On January 6, 2026, Burnsville police officers responded to a weapons call at Nicollet Ave South and Burnsville Parkway East in Dakota County, MN. Dispatch advised that the driver of another vehicle pointed a gun at the reporting party (“Victim”) while they were driving on Highway 13. At a stoplight, an officer observed Victim in a black Jeep on the phone and pointing to the vehicle in front of him, a Toyota Rav 4 (MN/RFV223), indicating the suspect vehicle. Officers initiated a high-risk traffic stop on the Toyota and had the driver exit the vehicle.
The driver was identified as Defendant GABRIEL ALVAREZ [DOB REDACTED]. As Defendant was searched, he made spontaneous statements that it was a fake gun and he was just trying to scare the other driver. Officers searched Defendant’s vehicle and located a black replica handgun in the front passenger glove box, within reach of the driver’s seat. The replica firearm looked like a real Glock 9mm handgun that police carry on duty. Victim [NAME REDACTED] had been driving and tried to merge onto Highway 13 but Defendant did not give him room.
Defendant continued to drive slowly in front of him so Victim decided to go around him. As Victim [NAME REDACTED], he saw Defendant holding what appear to be a 9mm black handgun and pointing it at Victim. After Victim [NAME REDACTED], he thought that was a bad idea, and drifted back to all Defendant to drive in front. As he was passed by Defendant, Victim saw Defendant still holding the firearm but did not point it again. Victim [NAME REDACTED] in the moment he was thinking, “I don’t want to die.” In a Mirandized statement, Defendant said that Victim’s driving behavior was provocative so Defendant took his replica firearm out of the glovebox and pointed it at Victim.
Victim [NAME REDACTED]. Defendant is in custody.
