Thief River Falls Man Cited in Van Key Case

Thief River Falls (trfnews.i234.me) — A Thief River Falls man has been cited after police received a report of tampering with a motor vehicle early on March 27.

Early Morning Report

According to the citation, police were called at 4:41 a.m. to the area of 714 Second St. W. The report said someone had tampered with a motor vehicle outside the home.

Authorities cited Michael William Skinner, 32, of Thief River Falls. He was cited for tampering with a motor vehicle and entering it without the owner’s permission.

The citation states Skinner went to the home of his ex-girlfriend without an invitation. The woman told authorities he woke her by pounding on her door.

What the Citation Says

Before leaving the property, Skinner allegedly entered the woman’s parked van. Investigators say he took the van keys from inside the vehicle.

The case centers on that claimed entry into the van and the missing keys. The citation says the woman reported the incident after the early morning disturbance.

Skinner denied the allegation, according to the citation. Court records and case updates may be available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

Keys Later Returned

Two days after the first report, the woman contacted police again. She said Skinner had returned the van keys.

That update did not erase the original complaint. The citation still alleges that Skinner entered the vehicle without permission and took the keys.

The reported incident happened at a home on Second Street West. A public map of the area can be viewed on Google Maps.

At this stage, the allegation remains a citation matter. No conviction is implied by the charge alone. Further court action would determine how the case is resolved.

This case highlights how domestic disputes can lead to criminal complaints. It also shows how even a short entry into a vehicle can lead to a citation when permission was not given.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.