Three Fargo police officers were overpowered by a single suspect in a downtown arrest attempt that has gone viral, sparking public debate about police tactics and training.

At a Glance

• Joseph Manitowabi resisted arrest by three Fargo police officers, punching them and temporarily escaping
• The incident, captured on video that garnered over 6 million views, began as a response to suspected drug activity
• Manitowabi was eventually apprehended and faces multiple charges including assault on law enforcement
• Police Chief David Zibolski defended his officers, citing the suspect’s size, possible meth influence, and boxing background
• Bodycam footage is expected to provide additional context beyond what the viral cellphone video shows

Downtown Arrest Turns Violent

What began as a routine police response to suspicious activity in downtown Fargo quickly escalated into a physical confrontation that has gained national attention. The incident occurred around 4:35 p.m. on Saturday when officers approached Joseph Manitowabi after receiving reports of suspected methamphetamine use. When officers attempted to detain him, Manitowabi actively resisted, managing to fight off three police officers simultaneously despite their efforts to subdue him.

The confrontation was captured on cellphone video by a local news reporter who happened to be in the area. The footage shows Manitowabi breaking free from the officers’ grasp, delivering punches to their faces, and then briefly escaping on foot before being recaptured nearby. The video spread rapidly across social media platforms, accumulating more than 6 million views and generating substantial public reaction.

Public Reaction and Criticism

The viral nature of the video prompted immediate criticism from various quarters regarding the officers’ apparent inability to control a single suspect. Social media comments questioned police training and tactics, while local radio host Jay Thomas voiced concerns about the officers’ effectiveness during the encounter. Many observers expressed surprise that three trained officers could not successfully restrain one individual, regardless of circumstances.

In response to mounting criticism, Fargo Police Chief David Zibolski held a press conference to address public concerns. He emphasized several factors that contributed to the difficult arrest, including the suspect’s physical size and strength. Zibolski also revealed that Manitowabi was reportedly under the influence of methamphetamine at the time, which can significantly increase a person’s pain tolerance and physical capabilities, making traditional restraint techniques less effective.

Suspect Background and Current Status

Following his eventual capture, Manitowabi now faces multiple serious charges, including assault on a police officer, preventing arrest, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Court records show he has no permanent address and is currently being held at the Cass County Jail on $25,000 bail. Authorities have since revealed that Manitowabi has a criminal history and, according to Chief Zibolski, background as a former boxer, which may explain his effectiveness in resisting trained officers.

Chief Defends Officers’ Actions

Chief Zibolski has firmly stood behind his officers, emphasizing that the short viral clip doesn’t tell the complete story of the encounter. He noted that bodycam footage from the officers provides additional context and shows the full sequence of events leading up to and following what was captured in the viral video. The department has indicated they will be releasing this footage to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the incident.

Zibolski also addressed the broader implications of incidents like this one, highlighting the challenges law enforcement officers face daily. He pointed out that situations can rapidly evolve in unpredictable ways, requiring officers to make split-second decisions while balancing their safety, public safety, and the need to apprehend suspects. The chief called for greater public understanding of these complexities rather than rushing to judgment based on brief video clips that may not show the complete picture.