Crookston, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) — A 24-year-old Crookston man faces felony charges after a reported gun threat and a parking lot fight.
Jason Thomas Grochow was charged in Polk County District Court. The case was filed on Friday. The allegations stem from a December 8 incident at a Crookston apartment complex.
The incident
According to the criminal complaint, Grochow went to a woman’s apartment to help with their 7-year-old child. The woman told police he asked where her boyfriend was. She said he noticed the boyfriend’s vehicle outside.
The complaint says Grochow lifted his shirt. It showed a black and silver handgun in his waistband. The complaint says he stated he would shoot the boyfriend.
The complaint says two older children saw the gun. Police say the children began screaming and crying.
The complaint says Grochow removed the handgun. It says he walked out while holding it. The woman then called her boyfriend, police say.
Parking lot confrontation
The boyfriend told police he was in his pickup. He said Grochow parked behind him and blocked him in. The complaint says Grochow displayed the handgun through an open window.
The complaint says Grochow told him to get out and fight. The boyfriend told police he got out. He said Grochow struck him from behind.
Police say the two then fought in the parking lot. The complaint says they later stopped. It says they shook hands and went their separate ways.
Search warrant and firearm storage claim
Police executed a search warrant on December 10, according to the complaint. Officers reported finding multiple firearms in the home. Police said several guns were unsecured.
The complaint lists a loaded 12-gauge shotgun and a rifle. It also lists a Smith & Wesson .40-caliber pistol. The complaint says the pistol matched the reported handgun description.
Investigators reported the firearms were within easy reach of children. The complaint says they were left uncased and unlocked.
What Grochow told police
After his arrest, Grochow told police he did not have a permit to carry. The complaint says he stated he did not care. He admitted having the gun in his waistband, police say.
He also admitted pulling the gun out after leaving the apartment. He denied pointing it at the boyfriend. The complaint says he admitted he was the aggressor.
Charges and what’s next
Grochow is charged with second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon. He is also charged with threats of violence. He also faces a negligent storage of firearms charge. He is also charged with carrying a pistol without a permit.
Prosecutors filed notice seeking an aggravated sentence. They say the alleged offense happened in the presence of children. The case remains pending in Polk County District Court.
Related resources
- Polk County District Court (Minnesota Judicial Branch)
- Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) case search
- Minnesota Statute § 609.222 (Second-degree assault)
- Minnesota Statute § 609.713 (Threats of violence)
- Minnesota Statute § 609.666 (Negligent storage of firearms)
- Minnesota Statute § 624.714 (Permit to carry / penalties)
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
