Prosecutors say the confrontation happened September 9, 2026, near Highway 59 and East Adams Avenue in Mahnomen.<\/p>\n
The alleged dispute centered on crosswalk signs, according to a Mahnomen County criminal complaint.<\/p>\n
MnDOT Workers Report Threats During Sign Work<\/h2>\n
Marc Runningen and Justin Leitheiser were replacing road signs for the Minnesota Department of Transportation, according to the complaint.<\/p>\n
Runningen told police a man arrived on a bicycle, dropped it, and demanded changes to the crosswalk signs.<\/p>\n
The man reportedly said he felt he needed to hurt someone and warned that people would die.<\/p>\n
Runningen said the man removed his hoodie and extended his arms as though preparing to fight.<\/p>\n
Runningen explained the agency’s complaint process and suggested calling 911, according to his account.<\/p>\n
He alleged the man refused and repeatedly threatened violence unless the signs were moved immediately.<\/p>\n
Runningen also described the man advancing toward him while he stepped backward.<\/p>\n
The supplied complaint does not describe a physical attack or an injury to either worker.<\/p>\n
Workers Identify Man in Photograph<\/h2>\n
Runningen reported the incident to police around 12:11 p.m. on September 10.<\/p>\n
Investigators also described a September 9 phone call from Sargent about the same crosswalk.<\/p>\n
According to the filing, Sargent wanted additional signs installed or the crosswalk removed.<\/p>\n
Police later showed a photograph of Sargent to Runningen and Leitheiser.<\/p>\n
Both workers identified the photographed man as the person involved, the complaint states.<\/p>\n
The charging document does not explain whether the crosswalk signs were eventually changed.<\/p>\n Sargent faces one felony count under Minnesota Statute 609.713, subdivision 1<\/a>.<\/p>\n The law addresses threats to commit violent crimes with intent to cause terror or reckless disregard of that risk.<\/p>\n A conviction can bring up to five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.<\/p>\n Those are maximum possible penalties, not a sentence imposed in this case.<\/p>\n The supplied complaint does not allege that Sargent used a weapon.<\/p>\n It also does not list any additional criminal charges arising from the encounter.<\/p>\n The Mahnomen County District Court calendar<\/a> lists Sargent’s first appearance for Wednesday, October 28, 2026.<\/p>\n The hearing is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. in Courtroom 1 before Judge Seamus Patrick Duffy.<\/p>\n The calendar was printed October 23, and hearing schedules can change.<\/p>\n The case number is 44-CR-26-598, with prosecutor file 0440029931 and police incident number 26002158.<\/p>\n The complaint is labeled a summons rather than an order of detention.<\/p>\n Additional public filings may be found through Minnesota Court Records Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n The available documents do not establish a plea, conviction, or final case outcome.<\/p>\n Sargent is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n![\"Mahnomen:](\"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Mahnomen-Sargent-Charged-in-MnDOT-Worker-Threats-1024x576.png\")
<\/a>Felony Threats Charge Filed<\/h2>\n
First Court Appearance Set for October 28<\/h2>\n