Frazee, Becker County (trfnews.i234.me) – In a harrowing incident that has stunned the Frazee community, 20-year-old Jaden Michael Pihlaja has been charged with felony second-degree burglary and petty misdemeanor fifth-degree assault. The charges stem from a confrontation at his ex-girlfriend’s family residence on March 16, 2025.
Incident Details
According to court records, the sequence of events unfolded as follows:
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Background: The victim had been dating Pihlaja’s ex-girlfriend, a relationship that reportedly caused tension between the two men.
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Forced Entry: Upset by the new relationship, Pihlaja arrived uninvited at the victim’s parents’ home, entering without consent.
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Threatening Behavior: Inside, Pihlaja allegedly displayed a black plastic laser surface thermometer, resembling a firearm, and threatened the victim, stating intentions to cause harm.
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Parental Intervention: The victim’s parents returned home, leading Pihlaja to agree to leave. As he departed, he reportedly apologized, saying he needed to “talk things out” with the victim.
Law Enforcement Response
Becker County Sheriff’s deputies responded promptly:
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Search and Discovery: At Pihlaja’s residence, deputies found him in his truck. A search yielded the aforementioned thermometer, which Pihlaja admitted to displaying as a mock weapon.
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Legal Proceedings: Pihlaja’s initial court appearance occurred on March 17, 2025. He posted $500 bail with conditions, including no contact with the victim, abstention from alcohol and drugs, and compliance with all court appearances.
Did You Know?
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Jaden Michael Pihlaja, 20, of Frazee, has been charged in Becker County District Court with felony second-degree burglary and petty misdemeanor fifth-degree assault-fear of bodily harm or death.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News