Thief River Falls (trfnews.i234.me) – A Thief River Falls man is facing serious charges after an alleged late-night break-in at a woman’s home.
According to a criminal complaint, 34-year-old Brian Allen Torkelson of Thief River Falls is charged with felony terroristic threats and misdemeanor trespassing at a dwelling.
The incident was reported on November 18 at about 9:05 p.m. at a residence in the 100 block of Snetting Drive.
A woman told officers that a man had broken into her house and left what she believed were drugs on the floor.
She identified the man as Brian Allen Torkelson. She said she had previously told Torkelson not to come to her home.
The complaint states that Torkelson also allegedly made threats in front of the woman and her juvenile daughter.
He is accused of threatening to burn the woman’s house down and slit her tires.
At first, officers were unable to locate Torkelson after the initial report. They checked the area but did not find him.
Later that night, officers believed Torkelson might have returned to the woman’s residence.
With the woman’s permission, officers unlocked the home to check on her safety and the safety of her child.
Two officers, a sergeant, and a sheriff’s deputy entered the residence with her consent and found Torkelson inside the home.
Torkelson was arrested at the scene and taken into custody. He is now facing formal charges in Pennington County.
Felony terroristic threats in Minnesota are prosecuted under the state’s
threats of violence statute, formerly known as the terroristic threats law.
The trespass charge is a misdemeanor-level count. Minnesota trespass laws are described in Minnesota Statute 609.605.
These laws cover entering or remaining at a property without consent and making threats that cause fear or terror.
Court records will show future hearings and case updates. Case information can be found through the Minnesota Judicial Branch website.
As of now, the charges are allegations. Torkelson is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in court.
The complaint does not state that any physical injuries occurred during the reported incident, only that threats were made.
No trial date has been set in the complaint summary provided. Additional details will depend on future court filings and hearings.
Anyone facing similar charges is encouraged to seek legal advice. Information about Minnesota criminal law is available through public legal resources and state court websites.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
