McIntosh Man Charged in Hatchet Kidnapping Case

McIntosh (trfnews.i234.me) — A man faces felony kidnapping and assault charges after an alleged hatchet incident in Red Lake County.

Jesus Octavio Peralta, 49, was charged Friday in Red Lake County District Court. He faces two counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon. He also faces felony kidnapping and misdemeanor domestic assault.

The charges stem from an incident reported late August 6 in Poplar River Township. Deputies were called to a home around 11:36 p.m., according to the criminal complaint.

Man Allegedly Chased From Home

A man told deputies that Peralta arrived while he and a woman were in an upstairs bedroom. The complaint says Peralta kicked open the bedroom door and retrieved a hatchet.

The man said Peralta then chased him from the home while carrying the weapon. He told deputies he feared immediate bodily harm.

After the man left, Peralta allegedly returned to the bedroom and argued with the woman. The complaint says he swung the hatchet into drywall and left a hole.

Peralta also allegedly struck a book lying on the bed with the hatchet. The woman told deputies she wanted to leave the room.

Jesus Octavio Peralta, 49. Booking photo

Woman Says Doorway Was Blocked

However, she said Peralta blocked the doorway while holding the hatchet. She told investigators she was terrified during the incident.

The woman said she believed Peralta was upset about their pending divorce. Deputies reported damage to the bedroom door jamb and drywall.

They also observed the damaged book on the bed, according to the complaint.

The woman told deputies that doorbell camera footage had been deleted. She said Peralta had access to the camera account.

Arrest Made in McIntosh

Investigators later located Peralta at a residence in McIntosh. Deputies saw a hatchet inside his truck that matched the earlier description.

Authorities obtained a search warrant and arrested Peralta early August 7. The complaint says he was taken into custody without incident.

After receiving a Miranda warning, Peralta admitted being at the residence and handling the hatchet. He initially denied using the weapon, according to the complaint.

The complaint says Peralta later changed his account. He said the hatchet was normally kept in his truck.

Peralta remains in custody pending further court proceedings. Case information is available through the Red Lake County District Court.

Records may also be searched through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The Red Lake County Sheriff’s Office provides additional public agency information.

The charges are allegations. Peralta is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.