Thief River Falls Woman Charged in Wrench Attack

Thief River Falls (trfnews.i234.me) — A local woman faces a felony charge after an alleged wrench attack inside a Pennington County home.

Anna Yenta Faye Erickson, 21, is charged with aiding and abetting first-degree burglary. The charge stems from an incident reported on June 19, 2026.

Wrench Attack Reported Inside Home

Court records say Erickson rode with Frank Haben to a home in Pennington County. Prosecutors allege Erickson knew Haben had hidden a wrench inside his shirt sleeve.

Authorities say Haben entered the home while two people were watching television. He allegedly struck one man in the face with the wrench.

A second man came from another room after hearing calls for help. The complaint says Haben also struck that man with the wrench.

The two men then restrained Haben and forced him outside. Officers arrived and arrested him at the scene.

Mugshot of Anna Yenta Faye Erickson — Anna Yenta Faye Erickson

Wrench Recovered as Evidence

Erickson told investigators that she traveled with Haben to confront someone at the home. She also admitted knowing about the hidden wrench, according to the complaint.

Investigators say Erickson returned the wrench to Haben’s vehicle after the assault. She later retrieved it from the vehicle for officers.

The wrench was taken as evidence. Erickson was arrested and brought to the Pennington County Law Enforcement Center.

A woman inside the home said Erickson pulled at her during the disturbance. She said Erickson was trying to move her outside.

Erickson later said she wanted to remove the woman from the fighting. She also claimed an assault had happened the previous night.

The woman denied that claim during a follow-up interview. She said the man accused by Erickson had never harmed her.

Suspect Admitted to Starting Fight

Haben said he went to the home because he feared the woman was being abused. He said he brought the wrench because a gun might be inside.

According to the complaint, Haben admitted to starting the fight. He said he swung the wrench after becoming upset inside the residence.

Erickson faces up to 20 years in prison and a $35,000 fine. Both penalties could apply if she is convicted.

The charge cites Minnesota’s first-degree burglary law and aiding-and-abetting law.

The case is filed under court file 57-CR-26-443. Case information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

A criminal complaint contains allegations. Erickson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole, reporting for TRF News.