According to a probable cause statement, the incident occurred on May 26, 2024. East Grand Forks police responded to reports of gunfire at an apartment complex. Four people were inside when officers arrived. Witnesses told police that Ruot, who appeared intoxicated, argued with a man in the apartment before pulling out a 9mm pistol and firing a round into the living room floor near the couch.
One man said he could feel the wind of the bullet pass his legs. The woman who rented the apartment told officers Ruot pointed the pistol at her and ordered her back into the room, saying she feared for her life. Another witness alleged Ruot declared, “These bullets are for you,” before aiming the gun at multiple people and cocking the slide before firing.
Officers later found what appeared to be a bullet hole in a bag inside the apartment, though the spent round was not recovered. Grand Forks police located Ruot’s vehicle outside his residence and arrested him. A loaded firearm with a spent cartridge was recovered from the car. After being advised of his rights, Ruot admitted firing “in the air” but claimed he had not aimed at anyone.
Ruot’s case was delayed because of pending charges in Grand Forks County before he could be extradited to Polk County. His next court appearance, a pre-trial hearing, is scheduled for 9 a.m. on October 21.
For more details on Minnesota assault statutes, visit the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
Marko Dadok Ruot