Fergus Falls Man Charged in 4 Burglaries After Ring Video
FERGUS FALLS, Minn. (northwestmnnow.com) — A Fergus Falls man faces four felony burglary charges after investigators connected him to break-ins across Otter Tail County.
Christopher Daniel Yost, 38, is accused of burglarizing three homes and a church in western Minnesota.
According to court documents, a homeowner’s Ring doorbell camera helped investigators identify Yost as a suspect.
The criminal complaint connects the incidents to properties near Underwood, Fergus Falls, Clitherall, and Vining.
Ring Camera Captures Suspect at Underwood Home
The investigation gained momentum early October 5, 2026, when a homeowner near Underwood received a security camera alert.
Around 2:30 a.m., the camera recorded a man approaching the owner’s vacant home, which was listed for sale.
The man appeared to tamper with the Ring camera before the device stopped working.
Responding deputies discovered a damaged door frame and a broken strike plate inside the residence.
Investigators compared the surveillance footage with Yost’s driver’s license photograph and previous police body camera recordings.
According to the complaint, those images helped authorities identify Yost.
Debit Card Found at Vining Church Break-In
Investigators also connected Yost to an October 1 burglary at Vining Lutheran Church.
A church employee discovered broken glass and offices that appeared to have been searched.
Authorities reported that approximately $7 to $10 in cash was missing.
Investigators also found a debit card bearing Yost’s name at the scene, according to the complaint.
The evidence became part of the broader investigation into burglaries across Otter Tail County.
Deputies Find Suspected Drugs and Stolen Property
Deputies stopped Yost’s vehicle in Fergus Falls on October 5.
Investigators said he was wearing clothing matching the person captured by the Underwood security camera.
During the investigation, deputies reportedly found approximately 28 grams of a substance suspected to be methamphetamine.
A vehicle search also uncovered tools and property that investigators believed were connected to the burglaries.
The items included a laser level, copper tubing, and feeder wire.
According to court documents, the Underwood homeowner later identified several recovered items as belonging to him.
Court Documents Describe Statements to Investigators
After receiving his Miranda warning, Yost reportedly made statements about several burglaries, according to the criminal complaint.
Investigators say he admitted entering the Underwood home and taking sewing machines from another property near Clitherall.
He also reportedly admitted breaking into three churches, although the filed charges identify one church burglary.
The complaint says Yost connected the break-ins to his methamphetamine addiction.
He also reportedly told investigators he purchased methamphetamine to resell in the Fergus Falls area.
Stolen Check Worth $2,250 Linked to Investigation
Court documents describe another incident involving a home near Fergus Falls between July and August.
A check stolen from that property was later cashed for $2,250 using Yost’s name.
Yost reportedly denied taking the check but acknowledged driving another person to the residence.
Investigators included those statements in the criminal complaint.
Four Felony Burglary Charges Filed
Yost faces four counts of second-degree burglary in Otter Tail County District Court.
Three counts involve residential properties, while the fourth concerns Vining Lutheran Church.
Yost was being held at the Otter Tail County Jail when the charges were reported October 7.
Readers can review public jail information through the Otter Tail County Jail custody list.
Additional court information is available through the Otter Tail County District Court.
The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office also provides information about county law enforcement services.
All charges are allegations. Yost is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m David Keller reporting for Northwest MN Now News.
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