Detroit Lakes (trfnews.i234.me) — Omar Espinoza, 34, of Detroit Lakes, has been sentenced in Becker County District Court.
Espinoza was sentenced for felony threats of violence. He was also sentenced for gross misdemeanor carrying a pistol without a permit in public.
According to court records, the case began on May 23, 2025. The incident happened on Highway 10 near Audubon.
Court records say Espinoza tailgated another man on the highway. The man changed lanes to let Espinoza pass.
Espinoza then allegedly drove next to the man. The complaint says he pointed a gun at him.
Gun Reported On Highway 10
The victim told authorities he knew Espinoza. Court records say the victim had once dated Espinoza’s current wife.
The victim reported seeing the gun again near railroad tracks. The tracks were on Highway 10 west of Detroit Lakes.
The victim told authorities he thought Espinoza was going to shoot him.
Espinoza was later stopped in the Detroit Lakes Walmart parking lot. While being handcuffed, he told officers a gun was in the glove box.
Espinoza denied pointing the gun at anyone, according to court records.
Firearms Found In Vehicle
A search of the vehicle found a Glock 19 pistol. Court records say it had live 9 mm rounds in the chamber.
The pistol was found in the glove box. Authorities also found a Savage Rascal 22LR rifle in the trunk.
Espinoza’s wife later arrived at the traffic stop. She told authorities she knew the firearms were in the vehicle.
She also said she had a permit to carry. Court records say she stated Espinoza knew the firearm stayed in the glove compartment.
Sentence Ordered In Becker County
On April 6, District Judge Michelle Lawson sentenced Espinoza. He received one year in prison at St. Cloud.
That sentence was stayed for five years. Espinoza was ordered to serve 61 days in jail.
He received credit for 61 days already served. He was also fined $1,000, plus $160 in court fees.
Espinoza was ordered not to drink alcohol or use drugs. He must complete cognitive skill training.
He must also follow cognitive behavioral programming as directed. The court ordered no contact with the victim.
Espinoza was placed on supervised probation for five years.
More information about Minnesota courts is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Local county information is available through Becker County.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.