The Perham man who was arrested last week after a 14-hour standoff with law enforcement was charged with four felonies and one gross misdemeanor in Otter Tail County court last Thursday.
Harold Wayne Pyle, age 42, faces two counts of domestic assault by strangulation and one count each of terroristic threats, interfering with a 911 call and possession of a firearm after conviction of a violent crime.
Pyle turned himself in last Tuesday afternoon after hours of being uncooperative and threatening with police.
The Otter Tail County Sheriff's department received a report of a domestic situation at a home on Toad River Road in Perham at about 12:30 a.m. Tuesday morning; two women reported that Pyle attempted to strangle them.
Court documents state that Pyle had been drinking that night and became angry at his wife. An argument ensued, and he grabbed her forcefully by the throat. When another woman in the home attempted to help, he choked her in the same manner, hitting her head backwards into a cupboard.
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When the other woman tried to call 911, Pyle allegedly smashed her cell phone and told her it would be no good for her to call the police, because she'd, "be dead by the time they come," according to the victims' statement. The women were able to get out of the house and call 911 from another cell phone.
The sheriff's department called in the SWAT team during the standoff. The Perham and New York Mills police departments also assisted.
Pyle is being detained until his next court appearance on April 9, unless he posts $150,000 bail (or $75,000 with conditions).
Pyle had previously been convicted of second degree assault. Court records state that he has also served time in prison for pointing a gun at a 2-year-old.
