INTERNATIONAL FALLS - An International Falls man allegedly spit blood on first responders, swung a knife in the air and threatened to “scalp” his arresting officer moments after stabbing another patron in a bar fight.
Matthew Howard Isensee, 26, was charged Thursday in State District Court in Koochiching County with five felony charges in connection with the incident Wednesday night at the Viking Bar in International Falls.
Authorities said Isensee twice stabbed a 31-year-old man from Fort Frances, Ontario, during the fracas. The victim, who has not been identified, suffered significant blood loss and was losing consciousness when he was transported to a local hospital, according to the charges.
Isensee is charged with first-degree assault, which carries a maximum of 20 years in prison. He’s also facing lesser charges of second-degree assault, fourth-degree assault of a peace officer and emergency medical personnel, and making threats of violence.
According to the charges, International Falls police were called to the bar, 412 Third St., at 10:42 p.m. on the report of an assault. The first officer on the scene encountered several patrons in the back of the building, where two people were holding Isensee down.
The witnesses told the officer that Isensee had stabbed another patron and had a knife in his possession. Isensee began swinging the knife at the officer, who was able to kick it away and gain control of the suspect as back-up arrived.
Koochiching County sheriff’s deputies interviewed several witnesses, who reported that Isensee and the victim had been fighting. The witnesses said the fight appeared to be over when Isensee produced the knife and attacked the other man.
The victim, identified only by initials D.N.A., was stabbed twice in the right arm. He was treated for injuries at the Rainy Lake Medical Center in International Falls and then transported to Fort Frances for further medical attention. Isensee also was transported to the hospital, where authorities said he spit blood on both an officer and an emergency medical technician.
While speaking to an officer, Isensee allegedly made several threats, telling the officer: “I’ll find you when I get out of prison and I’ll ... scalp you,” and, “I’ve seen you at Super One. I’ll ... nail you right outside the door.”
Isensee has a significant criminal history dating back to at least 2007, according to a check of Minnesota court records. He has convictions for fourth-degree assault of a peace officer, fifth-degree assault, domestic assault, theft of a motor vehicle and disorderly conduct.
Isensee remains under supervision of the Minnesota Department of Corrections related to a 2013 conviction for making terroristic threats, for which he served a 21-month prison sentence.
Isensee is being held without bail at the Koochiching County Jail. County Attorney Jeff Naglosky said he is subject to a DOC hold because the new charges are a possible parole violation.
His next court appearance is scheduled for July 13.
