Crookston Man Arrested After Parking Lot Fight

CROOKSTON, MN—A Crookston man is in custody for assault after a parking lot fight Sunday night. 53-year-old Chris Gabriel Noah of Crookston is facing one felony count of third degree assault causing substantial bodily harm, a gross misdemeanor count of fifth degree assault and a gross misdemeanor count of obstructing the legal process.  This after a fight Sunday night near a gazebo in the parking lot at 1700 Widman Lane.  When a Crookston Police officer arrived around 7pm Sunday, he found Noah standing over a man who was lying on the ground who was bleeding from his face.  The victim said he and his group were sitting at the gazebo when Noah arrived.  The group began packing up to move away from him.  When the victim tried to get around Noah with a wagon, Noah kicked the wagon over and the two grabbed each other.  According to the police report, Noah reportedly struck the victim with an open hand…knocking the victim’s glasses from his head.  Noah then stomped on the glasses and began punching the victim with closed fists, including a punch in the eye.  According to the complaint, Noah also shoved a woman to the ground.  The victim was taken to Riverview Hospital; he needed multiple stitches and his face had turned purple from the strikes.  Noah did not go quietly when arrested. He physically and forcefully resisted a Polk County Sheriff’s Deputy and two Crookston Police officers who were trying to get him into a squad car.  One officer noticed a strong odor of alcohol from Noah.  Noah is in custody in the Tri County Corrections Center; he’s due in court July 14.