Clay County (trfnews.i234.me): Barnesville Man Charged After Knife Threat
A Barnesville, Minnesota, man is facing multiple criminal charges after allegedly threatening several people with a knife during a domestic dispute.
According to court documents, Austin James Safranski of rural Barnesville became upset on October 3rd over a disagreement about money he believed he was owed.
Witnesses told officers that Safranski grabbed a knife and began threatening people inside the home.
At one point, Safranski reportedly grabbed a phone from someone who was trying to call 911.
Officers later arrived on the scene and found Safranski hiding in the rafters of the home.
Authorities said they had to talk him down before safely taking him into custody.
Safranski has been charged with two felony counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and gross misdemeanor interference with a 911 call.
He was booked into the Clay County Jail following his arrest.
The incident remains under investigation.
If convicted, Safranski could face significant prison time and fines under Minnesota’s assault and domestic violence laws.
For more on state assault statutes, see Minnesota Statute § 609.222.
Authorities are reminding the public that help is available for victims of domestic violence through resources such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
