Thief River Falls Man Charged in Home Assault

Pennington County (trfnews.i234.me) — Kaiden Thomas Kruta faces four charges after a reported assault at a home in Thief River Falls. A criminal complaint says the case began on March 19, 2026. The charges include harassment, domestic assault, and two fifth-degree assault counts.

Court records say the case started after a report of an assault at a Pennington County residence. The complaint says Kruta and B.C. had seen each other earlier that night at the Rusty Nail. It says Kruta tried to talk about their past relationship. B.C. did not want contact and later left with help from A.F.

What the complaint says

The complaint says Kruta then called B.C. many times. It says B.C. blocked the calls. Soon after, Kruta allegedly walked to her home.

B.C. told police she opened the door only a few inches. She said Kruta forced his way inside. She said he shoved her face and jabbed her throat.

The complaint says Kruta then grabbed B.P. and dragged him outside. B.C. said the two struggled in the snow. She said Kruta punched, kicked, and kneed B.P. several times.

B.C. said she ran outside to help. She told police she broke fingernails while trying to pull Kruta away. The complaint says B.P. had a lump on his forehead.

Witness account

A.F. told police she picked up B.C. around midnight. She said Kruta was outside and appeared intoxicated. A.F. said Kruta later told her he planned to go back to B.C.’s home.

A.F. said she warned B.C. about that plan. About 1 a.m., A.F. got another call from B.C. The complaint says B.C. sounded hysterical, and A.F. then contacted law enforcement.

Arrest and charges

Police later found Kruta at his apartment, according to the complaint. The complaint says he admitted being involved, but gave no details. He was then arrested.

Prosecutors filed one gross misdemeanor harassment charge. They also filed one misdemeanor domestic assault charge. Two misdemeanor fifth-degree assault charges were also filed.

The harassment count cites Minnesota Statute 609.749. The domestic assault count cites Minnesota Statute 609.2242. The fifth-degree assault counts cite Minnesota Statute 609.224.

Charges in a complaint are only allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. Readers can track public filings through Minnesota Court Records Online.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.