On January 28, 2026, officers with the South St. Paul Police Department were dispatched to a reported weapons call involving an assault rifle. Officers were advised that the suspect, later identified to be Bobby Dawkins [DOB REDACTED], “Defendant” herein, had gone to his wife’s residence in Dakota County. Officers spoke with Defendant’s wife, “Witness” herein, who stated that she had an Order for Protection against Defendant. Officers determined that the order was active, but Defendant had not been served.
Officers spoke with Witness, who stated that she had exited her apartment unit to use the adjacent laundry room that morning, and that Defendant appeared behind her when she went in. Witness stated that she immediately screamed hoping someone would hear her. Defendant pleaded with Witness to not end their marriage. Witness was able to run back into her apartment and lock the door. Witness then woke up her daughter, “Victim” herein, as Defendant began knocking on the door. Officers spoke with Victim, [NAME REDACTED] went to the door after her mother stated that Defendant was outside.
Victim stated that she observed Defendant through the peep hole and told him to leave through the door. Victim [NAME REDACTED] said this, Defendant took a step back and raised a black rifle from his right hip to his shoulder. Defendant proceeded to aim the rifle directly at the door’s peep hole. Victim [NAME REDACTED] was fearful when Defendant pointed the rifle at her. When asked to describe the rifle, Victim stated it resembled the M4 semi-automatic assault rifle an officer was carrying. Defendant was previously convicted of 1st Degree Aggravated Robbery, making him ineligible to possess firearms.
Officers attempted to locate and contact Defendant, including contacting his family and probation officer, but were unsuccessful. Officers also discovered that Defendant has an active DOC warrant. At this time police and the Department of Corrections Fugitive Apprehension Team are attempting to locate Defendant. The State requests a complaint warrant be issued, given Defendant poses an ongoing risk to public safety and is currently at large.
