Warrant Issued for Rochester Man Accused in Drill Attack
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - An arrest warrant has been issued for a Rochester man who is scheduled to stand trial next week on charges that he tried to stab another man with a power drill.
Warrant Issued After Missed Court Hearing
Olmsted County court records show that the warrant was issued for 46-year-old Charles Andrew Tewes after he failed to show up for a pretrial hearing in his case earlier this week. He is charged with two counts of first-degree burglary, including one involving the assault of a person, and a misdemeanor assault charge.
Victim Heard Screws Being Drilled Into His Apartment Door
The criminal complaint says Rochester police responded to an apartment building in northwest Rochester in early March 2024 on a report that Tewes was drilling screws into the door of his residence. The victim also reported that Tewes had done the same thing the previous night.
Allegedly Tried Stabbing the Victim With Drill Bit
It is alleged that when the victim heard the sound of drilling into his wooden door, he found Tewes standing outside holding a drill in his hand. According to the charges, Tewes then entered the apartment and allegedly tried to stab the victim in the chest and neck area with a drill bit.
READ MORE: Charges: Minnesota Man Tried to Stab Resident With Drill Bit
Drill and Screws Recovered During Search
The court document says the victim was able to push Tewes out of his apartment and into the hallway before Tewes fled on foot. A surveillance camera video recorded Tewes running down the stairwell at the property at the same time the 911 call was placed by the victim. Another video shows him entering his apartment carrying a drill, which was later found during a search of his residence that also led to the discovery of screws that matched those found in the victim's door.
Denies Allegations
The criminal complaint indicates police apprehended Tewes in the parking lot at the apartment building. He initially denied having contact with the victim on the day of the attack and denied trying to screw the victim's apartment door shut, but he later told police that the victim threw a board at him while he was walking past the man's apartment.
Court records states that Tewes was released from custody without bail after he was formally arraigned on the charges in 2024.
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Gallery Credit: Elena Kadvany
