Joseph Manitowabi Archives - KVRR Local News

Fargo Police Department Releases Report, Body Camera Footage From June 7th Assault

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.

September 11, 2025

Gabriel Ostler,

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…

Update: Man in viral video pleads guilty to assaulting Fargo police officers

September 8, 2025

Juliana Pelaez,

Joseph Manitowabi appears in courtFARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – A man who assaulted three police officers in downtown Fargo in June has pleaded guilty and is heading to prison. Joseph Manitowabi appeared in court Monday morning to change his plea. “I just like to say I’m sorry about the whole thing. I just didn’t understand why they were putting their hands…

Man seen in KVRR exclusive viral video assaulting three Fargo Police officers to change his plea on Monday

September 7, 2025

TJ Nelson,

FARGO, N.D (KVRR) — A change of plea hearing is set for Monday for the man seen in an exclusive KVRR viral video assaulting three Fargo Police officers. 37-year-old Joseph Manitowabi previously pleaded not guilty to six counts including assault on a peace officer and preventing arrest. He was arrested after hitting the officers and fleeing in downtown Fargo on…

Fargo officer describes fight with assault suspect downtown

July 23, 2025

Juliana Pelaez,

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…

Fargo Police Chief Zibolski on assault on officers: this is a well equipped, well trained, outstanding police department

June 10, 2025

TJ Nelson, KVRR Staff, Alex Bertsch, Aaron Walling,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — KVRR caught up with Fargo Police Chief David Zibolski who says the video posted online of three officers being hit by a suspect in downtown Fargo over the weekend doesn’t give the full context of what happened. We wanted to hear what he thinks about the incident and the public reaction. “Once people start forming conclusions,…

Former police officer defends actions taken in viral video

June 10, 2025

Alex Bertsch,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – By now, you’ve likely seen our viral video of three police officers being assaulted at this street corner behind me here in downtown Fargo. Viewers are questioning the response by Fargo Police that led to 37-year-old Joseph Manitowabi fleeing for several blocks before being apprehended. “Obviously it was a very dynamic situation that involved a number…

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

June 9, 2025

Juliana Pelaez,

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…

UPDATE: Police arrest man involved in officer assault

June 7, 2025

Alex Bertsch,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Fargo Police arrested a man after he assaulted officers in downtown Fargo Saturday. Officers were called to the 200 block of Roberts Street North around 4:35 PM for a report of suspicious activity. Upon arriving at the scene, officers attempted to detain the suspect, 37-year-old Joseph Manitowabi, however during the process Manitowabi managed to punch three…