Kelliher Man Charged In Strangulation Case
Kelliher, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) – A Kelliher man is facing a felony domestic assault charge after a reported strangulation incident in Beltrami County.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Beltrami County District Court, Bradley Dean Johnson, 77, of Kelliher, has been charged with domestic assault by strangulation.
The charge stems from an incident reported on or about May 20, 2026. The complaint says deputies received a report shortly before 9 p.m. from a person concerned about the safety of a woman identified in court documents by initials.
Report Led To Welfare Check
The reporting party told authorities that the woman had called and said Johnson had choked and punched her. The complaint says the alleged assault happened at Johnson’s home on Kelliher Road SW in Kelliher.
Deputies went to the woman’s residence for a welfare check. Court documents say she first told deputies that everything was fine. She later came to the door and spoke with them.
According to the complaint, deputies noted signs of alcohol use. They also reported seeing injuries on the woman. Those injuries included bruising around her neck and a lump on her forehead.
Bradley Dean Johnson
Court Complaint Details Allegations
The woman told deputies that she and Johnson had been dating for several years. She said Johnson had been drinking whiskey before an argument began.
The complaint alleges Johnson grabbed the woman by the throat and choked her. It also says he pinned her against a wall during the incident.
The woman told deputies she did not believe she lost consciousness. She also reported that Johnson pushed her down. Court documents say she may have received the forehead injury after being pushed down stairs.
Deputies later went to Johnson’s home but did not make contact with him that night. Authorities issued probable cause for his arrest.
Johnson Arrested The Next Morning
Johnson was arrested the next morning at his Kelliher residence. He was taken to the Beltrami County Jail.
In a statement to deputies, Johnson said he had memory issues and could not remember some events. He said he and the woman had been dating for about two years. He also said she lived with him off and on.
Johnson admitted to pushing the woman onto a bed. He also admitted to placing his hands on her neck. However, he denied squeezing her neck, according to the complaint.
Johnson also admitted he threatened the woman. The complaint says he could not remember the exact threat.
Under Minnesota Statute 609.2247, domestic assault by strangulation is a felony. It carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both.
The court file number is 04-CR-26-1169. Public case information may be searched through Minnesota Court Records Online. Jail custody information may also be available through the Beltrami County Inmate Locator.
A criminal complaint is not a conviction. Johnson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.