Mahnomen: Sargent Charged in MnDOT Worker Threats
MAHNOMEN (trfnews.i234.me) — Andrew Thomas Sargent, 27, faces a felony charge following reported threats against two transportation workers.
Prosecutors say the confrontation happened September 9, 2026, near Highway 59 and East Adams Avenue in Mahnomen.
The alleged dispute centered on crosswalk signs, according to a Mahnomen County criminal complaint.
MnDOT Workers Report Threats During Sign Work
Marc Runningen and Justin Leitheiser were replacing road signs for the Minnesota Department of Transportation, according to the complaint.
Runningen told police a man arrived on a bicycle, dropped it, and demanded changes to the crosswalk signs.
The man reportedly said he felt he needed to hurt someone and warned that people would die.
Runningen said the man removed his hoodie and extended his arms as though preparing to fight.
Runningen explained the agency’s complaint process and suggested calling 911, according to his account.
He alleged the man refused and repeatedly threatened violence unless the signs were moved immediately.
Runningen also described the man advancing toward him while he stepped backward.
The supplied complaint does not describe a physical attack or an injury to either worker.
Workers Identify Man in Photograph
Runningen reported the incident to police around 12:11 p.m. on September 10.
Investigators also described a September 9 phone call from Sargent about the same crosswalk.
According to the filing, Sargent wanted additional signs installed or the crosswalk removed.
Police later showed a photograph of Sargent to Runningen and Leitheiser.
Both workers identified the photographed man as the person involved, the complaint states.
The charging document does not explain whether the crosswalk signs were eventually changed.
Felony Threats Charge Filed
Sargent faces one felony count under Minnesota Statute 609.713, subdivision 1.
The law addresses threats to commit violent crimes with intent to cause terror or reckless disregard of that risk.
A conviction can bring up to five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.
Those are maximum possible penalties, not a sentence imposed in this case.
The supplied complaint does not allege that Sargent used a weapon.
It also does not list any additional criminal charges arising from the encounter.
First Court Appearance Set for October 28
The Mahnomen County District Court calendar lists Sargent’s first appearance for Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
The hearing is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. in Courtroom 1 before Judge Seamus Patrick Duffy.
The calendar was printed October 23, and hearing schedules can change.
The case number is 44-CR-26-598, with prosecutor file 0440029931 and police incident number 26002158.
The complaint is labeled a summons rather than an order of detention.
Additional public filings may be found through Minnesota Court Records Online.
The available documents do not establish a plea, conviction, or final case outcome.
Sargent is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.
