On December 2, 2025, at approximately 7:27 pm, officers were dispatched to a residence in Lakeville, Dakota County, on a welfare check after Victim reported JUSTIN THOMAS TRUDEAU [DOB REDACTED], Defendant herein, was intoxicated and handling a firearm. Officers made phone contact with Defendant after Victim left the residence with her children. Defendant said he wasn’t intending to harm himself or others and that he had his gun because it was his Second Amendment right and he feels more comfortable having it when he feels cornered.
Defendant became agitated and disconnected the call. Officers advised Victim to not return to the house. An Uber driver contacted Apple Valley police shortly before 9:00 pm to report Defendant was handling two handguns in his vehicle before entering a hotel. Around that time Victim called Lakeville officers to report she’d returned to the residence while Defendant was in the house. Defendant called the Uber after Victim asked him to leave the house. Defendant was holding two handguns during the interaction and pointed one at Victim, telling her “If you don’t drop the divorce, I’m going to kill you.” Defendant left the residence in the Uber.
Defendant was taken into custody at the hotel. Defendant gave a Mirandized statement where he confirmed having a disagreement with Victim [NAME REDACTED] in possession of the firearms, but he denied threatening Victim. Defendant had slurred speech and smelled of alcohol, but he declined to give a PBT. Two handguns were recovered in a duffel bag during a warranted search of Defendant’s hotel room.
