On June 8th, 2013 at approximately 8:30 pm Bemidji Police Officers responded to a report of an assault that occurred near the Mississippi river trail bridge. The victims reported that they were walking south on the paved trail. An unknown male stood on the bridge holding his arms out, blocking the victims passage. The suspect stated to the victims that they needed to pay "the street tax". When the victims refused, one was struck in the face and the other was grabbed as they fled the area for help.
Upon investigation, Bemidji Police Officers located and arrested the suspect, Aaron John Jones, age 35, of Cass Lake for robbery.
