MOORHEAD, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A 35-year-old Moorhead man faces four criminal charges after police allegedly discovered an unserialized handgun during an early morning disturbance investigation.
Lane Ryan Begay has been charged in Clay County District Court with one felony, one gross misdemeanor, and two misdemeanors.
According to court documents, Begay also registered a .242 alcohol concentration on a preliminary breath test.
Police Respond to Disturbance Involving Firearms
The incident occurred November 1, 2026, at approximately 2:30 a.m.
Moorhead police responded to a disturbance at an apartment building on 17th Street South.
Dispatchers reported allegations that one woman had been groped and another had been physically assaulted.
Officers were also informed that two men reportedly had firearms at the gathering.
One weapon was described as a Glock 19 pistol, while the other was reportedly an AR-style firearm.
Authorities also received reports that an armed individual had assaulted three women during the gathering.
Those reported assaults are separate from the four firearm-related charges filed against Begay.
Officers Discover Handgun in Man’s Waistband
When officers arrived, they observed several people leaving the apartment building.
Police detained Begay as he exited the south side of the building.
According to the criminal complaint, an officer conducted a pat-down search and discovered a firearm concealed in Begay’s waistband.
Officers removed the weapon and placed Begay in handcuffs.
He was then taken to a patrol vehicle and advised of his constitutional rights.
Begay agreed to answer questions but initially denied knowing anything about the disturbance.
Gun Allegedly Had No Serial Number
Investigators questioned Begay about the handgun recovered from his waistband.
According to court records, Begay initially claimed the firearm belonged to someone else.
He reportedly told officers that a “customer” had given him the weapon.
However, Begay later allegedly stated that the handgun had been custom-made for him.
He reportedly acknowledged possessing the firearm for approximately two years.
Police described the weapon as having an 80% lower receiver and a black Glock-style slide.
Investigators reported that the handgun had no visible serial number and appeared homemade.
Preliminary Breath Test Registers .242
During the investigation, officers reported smelling a strong odor of alcohol coming from Begay.
They also observed that his speech appeared slurred, according to the complaint.
Begay agreed to provide a preliminary breath test.
The test reportedly registered an alcohol concentration of .242.
Investigators also questioned whether Begay possessed a valid permit to carry a firearm.
Begay reportedly claimed he qualified for a concealed carry permit through Cass County, North Dakota.
However, dispatchers found no North Dakota firearm permits issued to him.
Jail staff also reported finding no firearm permit among his belongings during booking.
Four Criminal Charges Filed
Prosecutors filed the following charges against Begay:
- Count I: Felony possession of a firearm without a serial number.
- Count II: Gross misdemeanor carrying a pistol without a permit.
- Count III: Misdemeanor carrying a pistol while under the influence of alcohol.
- Count IV: Misdemeanor carrying a pistol with an alcohol concentration of .10 or greater.
The felony firearm charge carries a maximum possible sentence of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.
The gross misdemeanor charge carries up to 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine.
Each misdemeanor charge carries a maximum of 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.
The charges are filed under Clay County District Court case number 14-CR-26-3998.
Additional information about Minnesota firearm laws is available through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.
The allegations have not been proven in court. Begay is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Public court information is available through Minnesota Court Records Online.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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