Beltrami County man in critical condition after cold weather exposure

One man is in critical condition due to cold weather exposure injury in Beltrami County. According to the Beltrami County Sheriff, a call came in at approximately 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 12 for a man experiencing a medical emergency. Authorities say the man took illicit drugs and over the counter medication at a residence in Ten Lakes Township near Cass Lake, Minnesota.

Once Leech Lake ambulance personnel arrived to help the man, he ran into the woods. The temperature on Thursday was -10 degrees and the man was wearing a light sweatshirt, pants and tennis shoes. Beltrami County Deputies and Leech Lake Police Officers responded to the area to search for the subject. After about an hour, a nearby resident reported they saw someone matching the description walking toward Big Lake.

Deputies and officers searched the lake for the subject and found him approximately one-half mile from the shoreline. Officers say he appeared to be impaired and was attempting to hurt himself with two large knives. Deputies attempted to deescalate the situation, eventually using a taser to disarm the subject.

Due to unknown ice conditions, resources were limited and deputies used a backboard to bring the man to shore, where lifesaving efforts were performed. He was transported to Sanford Bemidji Medical Center and later transferred to Sanford Fargo in critical condition.

Beltrami County was assisted by the Leech Lake Police Department, Leech Lake Ambulance and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. This case is currently under investigation by the MN BCA and no further information is available.