Nay Tah Waush Man Charged in Felony Assault
NAY TAH WAUSH, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — Joseph John Sudar Jr. has been charged with felony third-degree assault in Mahnomen County.
The charge follows a reported fight near Nay Tah Waush on June 16, 2026.
Prosecutors allege Sudar repeatedly struck a man during a fight outside a rural residence. The alleged victim suffered head, mouth, hand, and leg injuries.
Sudar is charged with causing substantial bodily harm. The offense carries up to five years in prison. It also carries a possible $10,000 fine.
Details are contained in a criminal complaint filed in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.
Fight Reported Outside Residence
The alleged victim told investigators he went to Sudar’s residence to speak with Thomas King.
Brian Wayne Crabtree allegedly answered the door and punched the victim several times. The two men then fell to the ground.
The victim said he managed to get on top of Crabtree. He alleged Sudar then struck him in the head.
The complaint also alleges Crabtree took the victim’s Samsung phone. The phone was valued at about $100.
Authorities later found the victim with blood across his face, head, ears, and neck.
Reported injuries included a three-inch cut on his head. He also had neck swelling, bleeding gums, and a loose tooth.
Joseph John Sudar Jr. | Mugshot
Witness Describes Aftermath
Julia Holm told investigators she had traveled to the area with Crabtree.
Holm said she remained inside a vehicle and saw two men fighting near the trailer.
She also saw another person come outside during the fight. However, she could not confirm that person’s identity.
Holm said the alleged victim had blood on his face afterward. She then left the area with Crabtree.
Crabtree later exited the vehicle and ran into nearby woods, according to the complaint.
Sudar Denies Joining the Fight
Sudar spoke with investigators on June 18 after receiving a Miranda warning.
He said Crabtree and the victim were already fighting when he walked outside.
Sudar claimed he tried to pull the victim away from Crabtree. He denied hitting anyone or using a weapon.
He estimated the fight lasted about five minutes.
The complaint lists June 16, 2026, as the offense date. One section references June 16, 2023, which may be a filing error.
The case remains pending in Minnesota District Court.
Third-degree assault is defined under Minnesota Statute 609.223.
A criminal charge is an allegation. Sudar is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Adrian Cole, reporting for TRF News.