Becker County: DL Man Charged in Violent Assault
BECKER COUNTY (trfnews.i234.me) — A Detroit Lakes man is facing two felony charges after police say he assaulted two women during a disturbance linked to fentanyl detox. The incident happened on November 4 at a home on Barbara Avenue in Detroit Lakes, according to Becker County court records.
Matthew Wayne Covey, 38, has been charged with felony domestic assault by strangulation and felony simple robbery. Both charges carry significant prison penalties under Minnesota law.
Matthew Wayne Covey (Courtesy: Becker County Jail)
Two Women Report Violent Incident
According to the criminal complaint, Covey had been detoxing from fentanyl. One of the women reported waking up to find Covey tearing apart the room while naked and searching for fentanyl. She said she became upset, and an argument followed.
During the dispute, Covey allegedly grabbed the woman by the neck with both hands. She said he placed her in a choke hold and squeezed. She told officers she began to lose consciousness during the assault.
The second woman heard the struggle and entered the room. She grabbed a three-foot pole and struck the bed, telling Covey she would not act as a referee. Covey then allegedly took the pole from her and struck her with it.
The second woman fell to the ground and attempted to call 911. Covey is accused of grabbing her phone. A struggle reportedly followed, and the woman was struck in the head.
Covey Located at Another Residence
Covey fled the scene, court records say. He was later found at a different residence. The homeowner reported that Covey arrived unannounced and had a phone that turned out to belong to the second woman.
Bail and Next Court Appearance
On November 6, bail or bond for Covey was set at $30,000 without conditions, or $15,000 with standard release conditions. These include no use of mood-altering chemicals and no contact with the victims.
Covey’s next court appearance is scheduled for November 24 before District Judge Gretchen Thilmony.
For more information, court records can be accessed through Minnesota Court Records Online.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.