Fergus Falls Man Allegedly Tells Deputy to Shoot Him Before Resisting Arrest

Brennen Griffin and Alex Streitz (OTCDF)

Pelican Rapids, MN – Otter Tail County Deputies arrested two men for Obstruction of Justice in an incident near Maplewood State Park last Friday (January 10th).

According to court documents, an Otter Tail County Deputy initiated a traffic stop at around 4:29 Friday afternoon after observing a vehicle drive by without headlights on while it was snowing and a license plate search indicated the registered owner was revoked. The deputy turned to follow the vehicle when it pulled into a residence and parked near an outbuilding. The deputy drove past the residence and turned around, only to see the suspicious vehicle had pulled out of the residence and returned to the road, at which point, the deputy initiated the traffic stop.

During the stop, the deputy requested the driver, later identified as 35-year-old Alex Streitz of Erhard, to step out of the vehicle, to which he refused. The deputy then recognized the passenger as 24-year-old Brennen Griffin of Fergus Falls, who had an active warrant for his arrest. Griffin was requested to step out of the vehicle, but refused and put his hands in his pockets. The deputy drew their firearm and commanded Griffin to show his hands. Griffin then allegedly put his hands behind his waist and yelled, “Shoot me.”

Eventually, law enforcement was able to access the vehicle and remove Griffin, who physically resisted. A search of Griffin’s person produced 12 Lisdexamfetamine pills (a scheduled II controlled substance) and 1.3 grams of methamphetamine.

The deputy returned to Streitz and instructed him to exit the vehicle. Streitz continued to refuse and was pulled out of the vehicle by law enforcement. He refused to place his hands behind his back and was ultimately tased, though it appeared ineffective. Streitz was eventually secured and both men were transported to the Otter Tail County Detention Facility.

Both men have been charged with Obstruction of Justice. Griffin has also been charged with two counts of 5th Degree Possession of Drugs.