Mahnomen Casino Assault Leads to Felony Charge

Mahnomen County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Detroit Lakes man faces a felony charge after an alleged casino hallway attack.

Eljay Stewart, 20, is charged with third-degree assault causing substantial bodily harm.

The charge stems from a July 5, 2026, incident at Shooting Star Casino.

The case was filed in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District. The court file number is 44-CR-26-382.

Victim Found Unconscious

According to the complaint, officers responded to the casino around 2:26 a.m.

Security reported an unconscious man in a hallway.

The victim was bleeding from both earlobes. He also had a mark near his right eye.

He appeared confused and could not remember the full incident.

The man reportedly told officers that people had been stomping on him.

He also said he believed he lost consciousness.

Casino surveillance allegedly captured the attack several minutes earlier.

The video showed a man running through the hallway before punching the victim.

The victim fell to the floor after the punch.

The first attacker then allegedly struck him several more times.

A second man arrived and allegedly stomped near the victim’s head.

Both men then left the hallway.

The victim remained motionless on the floor, according to the complaint.

The two men later entered a casino room before leaving the property.

Investigators reviewed vehicle and identification records after receiving possible names.

The complaint says officers matched Stewart’s photograph with the man wearing dark clothing and red shoes.

Authorities also linked the suspects to a silver 2005 Ford Mustang.

The vehicle had Minnesota blackout license plates.

Two days later, officers located the Mustang at a trailer park in Becker County.

Stewart and another man eventually left a trailer and were arrested.

The complaint says Stewart wore a black shirt, black shorts, and red shoes.

Officers also photographed fresh marks on his hands.

Stewart faces one count under Minnesota Statute 609.223.

The felony carries a maximum sentence of five years and a $10,000 fine.

A maximum penalty is not a promised sentence.

Any sentence would depend on a conviction and later court findings.

Public case information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The charge is an allegation. Stewart is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.