Cass Lake Man Charged After Windows Smashed
CASS LAKE, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A Cass Lake man faces a felony charge after several properties were damaged.
William Lewis Jones Jr. is charged with first-degree criminal damage to property. The case was filed in Cass County District Court.
The charge remains an allegation. Jones is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Reports of Damage Across Cass Lake
Authorities responded around 10:08 p.m. on June 9, 2026. A caller reported a shirtless man carrying a bat.
The caller said the man was walking through Cass Lake and smashing vehicle windows. Officers found an orange Jeep with a broken windshield.
They later found a white Dodge Durango with a damaged passenger-side windshield. Investigators photographed both vehicles.
Court documents identify Jones as the person officers encountered. They said he carried a bat and a wooden object.
Officers reported seeing Jones approach the Big Tap bar. They said he then smashed a front window.
The impact also damaged a light behind the window. The complaint says Jones entered the bar and locked the door.
William Lewis Jones Jr. mugshot
Arrest and Additional Damage
Deputies forced the door open after Jones allegedly tried to hold it closed. The complaint says he moved toward an officer.
Jones was reportedly holding a piece of wood. Officers then used a Taser and took him into custody.
Damage at the bar was initially estimated at over $1,000. The complaint also lists damage to the bar’s sign.
The next day, investigators received another damage report. A glass entrance door at Cass Lake Alliance Church was shattered.
The church is located on Second Street Northeast. Photos showed that one entrance door was completely broken.
Felony Charge Filed
Prosecutors allege the combined damage reduced property values by more than $1,000. That amount supports the felony charge.
Under Minnesota Statute 609.595, the charge carries a possible five-year prison term.
The maximum fine is $10,000. Case information may also be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.
Future hearings will determine how the case proceeds. No conviction has been entered.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.