Woman assaults officer during welfare check

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A 21-year-old woman in Jamestown, North Dakota assaulted a police officer who was conducting a welfare check at her apartment on Wednesday. The woman, Emily Sather, allegedly punched the officer in the face multiple times before the officer was able to detain her using a taser and handcuffs. Sather was taken to the hospital and then booked into the North Dakota State Hospital. The officer was treated for cuts and bruises.

Why it matters

Welfare checks are an important part of law enforcement's role in the community, but can sometimes escalate into violent confrontations, raising concerns about mental health, de-escalation tactics, and officer safety. This incident highlights the challenges police face when responding to calls involving individuals with a history of incidents.

The details

According to the Jamestown Police Department, the officer responded to Sather's apartment and knocked on her door. When Sather opened the door, she allegedly lunged at the officer and punched them in the face at least twice without saying a word. After a brief struggle, the officer was able to detain Sather using a taser and handcuffs. Sather was then taken to the hospital by ambulance and then booked into the North Dakota State Hospital. The officer who was assaulted was treated for cuts and bruises at the hospital.

• The incident occurred on Wednesday, March 12, 2026.

What’s next

The Jamestown Police Department is investigating the incident and will determine if any charges will be filed against Sather.