Warren Man Accused of Pointing Loaded Rifle at Wife

WARREN, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – A 79-year-old Warren man faces a felony assault charge following an armed confrontation with authorities on Christmas Eve.

Richard Lynn Albaugh is accused of threatening his wife with a loaded rifle inside their Warren home.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Marshall County District Court, the incident occurred December 24, 2025.

The confrontation prompted a law enforcement response, negotiations, and an eventual surrender.

911 Call Brings Deputies to Warren Home

The investigation began when Marshall County dispatch received a 911 call from Casey Laswell.

Laswell reported that Brenda Albaugh had contacted him about her husband’s concerning statements.

Deputies responded to the residence around 3:50 p.m. and arrived approximately four minutes later.

According to court documents, Brenda Albaugh answered the door and confirmed her husband was inside.

She told deputies that Richard Albaugh was sitting on a couch near the entrance with a rifle.

The rifle’s barrel was reportedly positioned beneath his chin.

Authorities immediately moved Brenda Albaugh away from the residence and requested additional assistance.

Armed Man Initially Refuses to Leave Home

Deputies contacted Richard Albaugh by telephone and encouraged him to put down the weapon.

According to the complaint, Albaugh initially refused to leave the residence.

He reportedly told deputies he was experiencing serious financial difficulties.

Authorities continued speaking with him while maintaining positions outside the home.

After several minutes, the telephone connection ended.

Deputies called Albaugh again and continued efforts to persuade him to surrender peacefully.

Man Walks Outside Carrying Loaded Rifle

Albaugh eventually exited through the home’s north entrance while holding a long gun.

According to the complaint, he walked toward deputies despite repeated commands to drop the weapon.

Officers moved to safer positions while continuing to issue commands.

The confrontation ended when Albaugh surrendered without further violence.

Deputies recovered a loaded semiautomatic rifle from his possession.

Court documents state the firearm had a round in the chamber.

No injuries from gunfire were reported in the supplied complaint.

Albaugh Transported for Medical Evaluation

After the surrender, deputies escorted Albaugh to an ambulance for medical evaluation.

He was transported to North Valley Health Center in Warren.

The complaint describes another concerning incident during transport involving a seat belt.

Deputies intervened and escorted Albaugh into the medical facility.

According to court records, Albaugh made statements about wanting to harm himself.

Hospital staff also reportedly told deputies that Albaugh described a plan involving his wife and himself.

He was later transported to Sanford in Fargo for additional medical care.

Wife Reports Earlier Threat With Rifle

On December 25, investigators contacted Brenda Albaugh to provide information about her husband’s transfer to Fargo.

During that conversation, she disclosed additional details about the events before deputies arrived.

According to the complaint, Brenda said her husband had pointed the rifle directly at her head.

She alleged he threatened her and ordered her not to contact police.

Brenda told investigators that the threat explained why she contacted Casey Laswell instead of calling law enforcement herself.

Her statements became part of the evidence supporting the felony assault allegation.

Felony Second-Degree Assault Charge Filed

Prosecutors charged Richard Lynn Albaugh with second-degree assault involving a dangerous weapon.

The charge falls under Minnesota Statute 609.222, subdivision 1.

Prosecutors allege Albaugh threatened Brenda Albaugh by pointing a loaded firearm at her head.

A conviction could carry up to seven years in prison, a $14,000 fine, or both.

These penalties represent the maximum punishment allowed by statute, not a sentence imposed by the court.

More information about the charge is available through Minnesota’s second-degree assault statute.

Marshall County Court Proceedings

The case is filed in Marshall County District Court within Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.

The court file number is 45-CR-25-457.

The prosecutor’s file number is CA8377.

The supplied complaint identifies a warrant but does not establish the current warrant status or final case outcome.

Additional court information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

Information about local public safety services is available through the Marshall County official website.

The felony assault allegation has not been proven in court.

Albaugh is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.