Becker County, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) — An 18-year-old from rural Bagley is facing multiple charges in Becker County District Court following an early morning break-in and assault at a home in Ogema.
Kaine Michael Neeland has been charged with:
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Two felony counts of first-degree burglary
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Misdemeanor fifth-degree assault
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Misdemeanor fourth-degree damage to property
According to court records, at approximately 5:33 a.m. on June 30, a White Earth police officer responded to a break-in report at a residence in Ogema. Upon arrival, the officer saw Neeland attempting to force open the front door by shouldering and pulling on it. Neeland made partial entry into the home but exited as the officer approached and was immediately detained.
The officer noted that Neeland smelled of alcohol, had slurred speech, and glossy eyes.
Witnesses reported that Neeland had been with a female cousin who was trying to get him to leave. Neeland had allegedly been banging on the door, shouting about a sister. A man inside the home told them to leave, but Neeland allegedly punched him through a window screen, breaking it.
According to the criminal complaint, both Neeland and the female fled, but Neeland returned and gained entry to the home again, at which point the resident struck him in the head with a baseball bat.
Video evidence showed a male and a female fighting in the yard before approaching the front door. The video also captured the male punching through the window screen.
Neeland was transported to the hospital, where he refused a preliminary breath test (PBT). After being medically cleared, he was taken to the Becker County Jail.
He posted $500 bail on July 2 and was released under standard conditions, including no alcohol or drug use, and no contact with the victim or entry into the victim’s residence.
Neeland’s next court appearance is scheduled for August 18 before District Judge Gretchen Thilmony.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.