said Captain Matt Christensen. “While it does not occur here as frequently as it does in other jurisdictions, it is something we train for and do our best to prepare our officers for as they handle their daily tasks and responsibilities.”

The judge in Manitowabi’s case did accept his guilty plea and sentenced him to two years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.