Wadena police officer injured during arrest

WADENA -- An attempted traffic stop led to a struggle for a gun between a suspect and a Wadena police officer Monday.

The Wadena Police Department reported Officer Dennis Henriksen suffered bites to his right hand in a struggle to restrain David Eckenrode, 26, Wadena. The confrontation occurred in the Wadena Orton's Amoco at the junction of Highways 10 and 71.

Earlier, Henriksen recognized the suspect traveling north on Jefferson Street in Wadena. Henriksen was aware the suspect's driving privileges were suspended and the vehicle had expired plates.

In an attempt to make a traffic stop, Henriksen followed Eckenrode's vehicle to the Amoco station's parking lot and shouted at him to stop. Eckenrode ignored the order and entered the store. When Henriksen entered the store and spoke to Eckenrode at the counter, Eckenrode reportedly became "agitated and boisterous, indicating to the officer that he would not be arrested," the police department said.

When Henriksen placed Eckenrode under arrest and attempted to restrain him, Eckenrode became physically assaultive and fought the officer, the police department reported.

Henriksen struggled with Eckenrode in the store. Officers from the Wadena and Verndale police departments were dispatched to the scene along with the Wadena County Sheriff's office but were detained by a passing train.

During the confrontation, the Wadena Police Department reported Eckenrode attempted to grab Henriksen's service pistol from the officer's hands. Henriksen was able to maintain control and restrain Eckenrode until other officers arrived. Eckenrode was transported to the Wadena County Sheriff's office.

Both Henriksen and Eckenrode were taken to the Tri-County Hospital where they were treated and released. Eckenrode was booked into the Wadena County Detention Center on felony charges of fourth-degree assault and obstructing the legal process. He was arraigned Wednesday.