Detroit Lakes Man Charged with Felony Assault in Becker County 
CALLAWAY, MN – A 23-year-old man from rural Detroit Lakes has been charged with felony second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon after allegedly attacking a man with a silver jack handle inside a Callaway home.
According to court records, on February 2, a Becker County deputy responded to a reported assault at an address on 276th Street in Callaway. Upon arrival, the deputy spoke with the victim and multiple witnesses who were present during the attack.
A female witness reported that Joseph Lee Stiyer arrived at the residence in a silver Ford pickup truck along with two other men. Stiyer allegedly stated, “I have a lease here,” referring to an ongoing civil dispute over ownership of the house.
As the female witness attempted to block the doorway, Stiyer pushed past her, forcibly entering the home while holding a silver baseball bat-like object, which was later identified as a jack handle.
Inside the home, Stiyer struck the victim twice on the head with the jack handle, leaving visible injuries. After the assault, he fled the scene in his silver Ford pickup truck.
Snapchat Maps Helps Track Down Suspect
Law enforcement tracked Stiyer’s location using Snapchat Maps, a social media feature that shares real-time locations. Officers found him at a nearby residence in Callaway.
Upon arrival, police discovered the silver Ford pickup at the home, and it was hot to the touch, indicating it had been recently driven. Stiyer and the two other men at the residence provided conflicting stories about the truck’s use.
Officers also located the silver jack handle inside the truck, further linking Stiyer to the assault.
Bail Set – Next Court Appearance
On February 3, bail was set at $55,000 with no conditions, while an alternative bond of $30,000 or $3,000 bail with conditions was also issued. Stiyer must comply with restrictions including:
No alcohol or drug use No possession of firearms or dangerous weapons
Stiyer’s next court appearance is scheduled for February 18 before Becker County District Judge Michael Fritz.
This case is ongoing, and more updates will follow.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News