On July 17, 2025 at approximately 9:06PM, Officer Noor of the Faribault Police Department responded to an altercation between employees at Hy-Vee at [ADDRESS REDACTED] in the City of Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. The two employees were in a romantic relationship. Officer Noor spoke with A. L., Victim herein, who explained that her boyfriend, identified as CHRISTOPHER JOHN KOTEK [DOB REDACTED], Defendant herein, had gotten mad at Victim for talking to her ex-boyfriend, who also works at Hy-Vee.
Victim [NAME REDACTED] told her "We're done" because he didn't trust her anymore. Victim [NAME REDACTED], "Fine" and threw her plastic soda cup at Defendant. Victim told the officer that Defendant then grabbed her, and at one point during the altercation, Defendant put his hand on Victim's neck. Officer Noor noticed a visible red mark on the side of Victim's neck. Officers were able to obtain surveillance footage of the incident. Sergeant Gramling reviewed the footage and observed Defendant was sitting by himself in the dining area at Hy-Vee when Victim approached Defendant and they appeared to be talking.
After a few minutes, Victim was seen throwing a cup at Defendant. Victim was seen walking away before returning to the booth. Sergeant Gramling then observed Defendant shoving Victim backwards and the two began wrestling. During the altercation, Sergeant Gramling observed Defendant swinging his fists and punching Victim [NAME REDACTED]. Defendant and Victim [NAME REDACTED] from the altercation and Defendant sat back down in the booth. Sergeant Gramling observed Victim standing at the edge of the table talking to Defendant, and that when Defendant attempted to get up, Victim stepped in front of him.
The surveillance footage showed Defendant and Victim begin pushing and grabbing each other again. Sergeant Gramling observed that Defendant grabbed Victim [NAME REDACTED] in the booth. The footage did not show how Defendant was controlling Victim, but Victim's statement to Officer Noor indicated that this is when Defendant had his hand on Victim's neck. Victim reported to officers that her ability to breathe was not restricted but that she did receive injuries to her neck and throat. A review of Defendant's criminal history does not show any qualifying prior convictions which would enhance this offense.
