BECKER COUNTY (trfnews.i234.me) — A Becker County man is facing a felony charge after allegedly firing a gun dangerously close to a neighboring home.
According to court records, Austin Warren Brown, 29, of rural Ogema, has been charged in Becker County District Court with felony dangerous weapons – intentional discharge of a firearm.
Authorities say the incident occurred around midnight on September 19. Officers with the White Earth Police Department were dispatched to a residence along Becker County Highway 34 following reports of shots being fired.
A relative of Brown’s told officers that he was intoxicated and firing a hunting rifle. Investigators say Brown discharged a 12-gauge firearm close to a neighbor’s residence. One of the shots reportedly caused BB pellets to rain down on the neighbor’s vehicle, according to the criminal complaint.
The neighbor went to confront Brown about the gunfire. He told police that Brown appeared to be very drunk but apologized, saying he was only shooting into the air. Officers later located the firearm during a search of Brown’s home.
On September 22, bail or bond was set at $50,000 without conditions, or $2,500 with standard conditions. Those include no possession or use of firearms or dangerous weapons and no contact with the victims.
Brown’s next court appearance is scheduled for October 13 before District Judge Michelle W. Lawson.
For more on firearm laws and penalties in Minnesota, visit the Minnesota Statutes on Dangerous Weapons.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
