A Minneapolis man went into another man’s home without permission, punched two people in the face and threatened to kill one of them, according to charges.
Donald Howard Austin, 59, faces four charges in Hennepin County District Court: first-degree burglary, threats of violence and two counts of fifth-degree assault.
According to the criminal complaint, law enforcement responded to a residence in Minneapolis on September 29 after receiving a report of a burglary. Officers spoke with the homeowner, who said Austin entered the house without permission.
READ MORE → Hennepin County coverage
The complaint states that Austin struck another man in the face. When the homeowner tried to intervene and stop the assault, Austin punched him as well. Officers observed injuries on both men’s faces.
One of the victims told officers that Austin threatened to kill the homeowner. Law enforcement reviewed video footage of the incident, which showed Austin hitting the first man in the face and then punching the homeowner.
Austin is charged with first-degree burglary for entering an occupied dwelling without permission while others were present. He also faces a felony charge of threats of violence for threatening to kill the homeowner, and two misdemeanor counts of fifth-degree assault for hitting both men.
The charges were filed October 1 in Hennepin County District Court.
Related MN CRIME Coverage
Richfield Man Charged After Gun Threat at Transit Center • Minneapolis Man Charged After Early Morning Pistol Assault • Lakeville Man Charged After Firing at Minneapolis Duplex
Jurisdictional Context
Hennepin County is Minnesota’s most populous jurisdiction. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office handles felony prosecutions across Minneapolis and 44 other cities; the Fourth Judicial District presides over felony arraignments and trials at the Hennepin County Government Center in downtown Minneapolis.
