North Dakota defenseman Robbie Bina will face a misdemeanor charge in connection with an incident at a Grand Forks tavern last weekend, multiple sources are reporting.
The charge against Bina, 24, will be one of “escaping custody,” which is a Class B misdemeanor offense punishable by a maximum of a $1,000 fine or 30 days in jail.
The incident in question occurred at Judy’s Tavern and included six minors — including Bina’s Fighting Sioux teammates Jonathan Toews and T.J. Oshie — who were cited for being underage in a bar. Bina opened the door of a patrol car in which two of the minors were being held and then walked away, Grand Forks city prosecutor Kristi Pettit said Saturday.
Bina’s problems could be significant even if he is acquitted of the latest charge. WDAZ-TV reports that the junior blueliner was already on probation for driving while intoxicated on July 15 of last year, at which time he was given a suspended sentence on the condition that he avoid further legal entanglements.
The current charge against Bina could represent a violation of his probation, which could in turn lead to a 10-day jail sentence being reinstated.
Bina, Oshie and Toews are all scheduled to appear in court Feb. 12.
North Dakota coach Dave Hakstol has not commented on the situation, and none of the players has yet been suspended by the team.
