Bemidji Man Faces 5 Felonies in Garage Fire Case

Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bemidji man faces five felony charges after an alleged garage fire and violent threats.

Anthony David Bushey Jr., 37, faces two counts of first-degree arson.

He also faces second-degree arson and two counts of terroristic threats.

The charges stem from an August 6, 2026, incident in Beltrami County.

Garage Fire Reported Early Thursday

A woman called 911 around 3:08 a.m. after checking security-camera footage, according to the criminal complaint.

She reported seeing a man running from her garage.

The woman believed the person was Bushey, her former boyfriend.

She also reported seeing an unusual light near the garage.

A responding deputy soon found an active fire growing inside the building.

The garage stood about six feet from the home, prosecutors say.

The woman and her children were inside the nearby house.

The deputy used a fire extinguisher to slow the flames while firefighters were called.

Investigators say Bushey later called the woman while law enforcement was present.

During that call, Bushey allegedly told her that he started the garage fire.

Prosecutors also allege he made several violent threats during the conversation.

Those threats were allegedly directed at the woman and a law enforcement officer.

The complaint says Bushey discussed having someone kill the woman.

He also allegedly referred to firearms and made additional threats involving death and violence.

One first-degree arson count alleges another person could reasonably have been present in the building.

A second count alleges flammable material was used to start or accelerate the fire.

Investigators obtained a warrant to locate Bushey through his cellphone.

He was eventually found in Morrison County and taken into custody.

The first first-degree arson charge carries up to 20 years in prison and a $35,000 fine.

The other first-degree arson count carries up to 20 years and a $20,000 fine.

Each terroristic threats charge carries up to five years and a $10,000 fine.

The case is filed as Beltrami County court file 04-CR-26-1836.

Readers can review Minnesota Statute 609.561 regarding first-degree arson.

Second-degree arson is covered by Minnesota Statute 609.562.

Terroristic threats law appears under Minnesota Statute 609.713.

The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.

Bushey is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.