St. Paul Woman Charged After Allegedly Spitting Blood, Saliva in Officer’s Face During Downtown Fight
Ramsey County Jail Booking Photo
Published: October 6th 2026.
SAINT PAUL MN - A St. Paul woman is facing a felony assault charge after prosecutors allege she spit blood and saliva onto a police sergeant who was attempting to break up a fight in downtown St. Paul early Saturday morning.
Tasha Tamekia Johnetta Anderson, 31, has been charged in Ramsey County District Court with felony fourth-degree assault of a peace officer involving the transfer of bodily fluids. The charge carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison, a $6,000 fine, or both.
According to the criminal complaint, shortly after 2 a.m. on Oct. 3, a St. Paul police sergeant was working near 6 Mears on 6th Street East when he saw a group of women arguing while walking along the sidewalk.
The argument escalated into a physical fight, prompting officers to intervene and separate the group, the complaint alleges.
Prosecutors allege Anderson continued following and antagonizing a group of women after officers intervened. The sergeant stepped between Anderson and the group and gave her several warnings to disperse, according to the complaint.
Anderson allegedly approached the group anyway and punched one of the women. Members of the group struck Anderson back, and Anderson allegedly grabbed one woman by the hair and pulled her to the ground.
The complaint states that some members of the group attempted to stop the altercation while others joined the fight. The sergeant then deployed chemical irritant spray toward Anderson, after which the fighting stopped and the group dispersed.
Anderson was bleeding from her mouth following the altercation, according to prosecutors.
As the sergeant attempted to move Anderson away from the area, she allegedly spit in his face. Prosecutors say saliva and blood from Anderson's mouth landed on the sergeant's face.
Anderson was then arrested. The complaint alleges she remained belligerent and attempted to spit at additional officers, prompting police to place a spit hood on her.
The complaint also references a prior Ramsey County disorderly conduct conviction involving an incident in which officers investigating a vehicle crash reportedly saw Anderson punch another person.
Anderson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.