Grand Rapids, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) Naomi J. Bellanger is charged with felony property damage. Court records list Bellanger as homeless in Grand Rapids. Investigators say a vehicle was damaged at an apartment complex.
What the police say happened
According to court documents, officers were sent to the 200 block of SE Fourth Street. The call came on February 4 at about 9:40 a.m. The victim said several tires were flat. The victim also reported a knife on the ground.
Police reviewed surveillance video from the apartment complex. Investigators say the video showed a woman near the vehicle. The footage helped officers identify Bellanger, according to the complaint.
What Bellanger told investigators
Bellanger spoke with officers after the report, the complaint says. She said she believed the vehicle belonged to a man. She told police the man had sexually harassed her. She said she thought she was damaging his vehicle.
Investigators say the vehicle did not belong to that man. Court documents do not name the vehicle owner in the public summary. Bellanger was arrested and later charged, according to the filing.
Charge filed
Bellanger faces one count of first-degree damage to property. That charge is a felony under Minnesota law. Prosecutors filed the case in Itasca County, court records show. Court filings describe tire damage and a knife found nearby. The public summary does not list repair costs.
A criminal charge is an allegation. Defendants are presumed innocent in court. The case remains pending.
For more background, see the Minnesota Judicial Branch and the state’s statute page for damage to property. Some public case details may be available on MCRO.
What happens next
Bellanger is expected to make future court appearances in Itasca County. A judge will address release terms and scheduling. The case will proceed through the criminal court process.
Local resources are listed on the City of Grand Rapids website. County services are listed on the Itasca County website.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.