Ham Lake Man Accused of Assaulting Anoka County Deputies, Allegedly Reached for Knife During Struggle
Published: July 20th, 2026.
ANOKA COUNTY: A Ham Lake man is facing multiple felony charges after prosecutors allege he fought with Anoka County Sheriff's Office deputies during a traffic stop, reportedly reached for a large knife during the struggle, and left two deputies injured.
According to an Anoka County criminal complaint, Jacob Daniel Atchison, 23, of Ham Lake, has been charged with one count of felony obstructing legal process creating a risk of death or substantial bodily harm and two counts of fourth-degree assault causing demonstrable bodily harm to a peace officer.
According to the criminal complaint, the incident occurred at approximately 3:15 a.m. on July 19, 2026, when an Anoka County sheriff's deputy attempted to stop a vehicle traveling 88 mph in a 65 mph zone on Highway 65 near Sims Road NE in East Bethel.
Court documents state the vehicle pulled into a Holiday gas station, where Atchison allegedly exited and attempted to enter the store. Deputies reported that he became aggressive, told them he was going inside, and said he would not be stopped.
According to the complaint, after a second deputy arrived, the deputies attempted to detain Atchison because of his behavior. Prosecutors allege Atchison tensed up, made threats, and pushed both deputies into a nearby vehicle before a physical struggle ensued.
The complaint alleges Atchison placed one deputy in a headlock and repeatedly punched him in the head and face with closed fists. A deputy then deployed a Taser, bringing Atchison to the ground.
According to the complaint, while Atchison was on the ground, a deputy noticed a large knife in a sheath attached to Atchison's waistband. The deputy reported that body-worn camera footage appeared to show Atchison reaching for the knife during the struggle.
Prosecutors allege the deputy attempted to remove the knife and sheath but only removed the knife, inadvertently causing a laceration to the other deputy's leg before throwing the knife away. Deputies were then able to take Atchison into custody.
According to the complaint, one deputy suffered a leg laceration requiring five stitches, while the second deputy sustained an abrasion, bruising, swelling to his right calf, and pain when flexing the injured leg.
Investigators also spoke with Atchison's girlfriend, who reportedly told deputies he can become very aggressive and angry when drinking alcohol. She allegedly told investigators he had been drinking whiskey found inside the vehicle while attending a wedding.
The complaint states Atchison was on probation for a criminal damage to property conviction at the time of the incident. Court records also indicate he previously received a stay of imposition in a felony fifth-degree drug sale case that was later deemed a misdemeanor.
Atchison remained in the Anoka County Jail pending his first court appearance at the time the complaint was filed.
The charges are allegations, and Atchison is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.