Pequot Lakes, Crow Wing County (trfnews.i234.me) — Police responded to a domestic assault call early Sunday.
Clinton Clyde Karnes, 39, of Brainerd, now faces three felony assault charges.
Charges
Prosecutors filed three felony counts under Minnesota law.
- Assault in the first degree, great bodily harm: Minn. Stat. § 609.221
- Assault in the second degree, dangerous weapon: Minn. Stat. § 609.222
- Assault in the third degree, substantial bodily harm: Minn. Stat. § 609.223
What police allege
The complaint says officers were sent to a home on County Road 107 at 2:04 a.m.
A man was outside when police arrived, according to the filing.
Police found the victim in a vehicle and in visible pain.
The complaint notes a cut on her upper lip and new bruising on her face.
The victim told police she was dating Karnes, according to the complaint.
She said they shared a room where she worked as a nanny.
She reported that he hit her with his fists during an argument.
She also reported he struck her with a metal lamp at close range.
Police say she was taken by ambulance for treatment in Brainerd.
Records listed a concussion, a broken nose, and cracked teeth.
The complaint also describes a split upper lip that needed stitches.
Two children, ages 12 and 13, were in the home, police said.
The complaint says they saw the aftermath of the assault.
Police say Karnes ran from the residence after the incident.
Authorities later found him hiding in a camper on the property.
Defendant’s statement
Karnes denied punching the victim, according to the complaint.
He said the lamp hit her by accident as he fell backward.
He told police the lamp came apart and struck her as he threw it.
He also said he fled because he is a felon and was panicking.
Court and bail
The offense date listed in court records is January 11, 2026.
The case was filed on January 14, 2026.
Judge Charles D. Halverson set bail at $75,000 with conditions.
The conditions included no contact with the victim and obeying the law.
The judge also set $250,000 bail without conditions.
The charges are allegations, and the case remains pending.
Public case access may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO).
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.