AUDUBON, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) – An argument over a child’s pet rabbit allegedly escalated into gunfire in Audubon, leaving a man injured.
Brandon Paul Szalay, 43, of Audubon, faces three felony charges after allegedly pointing an AR-15-style rifle at another man.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Becker County District Court, Szalay fired several rounds toward the ground near the victim.
The incident occurred October 20, 2026, at approximately 3:29 p.m.
Dispute Begins Over Daughter’s Pet Rabbit
According to court documents, Audubon police and Becker County deputies responded to a residence following reports of shots fired.
The victim told investigators he went to Szalay’s residence after discovering that Szalay’s dogs had killed his daughter’s emotional support rabbit.
The two men reportedly began arguing about the dogs and the rabbit.
During the confrontation, the victim said he tossed the dead rabbit over a fence.
According to the complaint, Szalay then went inside his residence and returned carrying an AR-15-style rifle.
Rifle Allegedly Pointed at Man Before Gunfire
The victim told investigators that Szalay initially pointed the rifle directly at him.
Szalay then allegedly lowered the weapon toward the victim’s feet and fired multiple rounds.
According to the complaint, four bullets struck the ground around the victim.
Another round reportedly struck the upper portion of a fence, while a separate bullet hit a tool on the ground.
The gunfire allegedly sent gravel and debris toward the victim’s legs.
The victim suffered an injury to his left leg, believed to have resulted from a bullet fragment.
The complaint does not indicate that the victim was directly struck by a bullet.
Police Arrest Suspect Outside Residence
When authorities arrived, they found Szalay standing outside the residence.
He was taken into custody without a further confrontation described in the complaint.
According to court documents, an officer noticed a strong odor of alcohol coming from Szalay.
After being advised of his Miranda rights, Szalay requested an attorney.
Authorities then obtained a search warrant for the residence.
Six Firearms and Ammunition Recovered
During the search, investigators reportedly discovered five spent shell casings near the residence’s front step.
Inside the home, officers located six firearms, including three rifles and three pistols.
Police also recovered firearm components, magazines, and containers of ammunition.
The discoveries became part of the evidence supporting the criminal charges.
Szalay was transported to the Becker County Jail following his arrest.
Previous Felony Convictions Cited
According to the complaint, Szalay has two previous felony controlled substance convictions.
The first involved attempted second-degree controlled substance sale, with a conviction dated June 8, 2006.
The second involved fifth-degree controlled substance possession, with a conviction dated February 19, 2008.
Prosecutors allege these convictions prohibit Szalay from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Three Felony Charges Filed
Szalay faces three felony charges in Becker County District Court.
Count 1: Second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon under Minnesota Statute 609.222.
The charge carries a maximum possible sentence of seven years in prison, a $14,000 fine, or both.
Count 2: Possession of a firearm by a person prohibited due to a qualifying prior conviction.
Count 3: Possession of ammunition by a person prohibited due to a qualifying prior conviction.
The firearm and ammunition charges fall under Minnesota Statute 624.713.
Each carries a maximum possible sentence of 15 years in prison, a $30,000 fine, or both.
The complaint also references Minnesota’s firearm sentencing provisions under Minnesota Statute 609.11.
Case Filed in Becker County Court
The case is filed in Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District under court file number 03-CR-26-2065.
The criminal complaint lists an order of detention.
All three charges stem from the October 20 incident in Audubon.
The accusations have not been proven in court. Szalay is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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