Detroit Lakes Man Sentenced In Teen Window Case
Becker County (trfnews.i234.me) — Jonathan Eugene Erickson, 46, of rural Detroit Lakes, has been sentenced in Becker County District Court after a dispute involving two teens and a damaged car window.
Erickson was sentenced for one count of gross misdemeanor third-degree property damage. He was also sentenced for one count of misdemeanor fifth-degree assault.
Two felony counts of first-degree property damage were dismissed under a plea agreement.
Roadside Dispute Near Detroit Lakes
According to court records, the incident happened around noon on Aug. 8, 2025.
Erickson was trying to back up a semi when a teen driver was behind him.
The teen was driving her grandmother’s 2019 Subaru Crosstrek.
The teen told law enforcement that Erickson wanted to back up the semi.
She said she was trying to shift the Subaru into reverse.
She also said Erickson became angry and got out of the semi.
He was waving his arms and telling her to move, according to court records.
Window Broken During Confrontation
As the Subaru drove past Erickson, a teen boy rolled down a rear window.
The boy admitted he made an obscene hand gesture toward Erickson.
Court records say Erickson then ran toward the Subaru.
The boy said Erickson tried to punch him, but hit the partially open window instead.
The window broke, and the boy ended up with glass on him.
Erickson told law enforcement he became angry during the incident.
He said the Subaru driver would not back up while he moved the semi.
He also said the taunting started after he got the semi into his driveway.
Erickson said it was not his “finest moment,” according to court records.
He admitted walking up to the Subaru.
He denied purposely punching the window.
However, he admitted reaching into the window to smack the boy inside.
He said the boy had been taunting him and flipping him off.
The estimated cost to replace and repair the car window was $1,191.74.
Sentence And Probation
On April 1, District Judge Gretchen Thilmony sentenced Erickson on the gross misdemeanor count.
He received 364 days in the Becker County Jail.
That jail sentence was stayed for two years.
Erickson was also ordered to complete 40 hours of community service.
He was fined $900 and ordered to pay $85 in court fees.
He must also pay $756 in restitution.
On the misdemeanor assault charge, Erickson received 90 days in jail.
That sentence was stayed for one year.
He was also ordered to pay a $50 fine.
Erickson was placed on unsupervised probation for two years.
More information about Minnesota courts is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Minnesota laws can be reviewed through the Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
