NISSWA — Nisswa Mayor Fred Heidmann was arrested Saturday, Aug. 29, for disorderly conduct and obstructing the legal process while officers were conducting a traffic stop near his business on Highway 371 and Skillman Road, south of Nisswa.
According to police reports, a Pequot Lakes officer made a traffic stop as part of the working through the Toward Zero Deaths traffic safety program, and a Nisswa officer assisted the Pequot Lakes officers.
While the officers were conducting the traffic stop, Heidmann was recording the incident and began to cross the highway toward the vehicle that was pulled over. The officers told Heidmann he could record the traffic stop but he should do it from a safe distance. Heidmann then began arguing with and yelling at the officers, police stated.
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After being warned five times, officers said Heidmann obstructed the traffic stop and he was arrested. The occupants of the vehicle being pulled over by the officers recorded a portion of Heidmann’s arrest and posted it to the video sharing platform TikTok.
While the officers escorted Heidmann to the squad car, the Pequot Lakes officer advised him he was warned five times to leave. Heidmann stated he was never warned. Heidmann was released at the scene.
The Brainerd Dispatch has reached out to Heidmann for comment but as of noon Monday he had not responded.
This story will be updated. Check back at brainerddispatch.com or in Tuesday’s e-edition for more information.
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UPDATE: This story was updated to correct the fact Heidmann was not cited. He was released at the scene because the Crow Wing County Jail would not take him due to COVID-19 restrictions, and police are seeking misdemeanor criminal charges via summons.
The Dispatch regrets the error.
JENNIFER KRAUS may be reached at jennifer.kraus@brainerddispatch.com or 218-855-5851. Follow me at www.twitter.com/jennewsgirl on Twitter.
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