Kim.fundingsland@mydakotan.com
MINOT – When each of five charges were read to the defendant the response was the same, a loud and firm “not guilty.”
Karleon Gregory, 24, Minot, had a preliminary hearing in front of Judge Gary Lee in North-Central District Court Thursday. The charges against Gregory, three felonies and two misdemeanors, resulted from a July 24, 2022, incident in which several Minot Police officers were required to subdue and arrest Gregory at a southeast Minot address.
According to police, while attempting to arrest and detain Gregory for an active municipal warrant, a fight ensued with the wheelchair-bound Gregory in which one officer suffered a broken hand. Police say Gregory bit one officer on the arm and did not let go until being struck in the face several times by a second officer.
Also, say police, it wasn’t until other officers arrived on scene that they were able to roll Gregory onto his stomach, unsecure him from his wheelchair, and place him in handcuffs.
During the preliminary hearing the state said they have video evidence to “corroborate” a charge against Gregory of Disarming or attempting to disarm a law enforcement officer, a felony C. Other charges against the defendant are Aggravated assault-Serious bodily injury-Law enforcement, a felony B; Simple assault-Peace officer or correctional officer, felony C; Preventing arrest, misdemeanor A; and Refusal to halt, misdemeanor B.
At one point during the hearing, while a police officer was testifying under oath, Gregory raised his hand and began interrupting the testimony. Judge Lee responded quickly.
“Hold on. Hold on. You have an attorney and your attorney will ask the questions,” said Lee.
After listening to attorneys present their views of the case, Lee determined there was probable cause for the court to move forward on all three felony counts. Lee set a pretrial conference for November 9 at 8:30 a.m.
The B felony charge against Gregory carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. He is being held in the Ward County Jail on $15,000 bond.
