Federal case to go before state charges against man in helicopter shooting

DULUTH -- Federal charges against a Clearbrook, Minn., man accused of shooting at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection helicopter in early August, leaving a Polk County deputy with shrapnel injuries, will proceed ahead of Minnesota charges.

Carstie Lee Clausen, 71, waived detention Wednesday during a federal hearing in Duluth, meaning he will return to the custody of Clearwater County. The district court there has charged him with second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault for using deadly force against a peace officer and dangerous weapon, all felonies.

The same day, an omnibus hearing went on without Clausen in Clearwater District Court, where bond has been set at $300,000 without conditions and $150,000 with conditions. County Attorney Richard Mollin Jr. said his office will let federal proceedings take place before Clausen faces state charges, estimating that could be about three to four months away.

http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/region/4106565-federal-case-go-state-charges-against-man-helicopter-shooting