Becker County (trfnews.i234.me) – A Detroit Lakes man has been sentenced to a total of 48 months in state prison after a plea deal that stemmed from two serious felony incidents in Becker County—including a dangerous high-speed chase and a terrifying home invasion involving weapons.
Edward Jonathan Beaulieu Jr., 30, was sentenced on March 6 by Judge Michael Fritz to:
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15 months in prison for felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle
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33 months in prison for first-degree burglary involving domestic violence
Both sentences will be served at Minnesota Correctional Facility – St. Cloud, with 140 days credit for time served.
🚓 OCTOBER 2021: HIGH-SPEED CHASE & STOLEN CAR
According to court records, on October 19, 2021, a Becker County deputy responded to a report of a man passed out in a stolen silver car with no license plates, located near 28499 220th Street, Detroit Lakes.
Upon arrival, the deputy found Beaulieu unconscious in the driver’s seat. When the officer attempted to make contact, Beaulieu woke up, refused to shut off the vehicle, and fled at high speed.
The chase involved:
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Speeds over 100 mph
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Driving in the wrong lane
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Running stop signs
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Near-collisions with oncoming traffic
The pursuit ended after Beaulieu crashed into a ditch near North Cotton Lake Road and attempted to flee on foot. He was ultimately caught and arrested.
As part of a plea deal:
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A felony charge of receiving stolen property and a misdemeanor fleeing on foot charge were dismissed
🏠 SEPTEMBER 2021: ARMED BURGLARY & THREATS
On September 10, 2021, at around 3:00 a.m., police were dispatched to Beaulieu’s former girlfriend’s apartment in Detroit Lakes. According to the criminal complaint:
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Beaulieu forced his way inside
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He took her phone, told her to stop crying or he’d “stuff a knife in her throat”
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He covered her mouth and nose to prevent her from breathing
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He allegedly showed her a knife and claimed he had a gun
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He remained in the apartment for about 40 minutes
A domestic abuse no-contact order was active at the time and prohibited him from having any contact with the victim.
For this incident:
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Beaulieu was convicted of felony first-degree burglary
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A felony threat of violence charge was dropped
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He was found guilty of violating a no-contact order, but no sentence was imposed on that charge
He was fined $1,000 plus $150 in court fees, both to be taken from prison wages if unpaid.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News
🔍 Did you know?
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Fleeing police in a motor vehicle is a felony in Minnesota, often resulting in prison time, especially if public safety is threatened.
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A first-degree burglary conviction involving domestic violence or threats with a weapon can carry a sentence of up to 20 years.
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Violating a domestic abuse no-contact order is a serious offense that may enhance sentencing on related charges.
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St. Cloud Correctional Facility houses many felony-level offenders in Minnesota.
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Combining multiple felonies from different cases in sentencing is common in plea agreements to avoid trial.