A Minneapolis man forced his way into a home and threatened the resident with a knife while children were present, according to charges.
Alexander John Youngberg, 37, faces charges of 1st-degree burglary and 2nd-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, according to a complaint filed Tuesday in Hennepin County District Court.
According to the complaint, officers responded to a call on August 2 after Youngberg sent threatening text messages to a witness about retrieving a phone he believed belonged to him. When Youngberg arrived at the residence in Hennepin County, the victim was intoxicated and Youngberg tried to kick in the door. The victim attempted to close the door, but Youngberg forced his way inside.
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Once inside, Youngberg opened a folding knife with a brass knuckle style handle, which he is known to carry. The victim stood in Youngberg’s path, so the victim grabbed a metal pole and struck Youngberg in the head to defend himself and the children present. Witnesses told officers that Youngberg was swinging the knife around at the victim in the room and that the victim acted to protect himself and the children.
Officers spoke with Youngberg at the scene. He admitted he went to the residence to get a phone that belonged to his deceased sister. Youngberg told officers he forced the door open with his foot and entered the apartment uninvited. He also admitted to pulling out the knife, but claimed he did so in response to the victim wielding a metal pole.
The complaint states that Youngberg was in the hospital in the custody of Minneapolis police.
The charges were filed August 4. A court date has not yet been set.
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 gross-misdemeanor up to 10-year felony exposure depending on weapon use and harm.
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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.
