East Grand Forks Motel Threats Lead to Felonies
East Grand Forks (trfnews.i234.me) — A New York man faces two felony charges following an alleged motel disturbance.
Matthew Dylan Calla, 23, of Riverhead, New York, was charged Monday in Polk County District Court.
Calla faces two felony counts of threats of violence. Each charge carries up to five years in prison.
Each count also carries a possible $10,000 fine. The charges remain allegations and do not prove guilt.
Two 911 Calls Reported
According to the criminal complaint, Calla first called 911 around 11:16 a.m. on June 26.
He reportedly said he feared a bear attack after hearing growling during the previous night.
Calla also believed he was speaking through a walkie-talkie, the complaint states.
Police responded to the Plaza Motel, spoke with Calla, and then cleared the scene.
Less than 90 minutes later, Calla allegedly called 911 again.
He demanded a spare room key and warned that a “blood bath” would occur, according to prosecutors.
He also reportedly told dispatchers he planned to buy a shotgun from Bass Pro Shops.
Matthew Dylan Calla
Motel Workers Report Threats
A motel employee approached police when officers returned, according to the complaint.
The employee appeared shaken and described threats involving a baseball bat.
She said Calla threatened to kill her and other motel workers.
The motel owner’s son also reported receiving a threat, according to court records.
Calla allegedly threatened to retrieve a bat and strike him in the head.
The complaint also says Calla shoved a door with enough force to damage it.
Calla later told police he became “amped up” and apologized.
He admitted threatening a man with a bat but denied threatening the female employee.
Held Pending Court Proceedings
After the arrest, Calla allegedly made another threatening gesture toward the employee.
During transport, he yelled and made another alarming statement, the complaint says.
Calla remains held under a detention order pending further court proceedings.
No bail amount was listed in the complaint. He was also trespassed from the Plaza Motel.
Public court information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News.