DETROIT LAKES, Minn. — A 38-year-old Detroit Lakes man faces felony charges of domestic assault by strangulation and simple robbery following a November 4 incident at a residence on Barbara Avenue.
Matthew Wayne Covey was charged in Becker County District Court on November 5 and remains in custody under an order of detention.
According to the criminal complaint, Covey had been detoxing from fentanyl and was staying at a residence with a girlfriend and the homeowner. One of the victims reportedly woke up to find Covey naked and tearing up the room while searching for fentanyl.
During the ensuing argument, Covey allegedly grabbed the victim’s neck with both hands, putting her in a chokehold until she began to pass out. When the homeowner intervened with a three-foot pole, Covey allegedly struck her with it.
The complaint further states that Covey grabbed a phone from a victim who was trying to call 911, hitting her in the head during the struggle, before fleeing with the phone. Police later located Covey at another residence with the stolen phone, which was confirmed to belong to the victim.
The domestic assault charge carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison or a $5,000 fine, while the robbery charge carries up to 10 years in prison or a $20,000 fine. Covey is scheduled to make his first appearance in Becker County Court on November 6.
