According to court documents, the incident happened on August 23. The defendant is identified as Lee Frank Crist of Devils Lake. The complaint says Crist pointed a loaded firearm at a man. The victim reported that Crist threatened to shoot him. The report says the threat was meant to cause fear.
Officers later submitted the case for charging in Ramsey County. The filing lists one count of felony terrorizing. No injuries were noted in the initial records. No other suspects were named. More filings are expected as the case moves ahead.
The terrorizing charge is an allegation. Crist has the right to due process. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. The case will be scheduled in Ramsey County District Court. Hearing dates will appear on the public docket when available.
North Dakota law defines terrorizing and related offenses. You can read the statute here: North Dakota Century Code, Chapter 12.1-17. The exact penalty depends on the facts and prior record. A judge will consider those factors under state law.
The public can check case updates on the state’s portal. Search by name on the North Dakota Courts public search. Charging documents are only one part of the record. Future minutes and orders will give more details.
Firearm threats pose clear safety risks for victims and bystanders. The U.S. Department of Justice and state agencies warn about escalating violence in such cases. If you or someone you know faces threats, call 911. Local victim services can also help.
TRF News will follow this case as new information is filed. We will post updates when the court releases them. Readers can find more regional crime coverage on our site.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
