BEMIDJI, MINNESOTA (trfnews.i234.me)—William Leo Winegar, a 60-year-old Bemidji man, has been charged with felony terroristic threats following a disturbing racially motivated incident involving children at Secluded Acres.
Threats & Alleged Weapon Possession
According to the statement of probable cause, on February 8th at approximately 9:03 p.m., a witness reported that Winegar—who is known as “Wild Bill”—had allegedly approached children playing outside and made violent, racist threats.
The children, both Black, reported that Winegar told them:
❌ “I’m going to kill all Blacks and pour salt into their wounds to make them suffer.”
❌ “I’ll kill all you blood Black.”
The children also noted that Winegar was armed with multiple swords and what appeared to be a long black gun slung across his back.
Search Warrant & Arrest
Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Winegar’s trailer, where he was taken into custody without incident. Inside, officers found:
- A boot knife on Winegar’s ankle
- A pocket knife tied to his waistband
- Multiple swords and bladed weapons in his living room
Although officers did not locate any actual firearms, they found several long black objects that resembled firearm barrels, potentially causing concern among witnesses.
Community Impact & Legal Proceedings
Witnesses reported that the incident deeply traumatized the children, leaving them shaken and prompting several people to leave the area.
Winegar now faces felony terroristic threats charges, and his case will proceed through the Minnesota court system.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me