PINE RIVER, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) – A Pine River man faces a criminal charge after allegedly damaging two vehicles and a security camera following a relationship breakup.
According to court documents, John Pasquale Rotella, 41, allegedly punctured four vehicle tires and damaged a security camera.
The alleged incident occurred during the early morning hours of September 20, 2026, in Cass County.
Deputies Respond to Domestic Dispute
According to the criminal complaint, Cass County deputies responded to a domestic dispute around 1:41 a.m.
The incident was reported at a residence on Parker Avenue in Pine River.
Deputies contacted a woman who reported that she had recently ended a relationship with Rotella.
The woman told investigators that the couple had lived together at the residence for more than a year.
According to the complaint, the relationship had ended just days before the reported property damage.
The woman alleged that Rotella had been drinking and was upset about the breakup.
Four Tires Allegedly Slashed
Court documents state that Rotella allegedly threw a cooler at the rear windshield of a 2013 Chrysler van.
The vehicle belonged to the woman involved in the dispute.
Investigators also allege that Rotella used a sharp object to puncture all four tires of a 2007 Chevrolet Suburban.
The Suburban also belonged to the woman.
The complaint alleges that the damage was intentional and occurred without the owner’s consent.
Security Camera Records Alleged Incident
The woman reportedly was not home when the property damage occurred.
However, she told deputies that she watched the incident through her home’s security cameras.
According to court documents, she later lost access to the camera feed.
She suspected that Rotella had also damaged the security camera equipment.
During their investigation, deputies reviewed security footage provided by the woman.
The complaint states that the footage supported her account of the incident.
Investigators then examined the property and photographed the damage to both vehicles.
Deputies also discovered a damaged security camera lying on the ground.
Property Damage Exceeds $500
Prosecutors allege that the combined property damage exceeded $500, based on repair or replacement costs.
The complaint does not provide an exact dollar amount for the damage.
Under Minnesota law, third-degree criminal damage to property includes certain intentional damage valued between $501 and $1,000.
Additional information is available under Minnesota Statute 609.595.
Gross Misdemeanor Charge Filed
Rotella faces one count of third-degree criminal damage to property, classified as a gross misdemeanor.
If convicted, he could face up to 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.
The case was filed in Cass County District Court under court file number 11-CR-26-1496.
The complaint was issued with a summons rather than an order of detention.
The allegations remain unproven. Rotella is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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