Onamia Woman Charged After Home Struggle With Police

A welfare check at an Onamia home escalated into a violent struggle when a woman allegedly pinned a police officer to the ground, tried to take the officer’s firearm and broke the officer’s radio, according to the complaint.

Megan Ashley Winkler, 36, of Onamia, faces six felony and gross misdemeanor charges: first-degree assault for using deadly force against a peace officer, two counts of fourth-degree assault on a peace officer, attempted disarming of a peace officer, obstructing legal process and fourth-degree damage to property.

According to the complaint, on September 16, 2026, Onamia police were dispatched to Winkler’s residence for a welfare check after a family member reported being unable to reach her. Officers confirmed Winkler had outstanding felony and gross misdemeanor warrants. When an officer arrived and informed Winkler she was under arrest, she tried to retreat into her home and attempted to shut the door on the officer.

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The complaint states the officer stepped inside to prevent Winkler from escaping. Winkler initially complied with commands but then began resisting, tensing up and breaking the officer’s grip. She shoved the officer backward, bringing the officer to the ground and pinning the officer underneath her.

While the officer was pinned, Winkler ripped the officer’s radio and microphone from the officer’s vest and threw them into another room, breaking the microphone and preventing communication with dispatch. She also threw the officer’s cell phone out of reach.

Winkler then placed both hands on the officer’s firearm and tried to disarm the officer, ignoring repeated commands to stop. The officer attempted to create distance but was unable due to being pinned. Winkler continued grabbing for the firearm and prevented the officer from escaping. During the struggle, Winkler yelled at the officer, “How did you think you were going to enter my home without my permission?”

Backup from the Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Office arrived and saw Winkler stepping away from the officer and yelling. Deputies were told Winkler had been grabbing the officer’s firearm. Winkler continued to resist arrest, kicking one of the deputies in the chest and midsection and trying to maneuver her handcuffed hands to the front of her body. Deputies had to physically remove her from the couch, pull her to the floor and carry her outside while she continued to resist.

The complaint details that Winkler made repeated hostile and threatening statements to officers both inside and outside the home, including, “I hope you f****** die in a harsh way. I hope it’s a painful f****** slow death,” and other profanities. She continued refusing instructions and had to be physically assisted to the squad car.

The Onamia officer later documented injuries including a large, tender red knot on the upper right bicep and a patch of skin missing on the forearm.

The charges were filed Friday, September 18, in Mille Lacs County District Court.

About This Charge

Minnesota classifies assault by degree under § 609.221 (first), § 609.222 (second), § 609.223 (third), § 609.2231 (fourth) and § 609.224 (fifth). First-degree assault, alleging great bodily harm, carries up to 20 years in prison. The lower degrees range from misdemeanor up to 10-year felony exposure depending on weapon use and harm.