Officer Assaulted At Bismarck Nightclub!
The Sahara Night Club was the scene of an assault on a Bismarck Police officer early Sunday, April 18th. According to a press-release obtained from the Bismarck Police Department, one male is in custody after assaulting an officer.
This all happened after at 2:09 am, when multiple officers responded to the Sahara Club, located at 2700 State Street for a loud noise complaint and the the club operating after normal business hours.
Officers attempted to speak with the operator/owner of the club near the entrance to not cause a scene. The operator would not come to the door but had private security, employed by the club, lead officers inside the building to the front stage where the operator was playing music. Officers asked the operator multiple time to produce documentation that he was allowed to be open past the statutory closing time of 1:00 am. He was unable to provide this paperwork. The officers noted approximately 100 patrons in the club dancing.
That's when the incident took place. While one officer was speaking with the operator, a patron of the club, Malon Philips, 34, engaged in conversation with other officers on scene. Philips was asked to leave and refused to do so. Philips then pushed one officer out of the way, pushed another officer to the ground and charged at a third officer. Philips continued to fight with officers until he was eventually detained.
One officer sustained a head injury and minor lacerations. Both the officer and Philips were taken to a local hospital and treated for their injuries. Philips was arrested for Disorderly Conduct and Assault on a Peace Officer and transported to the Burleigh-Morton Detention Center. Additional charges are pending with the Bismarck City Attorney.
No word, if the club will be charged for operating after the statutory closing time.
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