Crookston Man Accused of Breaking Into Ex’s Home

CROOKSTON, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) – A Crookston man faces a felony burglary charge after allegedly breaking into his former girlfriend’s home and punching her in the face.

According to court documents, Jose Manuel Ramirez, 50, is accused of forcing his way into a residence on West 6th Street.

The alleged incident occurred on October 22, 2026, around 4:30 p.m.

Prosecutors charged Ramirez with first-degree burglary, domestic assault, and criminal damage to property.

Woman Reports Break-In at Crookston Home

According to the criminal complaint, Crookston police responded to a domestic assault report at a West 6th Street residence.

The woman told investigators that her former boyfriend, Ramirez, had entered the home without permission.

She explained that she lived at the residence with her mother.

The woman reportedly was home alone, getting dressed inside her bedroom, when Ramirez entered the residence.

According to the complaint, her bedroom door was locked before Ramirez allegedly forced it open.

The woman stated that Ramirez did not live at the property and had no permission to enter.

Suspect Allegedly Breaks Door and Punches Woman

The woman reported that Ramirez broke down her bedroom door during the confrontation.

She told police that she jumped backward and stood on her bed to get away from him.

According to court documents, Ramirez allegedly threw several objects toward her before punching her in the face.

When police arrived, an officer observed redness and swelling near the woman’s eye.

The woman identified that area as where Ramirez had allegedly struck her.

Investigators also examined the bedroom and observed damage to the door.

Eight-Year Relationship Had Ended

The woman told investigators that she and Ramirez had been in a relationship for approximately eight years.

They also have a child together, according to the complaint.

She reported that she had blocked Ramirez’s phone number at least one week before the incident.

The woman also described previous emotional abuse and accusations of infidelity during their relationship.

According to court documents, she reported a previous attempted break-in involving Ramirez.

However, she told investigators that she had not wanted criminal charges filed after that earlier incident.

Police Unable to Locate Ramirez

Following the reported assault, police went to Ramirez’s residence to question him.

According to the complaint, officers were informed that he was not home.

His whereabouts were listed as unknown when the criminal complaint was prepared.

The court filing includes a warrant. The provided complaint does not establish whether Ramirez has since been taken into custody.

Three Criminal Charges Filed

Ramirez faces the following charges in Polk County District Court:

First-Degree Burglary of an Occupied Dwelling: Felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a $35,000 fine, or both. Minnesota law also provides a six-month mandatory minimum confinement term for this offense.
Domestic Assault: Misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.
Fourth-Degree Criminal Damage to Property: Misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.

The burglary charge falls under Minnesota Statute 609.582.

The remaining charges involve Minnesota’s domestic assault law and criminal damage to property law.

The case is filed under court file number 60-CR-26-1571.

The allegations have not been proven in court. Ramirez is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.

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