Becker County ( trfnews.i234.me ) – A Detroit Lakes man has been charged in Becker County District Court with felony domestic assault following an August incident.
According to court records, deputies were called to a rural Detroit Lakes residence on August 15 for a reported assault. Investigators spoke with a woman who said 34-year-old Joseph Andrew Crawford struck her with a fishing pole. The complaint states she was hit on the arm and across her back. Deputies documented that she was visibly upset and had a bleeding injury on her elbow.
Authorities reported that Crawford fled into the woods before law enforcement arrived on the scene. Deputies searched the area, but he was not located at the time of the initial call.
Court filings show Crawford has an extensive history of domestic violence-related offenses. Records list a pending domestic assault charge as well as multiple prior convictions within the past 10 years. These include felony violation of an order for protection, felony threats of violence, misdemeanor assault, gross misdemeanor violation of a no-contact order, and misdemeanor violation of an order for protection.
Because of his prior record, prosecutors filed the new assault charge as a felony. Court documents note Crawford is scheduled to make his first appearance on October 23 before District Judge Michael D. Fritz.
Domestic violence remains a serious concern across Minnesota. State officials stress that repeat offenses often carry enhanced penalties. More information on protective orders and domestic violence resources can be found at the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
