Thief River Falls Man Faces Threat, Assault Charges

Thief River Falls (trfnews.i234.me) — Jose Dcosta Sabiniano faces felony threats and domestic assault charges.

Court records identify Sabiniano, 63, as the defendant in case 57-CR-26-664.

The charges stem from an alleged family dispute on September 19, 2026.

Argument Reported During Drive Home

The complaint says Sabiniano was traveling home from Grand Forks with two sisters.

One sister is identified in the complaint as Amelia Rosa Sedra.

The other sister is identified only as “X” in court records.

The group was driving on Center Street near the Pennington and Polk County line.

The complaint says an argument began inside the vehicle.

Sabiniano allegedly told X to get out of the pickup.

The vehicle stopped, and X prepared to leave.

Sedra reportedly objected to leaving X along the road.

X returned to the vehicle, and the group continued toward Thief River Falls.

The argument continued as Sabiniano drove, according to the complaint.

X told investigators that Sabiniano became angrier during the dispute.

She alleged he punched her left arm twice with a closed fist.

Sedra then grabbed Sabiniano’s arm and told him to stop, the complaint states.

X also alleged Sabiniano said he should shoot her.

She told investigators the statement shocked and angered her.

The complaint says X believed Sabiniano owned a firearm.

She said she had never personally seen the firearm.

The group continued driving to Thief River Falls after the alleged threat.

X said she remained quiet for the rest of the trip.

Authorities were later told Sabiniano came to the Law Enforcement Center.

The complaint says he went there to turn himself in for assaulting his sister.

X also went to the center and spoke with investigators.

She told authorities she wanted charges pursued.

Sabiniano was asked whether he threatened to shoot X.

He said he was unsure but acknowledged he could have made the statement.

Authorities arrested Sabiniano and took him to the Pennington County Jail.

Sabiniano faces one felony count involving alleged threats of violence.

The charge is filed under Minnesota Statute 609.713.

A conviction can carry up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine.

Sabiniano also faces one misdemeanor domestic assault count.

Readers can search case 57-CR-26-664 through Minnesota Court Records Online.

Court filings contain allegations and do not establish guilt.

Sabiniano is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.