WINDOM — A warrant has been issued for Windom resident Joel Flatgard, 50, in connection with felony-level domestic assault charges.
On Oct. 6, the Windom Police Department responded to reports of a potential burglary. When officers arrived at the home they were told the intruder, Flatgard, had left shortly beforehand. The victim was at home with her son when Flatgard knocked on the door. The victim told the police that Flatgard did not appear angry and that she thought he wanted to have a civil conversation with her, so she allowed him to come inside.
Flatgard asked if he could stay at the house. When the victim refused, Flatgard reportedly became angry and began to yell. The victim moved away from Flatgard and into the kitchen, at which point Flatgard picked up a thin metal tray and hit the victim with it. Flatgard allegedly then pinned the victim up against the cabinet with a hand around her neck, to the point where the victim began to feel dizzy.
According to the report, the victim managed to push Flatgard out the front door, but he ran around to the back sliding door, which had been damaged in a previous incident involving Flatgard. He reportedly attempted to dislodge a piece of wood paneling from the door, but left in a white van when the victim said she was going to call the police.
Police tracked down the van and spoke to several of Flatgard’s acquaintances, but have been unable to locate Flatgard.
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Flatgard faces one count of domestic assault by strangulation, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of three years in jail and/or a $5,000 fine.
A mugshot of Flatgard was not available.
