Audubon Man Charged After Shots Fired Over Pet Rabbit

AUDUBON, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A Becker County man faces three felony charges following a dispute involving his neighbor’s pet rabbit.

Brandon Paul Szalay, 43, allegedly fired several rifle rounds near his neighbor during the confrontation.

Investigators say the shooting left the neighbor with a leg injury believed to have been caused by bullet fragments.

Dispute Begins After Dogs Kill Pet Rabbit

Audubon police and Becker County deputies responded to a report of gunfire on October 20, 2026.

According to court documents, the incident began after Szalay’s dogs allegedly killed his neighbor’s daughter’s emotional support rabbit.

The neighbor went to Szalay’s residence to confront him about the animal’s death.

The two men argued, according to the criminal complaint filed in Becker County District Court.

During the confrontation, the neighbor reportedly threw the dead rabbit over a fence.

Prosecutors allege Szalay then went inside his home and returned carrying an AR-15-style rifle.

The complaint alleges Szalay pointed the rifle at his neighbor and fired several shots toward the ground.

Investigators reported that four bullets struck the ground around the man.

Another round struck a nearby fence, while a separate shot hit a tool.

Debris from the gunfire struck the neighbor’s leg, causing an injury.

Investigators believe bullet fragments may have caused the injury.

Authorities have not released additional information about the man’s condition.

Officers took Szalay into custody at the scene.

According to the complaint, officers observed signs that he had consumed alcohol.

Investigators later obtained a search warrant for his residence.

The search reportedly uncovered five spent shell casings and six firearms.

Authorities identified three rifles and three pistols among the weapons recovered.

Investigators also reported finding ammunition and firearm parts inside the residence.

Szalay faces one count of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon.

That charge carries a maximum possible sentence of seven years in prison.

He also faces two felony counts involving illegal possession of firearms or ammunition.

Each firearm possession charge carries a maximum possible sentence of 15 years.

The complaint cites Szalay’s prior felony drug convictions from 2006 and 2008.

Those convictions reportedly make him ineligible to possess firearms or ammunition for life.

The listed penalties are statutory maximums, not sentences imposed by the court.

As of the October 22 report, Szalay remained in custody at the Becker County Jail.

His next scheduled court appearance is November 2, 2026.

Readers can find jail information through the Becker County Sheriff’s Office.

Public case information is available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The case was also reported by Valley News Live.

The charges remain allegations, and Szalay is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.