Moorhead Man Charged After Locksmith Incident
MOORHEAD, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A Moorhead man faces two charges after a dispute involving a locksmith.
Travis John Bouffleur is charged in Clay County District Court. The case stems from an April 17 incident at a Casey’s store.
The store is located on 21st Street South in Moorhead.
Court records identify the felony count as second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon. That charge carries up to seven years in prison.
It also allows a fine of up to $14,000.
Bouffleur also faces a misdemeanor theft charge involving unpaid services. That count carries up to 90 days in jail.
It also allows a fine of up to $1,000.
Payment Dispute Follows Key Service
According to the complaint, a locksmith was called after Bouffleur lost his Jeep Cherokee keys.
The locksmith made a replacement key and brought it to the gas station. The service cost about $284.40, the complaint states.
Bouffleur allegedly tried two debit cards to pay the bill. One card showed insufficient funds.
The second card returned a “do not honor” message, according to the filing.
The locksmith said Bouffleur spent about 40 minutes seeking help with the payment.
During that time, Bouffleur allegedly swore and punched the air. The locksmith reported feeling frightened by the behavior.
Locksmith Reports Sudden Acceleration
The locksmith then asked Bouffleur to return the new key.
Bouffleur allegedly entered the Jeep and started it before returning the key.
The Jeep used a push-button ignition, so it remained running. The locksmith feared Bouffleur would leave without paying.
The complaint says the locksmith reached through an open window to turn off the vehicle.
Bouffleur then allegedly accelerated while the locksmith was leaning inside.
The locksmith reported being struck in the back by part of the vehicle.
He said he ran beside the Jeep for 10 to 15 steps. He then pulled free and avoided falling underneath it.
The locksmith later reported shoulder pain. He described the incident as frightening.
Charges Remain Allegations
Police later tried to contact Bouffleur by phone, according to the complaint. The filing states that Bouffleur ended the call.
The case is Clay County Court File No. 14-CR-26-1583.
Readers can review Minnesota’s second-degree assault law through the Minnesota Revisor’s Office.
Information about public cases is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
The charges are allegations. Bouffleur is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
