A man threatened to kill another man and his dog, then resisted officers who tried to arrest him in Rochester, according to a criminal complaint.
Kenneth Alan Malnar faces three charges in Olmsted County District Court: making terroristic threats with reckless disregard for risk, obstructing legal process by interfering with a peace officer and fifth-degree assault. The charges were filed October 22.
According to the complaint, Rochester police were dispatched to the 3000 block of 55th Street SW on October 21 for a report of disorderly conduct. Officers spoke with the victim, who said he had come to the area that night to panhandle and was setting up when Malnar, whom he recognized, approached him. The victim told officers Malnar began yelling at him, claiming the victim was in his spot.
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The victim said he responded by flipping Malnar off, which led Malnar to charge at him and swing a wide punch with his right hand. The victim said he dodged the punch and backed away. Malnar then made a series of threats, including saying he should kill the victim and his dog, threatening to slit the victim’s throat, stomp the dog’s head and cut the dog’s heart out in front of him.
The victim reported that Malnar said he would cut the dog’s throat so deep that only its spine would hold the head on.
While Malnar was making these threats, the victim saw him reach behind his back and into his waistband. The victim told officers he did not see a knife but believed Malnar had one from previous encounters and thought Malnar was going to stab or shoot him. The victim then called 911, and Malnar walked off toward a nearby business.
Officers found Malnar at a nearby business. The complaint says Malnar was hostile and repeatedly yelled at officers to leave. Malnar admitted he ran at the victim to scare him and said he told the victim something like, “I’m going to beat your f*ing a,” but denied swinging at him.
When officers attempted to arrest Malnar, he actively resisted, screamed and threatened to drop kick one of the officers. As they escorted him to a squad car, Malnar continued to try to kick the officer, according to the complaint.
A review of Malnar’s criminal history found no prior qualified domestic violence-related convictions or adjudications of delinquency in the past three years, the complaint says.
Related MN CRIME Coverage
Rochester Man Charged After Threat to Shoot Kids at Grocery Store • Rochester Woman Charged After Threats at Hotel Lobby • Rochester Man Charged in Strangulation Assault, Foot Chase
Jurisdictional Context
Olmsted County encompasses Rochester and is served by the Olmsted County Attorney’s Office through the Third Judicial District. Felony cases are heard at the Olmsted County Government Center in downtown Rochester.
