Minneapolis Man Charged After Salesman Shot with Pellet Gun

Sep 12

A Minneapolis man has been charged after police say he shot a door-to-door salesman with a pellet gun in north Minneapolis.

The assault left the victim with a serious leg injury that required surgery.

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According to a criminal complaint, Tyrone Legrand Lofton, 48, faces one felony count of third-degree assault causing substantial bodily harm and one felony count of threats of violence involving the use of a BB or replica gun. Prosecutors say the incident happened around 4 p.m. on May 6 on the 4900 block of Queen Avenue North.

The victim told officers he was working as a sales representative for Quantum Fiber, going door to door selling fiber internet, when he knocked on Lofton’s door. Lofton allegedly told him to leave, and as the victim walked away, Lofton came outside and began chasing him. The complaint states that when the salesman reached the next house, he looked back and saw Lofton in the doorway holding a long black barrel. He then heard a sound similar to a paintball gun before feeling a sharp impact on the inside of his left thigh.

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Initially believing he had been struck with paint, the man continued his route. He later realized the wetness on his leg was blood and sought medical attention. X-rays revealed a metal pellet lodged in his thigh. Doctors at Methodist Hospital performed surgery, making multiple incisions through the muscle to remove the pellet.

Police interviewed the victim again more than a month later, when he reported that he had still not been able to return to work due to ongoing physical and mental health challenges caused by the shooting.

Lofton was later identified as the suspect and charged. Court records show he was charged via a summons. Lofton has no prior felony convictions according to Minnesota court records. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine on the assault charge, and up to one year and one day on the threats of violence charge.

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