Pillager Man Faces 2 Felonies in Domestic Assault

Pillager (trfnews.i234.me) — Erik Patrick Hastad faces two felony charges after an alleged domestic assault in rural Pillager.

The incident was reported on July 18, 2026, according to a Cass County District Court complaint.

Prosecutors charged Hastad with third-degree assault and domestic assault by strangulation.

The charges remain allegations, and Hastad is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Dispatch Receives Distress Call

Cass County dispatch received a call from the residence during the reported incident.

The complaint says a woman could be heard asking someone to stop hurting her.

Deputies arrived at the rural Pillager home and found the woman holding the back of her head.

Investigators reported seeing dried blood on her leg and a bleeding cut on her head.

The woman, identified by initials J.M.H., told deputies she is married to Hastad.

She alleged Hastad had been drinking alcohol throughout the day before an argument developed.

J.M.H. told investigators she tried to leave the situation and avoid an argument.

She alleged Hastad kicked her in the shin and then placed both hands around her neck.

The complaint says she reported being unable to breathe for several seconds.

She also alleged Hastad struck her in the jaw, causing her to fall.

J.M.H. told investigators Hastad approached her again shortly afterward.

She alleged he placed his hands around her neck a second time.

The complaint says she reported being unable to breathe for about 30 seconds.

J.M.H. then tried to find her phone and call 911.

She told investigators she used Siri to place the emergency call.

The complaint alleges Hastad took the phone and later threw it toward her.

Investigators say the phone struck the back of her head.

The impact allegedly caused a cut measuring about one and a half inches.

Deputies believed the injury would require stitches, according to the complaint.

J.M.H. also alleged Hastad later struck her ribs with a towel containing ice.

Prosecutors charged Hastad with third-degree assault involving substantial bodily harm.

Minnesota Statute 609.223 allows up to five years in prison.

The law also allows a fine of up to $10,000.

Count Two charges Hastad with domestic assault by strangulation.

Minnesota Statute 609.2247 allows up to three years in prison.

The law also allows a fine of up to $5,000.

The case is filed as 11-CR-26-1056 in Cass County District Court.

Public case information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The charges are allegations and do not establish guilt.

Hastad is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.