Crookston Man Accused of Threatening to Burn Home

CROOKSTON, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – A 37-year-old Crookston man faces two felony charges after allegedly threatening to burn down a home with nine children inside.

David Richard Engelbert is accused of making threats against his girlfriend and a household member on October 7, 2026.

According to a Polk County criminal complaint, Engelbert allegedly threatened to set the family’s home on fire and kill everyone inside.

The children’s mother was at work when she received the reported threats.

Police say she contacted authorities because she feared for her children’s safety.

Mother Reports Threats Against Nine Children

Crookston police received a report of threats around 9:15 p.m. on October 7.

The caller, identified in court documents as M.T., reported receiving a threatening telephone call from Engelbert.

According to the complaint, Engelbert allegedly threatened to burn her house with her nine children inside.

M.T. told dispatch she was working and did not know Engelbert’s whereabouts.

She reported that the threatening call occurred only minutes before she contacted police.

An officer called M.T. and reported that she was crying and sounded distressed.

She said Engelbert had repeatedly called her workplace phone and made threatening statements.

Children Were Home While Mother Worked

According to court documents, M.T.’s nine children were at home during the reported threats.

The oldest child, identified as D.E., was watching the younger children.

After receiving the alleged threats, M.T. contacted D.E. to warn him.

She wanted him to know about the situation in case he needed to call police.

Investigators later contacted D.E. by telephone.

He reported that Engelbert was not at the residence, as far as he knew.

D.E. also confirmed that M.T. had told him about the threats.

He told officers he would call 911 if Engelbert arrived.

Woman Describes Fear Over Alleged Threats

During her conversation with investigators, M.T. described growing concerns about Engelbert’s behavior.

According to the complaint, she said Engelbert had made similar threats before.

She also alleged that he sometimes broke objects in front of her to frighten her.

M.T. reportedly told investigators Engelbert had been staying with her and the children in Crookston.

She said she could not predict whether he would carry out the alleged threats.

The woman also reported that gasoline might be stored in the garage.

She told officers Engelbert smoked cigarettes and had access to lighters.

Those details increased her concern about the reported threat to set the home on fire.

The complaint does not state that a fire was started or that anyone was injured.

Earlier Incident Involved Attempted Entry

The October allegations followed an earlier police response involving Engelbert and the same household.

On August 17, 2026, Crookston police investigated a report that Engelbert threatened to kick down a residential door.

According to court documents, a woman identified as L.L. contacted authorities about that incident.

While speaking with an officer, she reportedly became frightened and said Engelbert had arrived.

She alleged he was attempting to kick in the front door.

Another household member also contacted dispatch to report the situation.

Police responded and arrested Engelbert for disorderly conduct.

Previous Court Restrictions Were Modified

Engelbert appeared in Polk County District Court on August 18 regarding the earlier disorderly conduct charge.

According to the new complaint, he was released under several conditions.

Those conditions initially prohibited contact with certain household members and entry into their residence.

However, the defense later requested changes to the restrictions.

On September 2, a judge granted the request to remove the no-contact and trespass conditions.

The October threats investigation occurred after those restrictions had been modified.

Two Felony Threats of Violence Charges Filed

Prosecutors charged Engelbert with two counts of felony threats of violence.

The charges identify M.T. and D.E. as separate alleged victims.

Both counts fall under Minnesota Statute 609.713, subdivision 1.

Each charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.

These are maximum statutory penalties, not sentences imposed by the court.

The complaint also lists several previous convictions involving Engelbert.

Those include prior assault, harassment, property damage, and disorderly conduct offenses.

The previous convictions are separate from the new felony allegations.

Readers can review Minnesota’s threats of violence statute.

Polk County Court Proceedings

The new case is filed in Polk County District Court within Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.

The court file number is 60-CR-26-1487.

The prosecutor’s file number is F-26-188.

The complaint includes an order of detention but does not establish Engelbert’s current custody status.

The earlier disorderly conduct case is listed under court number 60-CR-26-1203.

No final outcome for the new felony charges was included in the supplied complaint.

Additional court information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The charges remain allegations. Engelbert is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.