48-year-old Allen Charles Sheppard faces multiple charges, including felony obstruction, assault on a peace officer, criminal property damage, disorderly conduct, and illegal burning.
The incident began when Fergus Falls Fire Chief Ryan Muchow responded to a report of illegal burning. Sheppard claimed he was conducting a Native American cremation for his grandmother and refused officers’ requests to put out the fire, which contained prohibited plastics.
Sheppard resisted arrest, spat on an officer, and caused $1,104 in squad car damage. His blood alcohol level was found to be 0.228. Sheppard made his first court appearance on November 6 and remains in custody at the Otter Tail County Detention Center.