Martin County (trfnews.i234.me) — Joseph Daniel Harberts, 30, of Trimont, Minnesota, is charged with a felony count.
The charge is listed as Terroristic Threats—Reckless Disregard Risk under Minn. Stat. § 609.713.
What authorities allege
According to the criminal complaint, deputies served an Extreme Risk Protection Order on January 23, 2026.
Deputies also served a search warrant at Harbert’s home in Trimont.
Authorities say they removed four firearms during the search.
Two seized guns allegedly matched photos sent with death threats, court papers state.
The complaint describes the threatened person as “Victim 1,” a woman.
Report of a trip to Sioux Falls
Later that night, family members contacted law enforcement, according to the filing.
They reported Harberts was suicidal and out of control.
They also said he blamed others for his problems.
Investigators say Harberts left the home and drove toward Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Family members reported he planned to buy a new firearm, the complaint says.
They believed he intended to return to Trimont and kill Victim 1.
Law enforcement tracked his location using cell phone data, court records state.
The data showed him traveling near Worthington, Minnesota.
Arrest and court status
Authorities later located Harberts at a gas station in South Dakota, the complaint says.
He was taken to a behavioral health facility after police found him.
Court papers say he was uncooperative there.
He was later transferred back to Minnesota, according to the filing.
Before police located him, Harberts allegedly sent a group text message.
The complaint says he wrote he would not return home for “forty-five years” after the planned act.
Records also note prior restraining order petitions involving Harberts.
The filing states he was found incompetent in a separate criminal case.
Harberts is being held under an Order of Detention.
The complaint was signed by Judge Michael D. Trushenski on January 26, 2026.
Bail terms were not listed in the initial filing.
- Alleged offense date: January 23, 2026
- Date filed: January 26, 2026
For more on Extreme Risk Protection Orders, see the Minnesota DPS ERPO overview.
Readers can also review court resources at Minnesota Judicial Branch ERPO forms.
Agency links: Martin County Sheriff’s Office and Sioux Falls Police Department.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.