Brandon Paul Szalay, 43, allegedly fired several rifle rounds near his neighbor during the confrontation.<\/p>\n
Investigators say the shooting left the neighbor with a leg injury believed to have been caused by bullet fragments.<\/p>\n
Dispute Begins After Dogs Kill Pet Rabbit<\/h2>\n
Audubon police and Becker County deputies responded to a report of gunfire on October 20, 2026.<\/p>\n
According to court documents, the incident began after Szalay’s dogs allegedly killed his neighbor’s daughter’s emotional support rabbit.<\/p>\n
The neighbor went to Szalay’s residence to confront him about the animal’s death.<\/p>\n
The two men argued, according to the criminal complaint filed in Becker County District Court.<\/p>\n
During the confrontation, the neighbor reportedly threw the dead rabbit over a fence.<\/p>\n
Prosecutors allege Szalay then went inside his home and returned carrying an AR-15-style rifle.<\/p>\n
Neighbor Injured After Rifle Shots Fired<\/h2>\n
The complaint alleges Szalay pointed the rifle at his neighbor and fired several shots toward the ground.<\/p>\n
Investigators reported that four bullets struck the ground around the man.<\/p>\n
Another round struck a nearby fence, while a separate shot hit a tool.<\/p>\n
Debris from the gunfire struck the neighbor’s leg, causing an injury.<\/p>\n
Investigators believe bullet fragments may have caused the injury.<\/p>\n
Authorities have not released additional information about the man’s condition.<\/p>\n
Police Discover Six Firearms During Search<\/h2>\n
Officers took Szalay into custody at the scene.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, officers observed signs that he had consumed alcohol.<\/p>\n
Investigators later obtained a search warrant for his residence.<\/p>\n
The search reportedly uncovered five spent shell casings and six firearms.<\/p>\n
Authorities identified three rifles and three pistols among the weapons recovered.<\/p>\n
Investigators also reported finding ammunition and firearm parts inside the residence.<\/p>\n
Three Felony Charges Filed Against Szalay<\/h2>\n
Szalay faces one count of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon.<\/p>\n
That charge carries a maximum possible sentence of seven years in prison.<\/p>\n
He also faces two felony counts involving illegal possession of firearms or ammunition.<\/p>\n
Each firearm possession charge carries a maximum possible sentence of 15 years.<\/p>\n
The complaint cites Szalay’s prior felony drug convictions from 2006 and 2008.<\/p>\n
Those convictions reportedly make him ineligible to possess firearms or ammunition for life.<\/p>\n
The listed penalties are statutory maximums, not sentences imposed by the court.<\/p>\n
Next Court Appearance Scheduled November 2<\/h2>\n
As of the October 22 report, Szalay remained in custody at the Becker County Jail.<\/p>\n
His next scheduled court appearance is November 2, 2026.<\/p>\n
Readers can find jail information through the Becker County Sheriff’s Office<\/a>.<\/p>\n Public case information is available through Minnesota Court Records Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n The case was also reported by Valley News Live<\/a>.<\/p>\n The charges remain allegations, and Szalay is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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