Grand Forks (trfnews.i234.me) — A Grand Forks man is facing two felony counts of terrorizing after police say he threatened two officers while holding a rifle outside his home.
John P.Z. Fjestad, of Grand Forks, is charged with two felony counts of terrorizing and one misdemeanor count of DUI, according to court documents.
Cold-Weather Call Turns Tense
According to the probable cause summary, officers made contact with Fjestad on December 28 at about 8:47 p.m.
Police say they found him outside his residence at 622 North Fifth Street in Grand Forks.
Officers said he appeared highly intoxicated and was stuck in the snow.
Police said a report claimed he had been stuck at another location earlier.
That report also said he left without headlights.
Court documents say he also threatened to shoot someone who tried to help him.
Concern Raised Over Dog in Extreme Cold
Police said Fjestad had two dogs with him in the pickup.
One dog was inside the truck, and another was outside, near the vehicle.
Officers said Fjestad went inside his home with one dog.
They said he left the other dog outside by the truck.
Police noted the wind chill was about 22 degrees below.
Officers told him the dog could not stay outside, according to the documents.
Police said they warned him they may have to break a window to rescue the dog.
They said the dog would be taken to the Grand Forks Humane Society for safety.
Rifle Displayed, Officers Retreat
Court documents say Fjestad became angry and shouted threats.
Police report he told officers, “I will shatter your effing life.”
Officers returned to the roadway to wait, according to the report.
While in the street, they say Fjestad appeared at a window holding a rifle.
Police say he looked out at the officers while holding the weapon.
Court documents say the officers feared for their lives.
Police report one officer took cover behind a patrol vehicle.
Both officers then backed away to a safer distance, the report states.
Pursuit and Arrest
Police said they watched from afar to make sure he did not drive again.
However, documents say Fjestad got into his pickup and drove off.
Officers followed due to public safety concerns, according to the complaint.
Police say he went off the road again near 7th Avenue North and North Fourth Street.
They said he became stuck in the snow a second time.
Officers then took him into custody without further incident.
Alcohol Items Listed in Vehicle
Court documents say officers found multiple alcohol items in the pickup.
The report lists empty and unopened “shooters” bottles and beer.
North Dakota DUI law information is posted here: N.D.C.C. Title 39, Chapter 08.
As with any criminal case, the charges are allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.