A Minneapolis man confronted a coworker over a paycheck dispute, grabbed a knife and threatened to slit the victim’s throat while stabbing the walls and desk inside a business, prosecutors say.
Joseph Robert Evsich, 39, faces charges of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and threats of violence. The charges allege he armed himself with a knife, threatened the victim and caused injury during the confrontation.
The assault happened on July 17, 2026, at a business in Minneapolis, according to the criminal complaint.
READ MORE → Hennepin County coverage
According to court records, officers responded to a report of an assault and found Evsich standing in a hallway holding a knife, with blood visible on himself and the ground. Officers detained Evsich and spoke with the victim, an adult male, in an office area.
The victim told police that Evsich, who worked at the business, confronted him in his office about a paycheck issue. Evsich left, saying he was going to get his knife, then returned holding it. The complaint states Evsich began stabbing the walls and yelled at the victim before moving toward him and stabbing the desk. The victim said he was in extreme fear and struggled with Evsich for control of the knife, during which the victim’s hand was cut.
During the struggle, Evsich said, “Who’s the b**** now?” and told the victim he should slit his throat. Officers arrested Evsich at the scene. Both men were transported to HCMC for treatment of their injuries.
An investigator later interviewed Evsich, who admitted to arguing with the victim and returning with a knife. He acknowledged stabbing the walls and desk but denied threatening or cutting the victim. Evsich told police he did not recall everything that happened and said he felt suicidal. The charge was filed July 20, 2026, in Hennepin County District Court.
About This Charge
Minnesota classifies assault by degree under § 609.221 (first), § 609.222 (second), § 609.223 (third), § 609.2231 (fourth) and § 609.224 (fifth). First-degree assault, alleging great bodily harm, carries up to 20 years in prison. The lower degrees range from misdemeanor up to 10-year felony exposure depending on weapon use and harm.
Related MN CRIME Coverage
Felon Opened Fire on Masked Jeep Crew in Minneapolis Alley • Woman Charged After Metal Pipe Assault on Nicollet Mall • Eden Prairie Man Rams Car Head-On After Death Threat
Jurisdictional Context
Hennepin County is Minnesota’s most populous jurisdiction. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office handles felony prosecutions across Minneapolis and 45 surrounding cities; the Fourth Judicial District presides over felony arraignments and trials at the Hennepin County Government Center in downtown Minneapolis.
