The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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December 10, 2012

Waseca man knocks intruder down with shotgun

The Free Press

WASECA — A woman suspected of burglarizing a Waseca home is in jail after fleeing on foot from the shotgun-wielding homeowner, then being chased and caught  by a  police officer neighbor.

Waseca police said Judie Lynn Kotek, 42, of Medford attempted to hide in a bedroom when the homeowner and his wife returned about 9:45 p.m. Saturday to their home on the 1300 block of Third Street N.W.

The male homeowner, who police did not identify, confronted Kotek with a 12-gauge shotgun. Kotek, armed with a knife found in the home, refused to be detained and tried to escape.

The homeowner struck her with the shotgun, knocking her to the floor. She got up and ran outside.

The homeowner gave chase and yelled to get the attention of the off-duty Waseca officer, who chased after Kotek and detained her about a block away. Stolen items were found in her possession.

Further investigation showed Kotek had removed some items from the home and was continuing to gather more when she was interrupted by the homeowners, Waseca police said in a news release.

She has been charged with five burglary-related felonies with bail set at $50,000.

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