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2030 North Arlington Avenue • Duluth, Minnesota 55811 • www.duluthmn.gov
Public Information Officer, Mattie Hjelseth at (218) 730-5434 or mhjelseth@duluthmn.gov
SUBJECT: Rustic Bar Update
BY: Mattie Hjelseth, Duluth Police Department Public Information Officer
NATURE OF INCIDENT: Assault
CASE NO.: 23134089
INCIDENT DATE: 9/13/2023
INCIDENT TIME: 12:15 a.m.
INCIDENT LOCATION: Rustic Bar
Rustic Bar Update
The Duluth Police Department has completed our investigation into the incident that occurred at the Rustic Bar on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. DPD turned the completed investigation over to the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office on Thursday, September 21. The St. Louis County Attorney’s Office determined not to pursue gross misdemeanor or felony charges in this specific incident, which is within their sole jurisdiction. The Duluth City Attorney’s Office received the case for review on Wednesday, September 27, and will prosecute both males for assault. These men will be issued citations as, under these circumstances, Minnesota Statute does not allow for them to be taken into custody. The two females involved in the initial physical confrontation will not be charged. No further information will be released about this case as it remains open until considered inactive pursuant to Minnesota Statute 13.82.
Original Press Release:
The Duluth Police Department is dedicated to providing accurate and timely information. To clarify the event that occurred at the Rustic Bar on Tuesday, September 12, we are releasing the below timeline of the incident. We want to remind the community that this is a very active and ongoing investigation, and we will share more details as they become available.
At approximately 12:15 a.m., Wednesday, September 13, Officers responded to the 500 block of N 60th Ave W for medical assistance that occurred from an assault earlier in the day. Upon arrival, officers located a 39-year-old female with injuries to her head and face. She was transported to a local hospital by Mayo Ambulance for treatment related to her injuries.
Surveillance video was requested on Thursday, September 14, and the bar owner provided it to DPD on Saturday, September 16. Investigators were called in on Saturday to review the video and continue the investigation. The surveillance video showed two females having a conversation that turned physical. That’s when two males became involved in the confrontation and assaulted the female victim.
The two males involved were known to the other female involved, and the cause of the fight is still being investigated. Any charges related to this incident are forthcoming as this remains an active and ongoing investigation. Investigators spoke to additional witnesses today, Monday, September 18 and have canvassed the area to gather video from surrounding establishments. If you have any information or video to share, you’re encouraged to call the Violent Crimes Unit at (218)-730-5050.
We ask for the community’s patience as we thoroughly investigate the events that occurred at the Rustic Bar.