Mankato Man Charged after Refusal to Leave Business

A Mankato man was charged after failing to leave a business location and resisting officers at the scene. Spencer Ernest Pierce was charged in Blue Earth County District Court on Thursday with the following counts:

Obstruct Legal Process-Interfere w/Peace Officer, a Gross Misdemeanor with a Maximum sentence of 364 days or a $3,000 fine, or both

Trespass-Premises of Another-Refuse to Depart, a Misdemeanor with a Maximum sentence of 90 days or a $1,000 fine, or both.

According to the criminal complaint: In the evening on December 31, 2024, officers from the Mankato Department of Public Safety responded to a report of a disturbance at a Business in Blue Earth County. Officers went to the Business and spoke to a witness who advised officers that Spencer Ernest Pierce refused to leave the business, which is private property, though staff at the business demanded that Pierce leave because Pierce was offending other guests at the business.

Officers spoke to Pierce and informed Pierce that Pierce had to comply with the staff’s demand and leave the business. Pierce refused to leave. Officers then informed Pierce that Pierce was under arrest and directed Pierce to put his hands behind his back. Pierce responded by backing away and drawing his hands towards his chest as if trying to keep his hands away from officers or preparing to push away. Officers took hold of Pierce’s left arm and felt Pierce attempt to yank away from their grasp and continue to try to back away.

After a struggle officers were then able to roll Pierce onto Pierce’s belly, position his arms behind his back, and apply handcuffs to his wrists.