Bemidji Kia Break-In Brings Felony Charge
BEMIDJI, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A Blackduck man faces three charges after an alleged Kia Soul break-in in Bemidji.
Brock Damien Napieralski, 18, is charged in Beltrami County District Court. The case includes one felony and two gross misdemeanors.
The felony count alleges attempted motor vehicle theft. Prosecutors say Napieralski tried to start the vehicle without the owner’s consent.
He also faces charges for motor vehicle tampering and fourth-degree property damage. The alleged offenses occurred on May 2, 2026.
Complaint Details Alleged Break-In
The case began after a report involving a white Kia Soul on Wood Avenue. The owner reported missing items on April 27.
The court filing identifies the vehicle’s owner only by initials. It does not list the value of the missing property.
Police later contacted Napieralski near Paul Bunyan Drive Southeast. Officers were responding to a report involving underage alcohol use.
The complaint says officers noticed a strong smell of alcohol. Napieralski was detained and received a Miranda warning.
Investigators then questioned him about the Kia Soul. The complaint says he acknowledged entering the vehicle.
Brock Damien Napieralski
Prosecutors Allege Attempt to Start Kia
According to the complaint, Napieralski admitted taking a vape from the Kia. He also described damage near the steering column.
Prosecutors say he used a screwdriver to pull apart the steering column. They allege he then tried starting the vehicle.
The Kia did not start, according to the complaint. The state alleges the failed effort amounted to attempted vehicle theft.
The felony charge carries a maximum sentence of 30 months. It also carries a possible $5,000 fine.
Each gross misdemeanor carries up to 364 days in jail. Each count also allows a possible $3,000 fine.
Maximum penalties do not represent an expected sentence. Any sentence would depend on a conviction and later court decisions.
The relevant laws include Minnesota’s theft statute, vehicle tampering statute, and property damage statute.
Case Remains Pending
The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court. Napieralski is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The case is filed as 04-CR-26-1020 in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District. The complaint also contains an order of detention.
That document does not establish guilt. It records the state’s allegations and the court process at this stage.
Public case information may be available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.