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* Election disclaimer does not apply to an individual/association. * Comments & posts are opinions of the author. * Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. * Wright County Crime Watch

08/12/2025

A Guide to Understanding the Maple Lake Video Evidence / Deputy Mark Lyon

Victim in Maple Lake Grill Incident releases statement: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19PWX1Ymib/

To understand the case being made by Victim 1 in the Maple Lake Grill incident, it is essential to watch the videos in chronological order. This guide presents the evidence as it unfolded to show the full context of the arrest.

This is not just about a customer dispute. It's about a series of alleged procedural failures and contradictions that should concern anyone who believes in equal justice and professional policing.

Video 1: Who Was the Aggressor? – The Initial Confrontation

This first video provides the crucial context for what happened before the police were on the scene and appears to show a clear pattern of aggression.

▪️ A Clear Pattern of Movement: Viewers should watch one simple thing: who is advancing and who is retreating? Victim 1 is seen consistently backing away, creating distance and moving toward his motorcycle to leave. The owners are seen consistently advancing, closing that distance and initiating physical contact.

▪️ An Attempt to De-escalate: This video shows Victim 1 was not the one escalating the situation; he was attempting to end it by leaving. The owners were the ones pursuing and initiating contact. This is the aggression that Victim 1 tried to report to the deputy—the same aggression the deputy allegedly dismissed as not being a crime when it happens to a private citizen.
Video: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/19UeiPG5zF/

Video 2: The Invalid Trespass – The Incident's Turning Point

This second video captures the moment right after the initial confrontation, as the deputy arrives. This is the turning point where the situation should have de-escalated but did not.

▪️ Explicit Permission to Stay: The police were on-site to handle a trespassing complaint. Watch what happens here. After the initial confrontation, the property owner—the person who called the police—tells Victim 1 on camera, “No, you can stand right here.”

▪️ The Legal Basis is Removed: With those words, the owner gave Victim 1 explicit permission to be on the property. At the moment of the arrest, Victim 1 was not a trespasser; he was an invitee. This isn't a matter of interpretation; it’s a recorded fact from the owner's own mouth. The entire legal reason for the police action was eliminated, yet the arrest proceeded.

The Arrest – A Failure of Procedure and a Double Standard

With the context that Victim 1 was retreating from aggressive owners and then was given permission to stay—the deputy’s actions come into sharp focus.

▪️ The Lack of a Lawful Command: Knowing he was not trespassing, Victim 1 asks the deputy a direct, lawful question: “For what?” am I being detained. Instead of providing a reason, the deputy’s immediate response is a threat: comply or be arrested. A threat is not a lawful order.

▪️ The Disputed "Resisting" Claim: The deputy is heard yelling “Stop resisting!” during the arrest. A key claim is that the deputy later told Victim 1 that he was not resisting and that the difficulty in handcuffing him was the deputy's own mistake. If the 'resisting' claim was inaccurate—as Victim 1 alleges the deputy himself later admitted—then the force used was based on a false premise.
https://youtu.be/RhHWNDaFQhk?feature=shared

Video 3
▪️ A Two-Tiered System of Justice: After everything you've seen, listen to the deputy's own words. He explains that if someone were to knock an item off his vest, it would be charged as assault and disorderly conduct. But he argues that when the owner did the equivalent to Victim 1, it was not a crime. The question this raises is simple: Does the law apply equally to all, or does it offer special protection to those in uniform?
https://youtu.be/2lCs_uFSZ3Y?feature=shared

08/11/2025

Zimmerman Man Accused of Throwing Rocks at Victim's Car on Highway, Faces Felony Assault Charge

WRIGHT COUNTY, MN – A Zimmerman man is facing a felony domestic assault charge after he allegedly threw softball-sized rocks at a vehicle being driven by a family member on a Wright County highway.

Nelson, 40, was charged in Wright County District Court with one count of felony-level domestic assault. The charge is enhanced to a felony due to his previous domestic violence-related convictions.

According to the criminal complaint, the Wright County Sheriff’s Office investigated a report of an incident that occurred on or about August 1, 2025. The victim reported that Nelson had attacked her vehicle while she was driving.

The complaint states that Victim 1 provided authorities with dash camera footage of the incident. The video allegedly shows the victim’s vehicle traveling on a highway when Nelson’s vehicle pulls alongside. A loud bang is heard, which the victim stated was the first rock hitting her car. The footage then shows Nelson’s vehicle speeding up before a second, large rock is seen being thrown, striking the victim’s windshield. Victim 1 was forced to swerve to avoid a crash. Nelson’s vehicle was then seen speeding away at a rate estimated to be around 100 mph.

An investigating deputy noted a dent on the passenger side of the victim’s car and a chip in the windshield, consistent with the events captured on video.

The criminal complaint notes that the victim had filed for divorce from Nelson and that he had been violent with her previously. It also states Nelson was arrested in Sherburne County for stalking after allegedly placing a tracking device on the victim's vehicle. At the time of this new charge, Nelson was already in custody at the Sherburne County Jail on charges of felony stalking.

Court records show Nelson has at least three prior convictions for violating a Harassment Restraining Order (HRO) in 2021 and 2022. Under Minnesota law, a domestic assault charge can be enhanced to a felony if the defendant has two or more qualified domestic violence-related convictions within the past ten years.

If convicted on the new felony charge, Nelson faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both. A warrant has been issued, and he is ordered to be held without bail ("Body only").

All charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Full name and case number
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Axot4Mry2/

08/11/2025

Buffalo Man Charged in Connection with St. Michael Domestic Incident

ST. MICHAEL, MN – A Buffalo man is facing felony charges following a domestic incident in St. Michael last week.

Pedlar, 56, was officially charged in Wright County District Court with Threats of Violence - Reckless Disregard Risk (Felony) and Domestic Assault - Commits Act to Cause Fear (Misdemeanor).

According to the criminal complaint, Wright County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a domestic disturbance on August 9. The complaint alleges that a verbal argument between Pedlar and a household member escalated.

Court documents state that Pedlar allegedly committed acts that caused the victim to fear for their safety and made threats of violence. The victim was able to leave the residence and contact law enforcement for help.

Upon investigation, authorities noted evidence of a disturbance at the scene. The complaint also mentions that two fi****ms were present in the home at the time of the incident.

Pedlar has been arrested and a judge has ordered him to be detained. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Full name and case number:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/175TfVtEiW/

08/11/2025

UPDATE: Victim in Maple Lake Grill Incident Alleges Unlawful Detention, Shifting Narrative, and Double Standards by Deputy

Original Article: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1aW48CBBgn/

A Guide to Understanding the Maple Lake Video Evidence
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16vkDBMRFv/

Video from when the victim was retreating after they smacked his hand: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1HQ2dCkd5T/

MAPLE LAKE, MN – Following our initial report on the troubling confrontation at the Maple Lake Bar and Grill, Wright County Watch has received new information directly from the individual involved, whom we will refer to as Victim 1. In an email sent to our organization and deputies, Victim 1 has provided his detailed account of the events.

This new information paints a disturbing picture of alleged misconduct and an unequal application of the law.

Victim 1's Account of the Incident

According to Victim 1's email, the confrontation did not begin over a simple trespass. He asserts the following:

▪️ The incident occurred after he had eaten his meal. He claims that after finishing his food, he went outside to take pictures of a broken window he had been told about. This action, he says, "infuriated" the owners.

▪️ The owner assaulted him and damaged his property. Victim 1 alleges that the owner "smashed my phone out of my hand," which he claims is evidenced by a blurry photo he captured at that moment.

▪️ He was the one being aggressed upon. He claims he was consistently moving away from the owners, who were advancing on him until Deputy Mark Lyon arrived.

▪️ The deputy allegedly admitted to having no information. A key claim from Victim 1 is that Deputy Lyon "admitted he was operating on an anonymous tip with no clue who was involved in some alleged incident." This raises serious questions about the legal grounds for the subsequent detention.

▪️ The deputy's story allegedly changed to fit a new narrative. Victim 1 claims that later in the encounter, Deputy Lyon changed his story, stating he was there specifically to investigate a complaint from the owner. When Victim 1 confronted the deputy about this contradiction, pointing out his earlier admission of not knowing why he was there, the deputy reportedly went silent.

▪️ The deputy later allegedly admitted the victim was not resisting. In a stunning contradiction to his actions during the arrest, Victim 1 claims that the deputy later admitted the victim was not resisting and that the difficulty in applying the handcuffs was the deputy's own error.

▪️ Deputy Lyon was biased and applied a double standard. Victim 1 alleges the deputy sided with the owners, treating them as victims simply because they made the call. When Victim 1 sought to press charges for the owner knocking his phone from his hand, the deputy allegedly explained that while knocking something off a deputy's vest would be assault and disorderly conduct, the same standard did not apply when it happened to a private citizen. The deputy also incorrectly stated the owners couldn't be charged with disorderly conduct on their own property.

▪️ His rights were violated. Victim 1 claims Deputy Lyon illegally forced him to provide identification under threat of arrest and violated his First Amendment right to record by physically turning his video recorder off during the encounter.
-WCSO General Policy (Policy 423.2)
The Wright County Sheriff's Office recognizes the right of the public to lawfully record its members while they are performing their official duties. Officers will not prohibit or intentionally interfere with such lawful recordings.

Video Evidence Surfaces

The video footage provided by Victim 1 appears to substantiate several of his claims. The footage shows a tense interaction with both the owners of the Maple Lake Grill and Deputy Lyon.

Key moments from the video include:

▪️ Confrontation with Owners: The male owner can be heard telling Victim 1 to stop videotaping on his property. When asked if he wants him to leave, the owner appears conflicted, at one point saying, "No, you can stand right here" because the deputies are there, before the situation escalates.

▪️ Detainment by Deputy Lyon: After speaking with the owner, Deputy Lyon approaches Victim 1. With Victim 1's claim that the deputy was acting on a vague, anonymous tip as context, the exchange becomes even more pointed. When asked if he is being detained, the deputy states, "Yes, you are." When Victim 1 asks what he is being detained for, the deputy tells him to move or he will "go in handcuffs," without immediately providing a specific crime he is suspected of.

▪️ Physical Arrest: The situation quickly escalates to a physical arrest. As the deputy attempts to handcuff him, the camera view becomes chaotic. The deputy is heard yelling, "Stop it," and "Stop resisting"—a claim the victim says the deputy later recanted—while Victim 1 can be heard stating he is trying to comply and put his hands together. The video is then physically obstructed and appears to be turned off by the deputy.

These new details and video evidence raise serious questions about the conduct of both the owners of the Maple Lake Grill and the responding Wright County Sheriff's Deputy. The public deserves transparency.

Wright County Watch calls on the Wright County Sheriff's Office to conduct a full and impartial internal investigation into Deputy Lyon's conduct during this arrest. We also urge the Wright County Attorney's office to review this new evidence before proceeding with any charges against the owners.

We will continue to monitor this situation closely and provide updates as they become available.

08/11/2025

Traffic Stop for Seatbelt Violation Leads to Drug, BB Gun Charges for Princeton Man

CLEARWATER, MN – A routine traffic stop for a seatbelt violation and an inoperable brake light resulted in felony drug and weapons charges for a Princeton man, according to a criminal complaint filed in Wright County District Court.

Cafferty, 38, of Princeton, was charged with one felony count of fifth-degree drug possession and one gross misdemeanor count for carrying a BB gun in a public place.

According to the probable cause statement filed on August 11, 2025, a Wright County Sheriff's deputy initiated a traffic stop on an Oldsmobile Delta 88 on Highway 24 in Clearwater at approximately 3:10 p.m. on August 8. The deputy observed that the driver, later identified as Cafferty, was not wearing a seatbelt and that a brake light on the vehicle was out.

The complaint states that the deputy saw a broken glass bubble pipe, a makeshift pipe, and a prescription pill bottle in a box on the front passenger seat in plain view. When asked about the items, Cafferty allegedly stated the pipe was for his medical ma*****na and produced another pipe from his pocket that contained ma*****na.

A subsequent search of the vehicle allegedly yielded 0.42 grams of a substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. Deputies also located a holstered G***k 17 Gen 5 air pistol under the driver's seat, which was loaded with .177 caliber BBs and a CO2 cartridge. The complaint notes that after being read his Miranda rights, Cafferty said he had the BB gun for his protection.

Cafferty was taken into custody and an Order of Detention was issued by the court. If convicted, the felony drug charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The gross misdemeanor charge is punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine.

Full name and case number:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1F46fWzLfZ/

08/11/2025

Marshall Man Arrested in Maple Lake Driving Stolen Truck, Faces Felony Charge

MAPLE LAKE, Minn. – A Marshall man was arrested in Wright County early Tuesday morning after a deputy discovered he was driving a truck that had been reported stolen just hours earlier, according to a criminal complaint filed in District Court.

Vanheel, 25, of Marshall, faces a felony charge for receiving stolen property and a misdemeanor charge for driving after revocation.

According to the complaint, on August 10, 2025, at approximately 4:50 a.m., a Wright County Sheriff's deputy stopped a Chevrolet S10 pickup truck in the City of Maple Lake. A license plate check had revealed the vehicle was reported stolen out of Marshall at 3:06 a.m. that same morning.

The driver was identified as Vanheel. A check of his driving record showed that his license privileges were revoked.

Court documents state that a subsequent search of the truck uncovered two bags of Vanheel's clothing, a G***k brand BB gun, and a credit card belonging to a deceased individual, which was found inside Vanheel's wallet. The defendant's dog was also in the vehicle at the time of the arrest.

Vanheel has been formally charged in Wright County District Court with one count of receiving stolen property (motor vehicle), a felony, and one count of driving after revocation, a misdemeanor. An Order of Detention was issued, and he remains in custody pending further court proceedings.

Full name and case number:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14KtsbkZ1BH/

08/10/2025

Burglary Aftermath in Maple Lake: A Troubling Confrontation Raises Community Safety Concerns

Victim releases statement: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19PWX1Ymib/

A Guide to Understanding the Maple Lake Video Evidence
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16vkDBMRFv/

Video from when the victim was retreating after they smacked his hand: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1HQ2dCkd5T/

MAPLE LAKE – A local burglary investigation took a dramatic turn on Sunday, involving a helicopter search, a school alert, and a deeply concerning confrontation involving the armed owner of the Maple Lake Bar and Grill. While the community waits for details on the break-in, the owner's alleged response has created a separate and immediate issue of public safety.

Here is what we know: The incident began with a burglary at the bar and grill, believed to have occurred early Sunday morning. Later that day, the search for a suspect intensified, leading to a heavy police presence near Maple Lake School.

The district confirmed law enforcement used school cameras to track a suspect who ran past the Activity Center around 12:40 p.m. on Sunday. Concurrently, a Minnesota State Patrol helicopter was seen searching the area.

At the same time, a tense scene unfolded outside the business itself. According to a witness, the owner of the bar and grill, who was carrying a handgun, aggressively confronted a customer for photographing a broken window visible from the public street. The owner then reportedly knocked the phone out of the individual's hand.

🔸️While a police investigation is ongoing, the reported actions of the owner cannot be overlooked.

The alleged actions of the owner are deeply troubling. While a burglary is a stressful and violating event, responding by aggressively confronting members of the public is unacceptable. Until the business addresses this serious concern and assures the community of its safety, I would personally recommend that residents avoid the establishment.

Public trust is fragile. When a business owner's response to a crime introduces a new element of potential danger to the public, it becomes a community-wide concern. We await a formal statement from law enforcement on both the burglary and this confrontation.

The owner of the Maple Lake Bar and Grill did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
_______________________

Factual Explainer: Burglary vs. Robbery

While often used interchangeably, "burglary" and "robbery" are distinct crimes. The key difference lies in whether the crime is against property or a person.

▪️ Burglary
A crime against property. It involves unlawfully entering a structure (like a home or business) with the intent to commit a crime inside, most commonly theft. The building is often empty, and force against a person is not a required element.

▪️ Robbery
A crime against a person. It involves taking something of value directly from a person by using force, intimidation, or the threat of force. Examples include a mugging or holding up a cashier at gunpoint.

In this case: The initial crime is being investigated as a burglary because it involved someone breaking into a building. The later incident involving the handgun was part of the aftermath, not the original crime itself.

08/09/2025

EXPIRED Severe Thunderstorm Watch in effect until about 4am Sat. Aug. 9, 2025 for Wright County Minnesota. The pin drops on the map indicate the different cities in Wright County.

08/09/2025

Otsego Man Faces Two Felony Drug Charges After Allegedly Fleeing Delano Sober House

WRIGHT COUNTY, MN – An Otsego man is facing two separate felony drug charges following incidents in July and August, one of which involved him allegedly fleeing from a sober house in Delano after admitting to possessing methamphetamine.

7x felon Timothy Allen Hanson, 59, of Otsego, was charged in Wright County District Court with two counts of fifth-degree possession of a controlled substance.

According to the first criminal complaint, the more recent incident occurred on August 7, 2025. A Wright County Sheriff's Office agent arrested Hanson in the City of Otsego on an active warrant. A subsequent search allegedly yielded 3.0 grams of a substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine.

A second criminal complaint details the incident that led to the warrant. On July 18, 2025, a probation agent from the Minnesota Department of Corrections went to search Hanson's room at a sober house in Delano. Court documents state that Hanson admitted he would fail a drug test for recent methamphetamine use and said the drug was in his room, for which he was the sole occupant.

The probation agent located the substance and contacted the Wright County Sheriff's Office. However, before deputies arrived, Hanson allegedly fled from the sober house. Deputies took custody of 2.57 grams of a substance found in the room, which also field-tested positive for methamphetamine.

Each felony count carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both. Hanson is currently in custody.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

86-CR-25-4736
86-CR-25-4737
_________________

Based on court records, Timothy Allen Hanson has the following convictions with their disposition dates:

Felony Convictions:
▪️ Possess Ammo/Any Firearm - Conviction or Adjudicated Delinquent for Crime of Violence (08/30/2023)
▪️ Drugs - 5th Degree - Possess Schedule 1,2,3,4 - Not Small Amount Ma*****na (08/30/2023)
▪️ Damage to Property - 1st Degree - Value Reduced Over $1000 (08/30/2023)
▪️ Drugs - 1st Degree - Manufacture Methamphetamine (Conspiracy to Commit) (12/16/2008)
▪️ Drugs - 1st Degree - Manufacture Methamphetamine (10/14/2002)
▪️ Attempted Controlled Substance Crime 1st Degree (Aid/Abet) (09/25/2002)
▪️ Controlled Substance Crime 2nd Degree (09/25/2002)

Gross Misdemeanor Convictions:
▪️ Possess Pistol/Assault Weapon - Previous Felony Conviction (07/24/2014)

Misdemeanor Convictions:
▪️ Assault - 5th Degree - Inflict or Attempt Bodily Harm (03/13/2024)
▪️ 1st Traffic-Drivers License - Driving After Suspension (03/02/2012)
▪️ Disorderly Conduct (05/13/1998)
▪️ Possession of a Small Amount of Ma*****na in a Motor Vehicle (03/31/1993)

08/08/2025

Call to Police About Being Followed Leads to Felony Drug, DWI Charges for Albertville Man

MONTICELLO, Minn. – An Albertville man who called authorities for help because he believed he was being followed is now facing felony drug and misdemeanor DWI charges after an early morning encounter with law enforcement at a local gas station.

Werner Jr., 31, was charged Friday in Wright County District Court with fourth-degree possession of a controlled substance, a felony, and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor.

According to the criminal complaint, a Wright County Sheriff’s deputy responded to a Holiday gas station in Monticello around 4:14 a.m. on Thursday, August 7, 2025. The call was initiated by Werner, who reported that he had been followed by another vehicle.

Upon arrival, the deputy observed that Werner showed "indicia of controlled substance use," the complaint states. Werner allegedly admitted to the deputy that he had taken a "double dose of Adderall" before driving his Toyota Camry to the gas station.

After performing poorly on field sobriety tests, Werner was arrested. A search of his vehicle allegedly yielded more than 17 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, five microdose "magic mushroom" chocolate bars, and three packages of "magic mushroom" gummies. Psilocybin is a Schedule I hallucinogen.

Authorities obtained a search warrant for a blood sample from Werner, which was collected for testing with results currently pending. An Order of Detention has been issued, and court records indicate Werner is being held in custody.

Full name and case number:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CofFPzySQ/

Address

Buffalo, MN
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http://wrightcountywatch.wordpress.com/2025/05/31/wright-county-news-sources/, http://www.facebook.com/groups/wrightcoun

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