Park Rapids man sentenced to 15 months for obstruction of legal process

Jeffrey Donald Carter, 38, Park Rapids, was convicted of obstructing the legal process with force, a felony, May 4, in Morrison County District Court.
The conviction stemmed from a May 28, 2015 incident in which according to the criminal complaint, around approximately 8:50 a.m., Morrison County law enforcement received a call from a woman who reported that her boyfriend, identified as Carter, was at her home and was intoxicated and out of control.
Officers arrived at the scene. and observed the victim standing outside while Carter re-entered the residence. The victim stated again that Carter was intoxicated and out of control and that she wanted him removed from the residence.
After a period of time, officers became concerned for the woman’s safety and entered the residence. Carter was out of control and when he saw the officers, he began yelling profanities at them. When an officer approached, Carter allegedly grabbed a steak knife, raised it in an aggressive manner and threatened to kill the officer.
When the officer drew his duty weapon in fear of attack, the victim stepped between Carter and the officer, telling him not to shoot. Officers ordered Carter repeatedly to drop the knife, and the victim was able to retrieve the knife from Carter and place it in a kitchen drawer.
Carter calmed down briefly until other officers arrived, at which point he again became agitated. Carter participated in a breath test which showed a 0.135 blood alcohol concentration. Officers informed Carter that he would be going to detox or jail, and Carter was ordered to stand up in order to be taken into custody.
As officers attempted to apprehend Carter, he attempted to fight with officers and actively resisted by kicking and swearing at law enforcement while escorted to the ground. He was eventually arrested and transported to jail.
A felony count of second degree assault with a dangerous weapon and a gross misdemeanor count of fourth degree assault of a police officer were dismissed as part of a plea bargain.
Carter was sentenced to 15 months in prison and ordered to pay fines that totaled $135.