Duluth News Tribune –
A 25-year-old man was charged today in Duluth District Court in the alleged assault of a police officer in the Hermantown Walmart parking lot.
Bryan James Hathaway, who has no current address, was charged with fourth-degree assault upon a police officer; obstructing the legal process, fleeing on foot and possession of stolen property.
According to the Hermantown Police Department:
At approximately 6:20 p.m. Monday, off-duty Hermantown police officer Kody Vedder was leaving Walmart with a family member when she observed what she said she believed was a crime in progress, a vehicle prowl. Vedder observed a male in the backseat of the car parked next to her rummaging around, looking through bags, under the seats and appearing nervous as if watching for people approaching.
Vedder had just completed her shift that day and was wearing attire that identified her as a police officer. She approached the occupant of the car and identified herself as a police officer, called 911 for a duty squad and attempted to detain the individual until a squad could arrive to investigate further. A struggle ensued and Vedder was pushed to the ground by the suspect, who fled the area on foot.
Numerous agencies responded to assist in apprehending the suspect who was located in a nearby car dealership parking lot and taken into custody without further incident. Vedder sustained scratches and bruising and will need to undergo further testing for injuries sustained in the assault.
Three stolen cell phones were located in one of the bags the suspect was in possession of while in the backseat of the car.
