PEQUOT LAKES, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) – A Grand Forks man faces four felony charges after allegedly firing a rifle and threatening three teenagers near Pequot Lakes.
Investigators say the confrontation began when the teenagers were riding a side-by-side vehicle and repeatedly honking its horn.
James Allen Rivet, 42, of Grand Forks, North Dakota, is charged with three counts of second-degree assault and one count of threats of violence.
Police Investigate Reported Gun Threats
According to the criminal complaint, Pequot Lakes police received a report of a threatening incident around 6:07 p.m. on October 4, 2026.
The alleged confrontation occurred earlier that day at a property along County Road 168 in Crow Wing County.
An officer met with three juvenile complainants at the Pequot Lakes Fire Department.
One teenager reported that Rivet was staying in a detached garage on the property.
She said she and two friends were riding around in a side-by-side vehicle while honking its horn.
Man Allegedly Confronts Teenagers With Rifle
According to the complaint, Rivet came outside the garage holding what appeared to be a rifle.
He allegedly told the teenagers to stop honking their horn.
During the confrontation, one teenager asked Rivet whether he intended to shoot her.
Rivet allegedly responded that he would shoot her and the vehicle’s tire.
The teenager reported being frightened and drove away to notify her grandmother.
She told investigators Rivet held the rifle up but did not point it directly at the teenagers.
The other two teenagers provided similar accounts, according to police.
All three described the firearm as a brown-and-black rifle.
Property Owner Reports Gunshots
Investigators also interviewed the property owner, who had not personally witnessed the confrontation.
She said the teenagers approached her visibly upset after the incident.
According to the complaint, the property owner reported that Rivet had fired two gunshots to get their attention.
She contacted Rivet and questioned his actions.
Rivet reportedly explained that he was upset about the teenagers repeatedly honking near his garage.
Rivet Admits Firing Rifle, Denies Threatening Teens
Police subsequently contacted Rivet at the detached garage.
According to the complaint, Rivet admitted firing a rifle but disputed the teenagers’ account of his threats.
He reportedly stated that the teenagers continued honking despite being told to stop.
Rivet told investigators he fired three rounds into nearby woods, away from the teenagers.
He denied threatening to shoot the teenagers.
However, Rivet admitted threatening to shoot the side-by-side’s tire if necessary.
He described the firearm as an AK-style rifle with brown-and-black coloring.
Police later located the firearm inside the residence where Rivet was staying.
Four Felony Charges Filed
Rivet faces four felony charges in Crow Wing County District Court.
Counts 1, 2, and 3: Second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon under Minnesota Statute 609.222.
Each count involves a separate juvenile complainant.
Each charge carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison, a $14,000 fine, or both.
Count 4: Felony threats of violence under Minnesota Statute 609.713.
That charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.
Rivet was arrested following the investigation.
The complaint does not report that anyone was struck by gunfire or physically injured.
The case is filed under Crow Wing County District Court number 18-CR-26-3718.
All charges remain allegations. Rivet is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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