Cass County (trfnews.i234.me) Joshua Timothy Rumley, 34, of Backus, is charged with felony domestic assault.
The charge is filed under Minn. Stat. 609.2242, subdivision 4.
A criminal complaint describes an early-morning fight inside a Backus home.
What Happened
Deputies were dispatched at about 2:43 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026.
The call reported an assault at the residence, according to the complaint.
Rumley met a deputy outside and said he had been assaulted.
The complaint says he had a cut under one eye.
Rumley also admitted he drank alcohol earlier that night, the complaint states.
Inside the home, deputies found a household member identified as Victim 1 in court records.
The complaint describes heavy swelling and bruising around both eyes.
The victim also had swelling to both cheeks, according to the statement.
The victim told deputies the argument started over a space heater.
The victim also reported a dispute about cigarettes.
She said she moved the heater and destroyed Rumley’s cigarettes.
The complaint says Rumley then tackled her to the floor.
The victim’s head struck a hard surface during the struggle, the complaint states.
Rumley later admitted he put the victim on the ground, according to investigators.
He also claimed he was bitten during the altercation, the complaint says.
Charges and Record
Prosecutors say Rumley has two prior qualifying convictions.
The complaint lists a domestic assault conviction in 2022.
It also lists a gross misdemeanor assault conviction from December 2024.
Under Minnesota law, repeat offenses can raise the charge to a felony.
Bail and Conditions
Judge Christopher J. Strandlie set bail at $2,500 cash with conditions.
The judge set alternative bail at $25,000 with conditions.
The judge also set $50,000 without conditions, according to court records.
The court ordered Rumley to have no contact with the victim.
The court also ordered him to remain law-abiding while the case is pending.
Court records show the case was filed on Jan. 26, 2026.
Public Records and Help
This case contains allegations.
A defendant is presumed innocent in court.
The allegations must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
People can track public case updates through Minnesota Court Records Online.
More information about local law enforcement is available through the Cass County Sheriff’s Office.
Support resources are available through Minnesota Day One.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.