Grand Forks: Bat Damage, Felony Terrorizing Charge

Grand Forks (trfnews.i234.me) — Jerome M. Kadlec of Grand Forks faces new criminal charges after a reported bat incident.

What court documents say

Police were called to a home at 8:39 p.m. Thursday, court documents say.

A female family member said Kadlec became upset over a missing wallet.

She said he picked up a baseball bat and began swinging it indoors.

She said he swung the bat around the living room area.

Officers reported that several items were damaged inside the home.

They noted a damaged television set in the living room.

They also noted damage to a glass cabinet and a table.

Police said other household items showed signs of damage, too.

The victim told police she feared for her safety during the incident.

She said she locked herself inside a bathroom for protection.

She stayed there until she believed the danger had passed.

Kadlec left the home before officers arrived, the documents say.

Police searched for him after taking the victim’s statement.

Kadlec later returned to the home, the documents say.

Officers then arrested him without reported injury.

Prosecutors charged Kadlec with felony terrorizing in the case.

He also faces misdemeanor criminal mischief, court documents say.

Authorities have not released the victim’s name in the public report.

Officials also did not report any physical injuries in the documents.

Charging papers are accusations and must be proven in court.

A defendant is presumed innocent unless a judge or jury decides otherwise.

Public case details may be available through the state court search site.

Anyone needing help can contact local victim support services.

In an emergency, call 911 right away.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers 24-hour confidential help.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.