A 12-year Superior police officer charged with second-degree assault for allegedly pulling a gun and pointing it at a motorist at a Two Harbors service station appeared today in Lake County District Court in Two Harbors.
Ross W. Magnuson, 45, of Knife River, is also charged with making terroristic threats, recklessly handling a dangerous weapon and disorderly conduct. The assault and terroristic threat charges are felonies. The other two are misdemeanors.
Magnuson's next court appearance was set for Oct. 14, when he can challenge the evidence brought against him. He declined to comment on his case today.
Magnuson has been placed on administrative leave by the Superior Police Department. When Magnuson was charged, Superior Police Chief Floyd Peters said he was surprised by the allegations because Magnuson has been "a very well respected officer in our department and in the community."
According to the criminal complaint:
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A motorist told a Two Harbors police officer that he and his girlfriend and her son were on their way to Gooseberry Falls on Aug. 17 when they passed a vehicle with a man he later identified from a photo lineup as Magnuson. The motorist said Magnuson "flipped him off" as they passed.
The motorist said he drove to a Holiday station in Two Harbors and was waiting for his turn at the gas pumps when the vehicle he had passed pulled in next to his. He said Magnuson got out and stuck his head in the sunroof and began yelling at him.
The motorist said he got out of his car and approached Magnuson, who then pulled a gun and pointed it at him.
Magnuson told officers that he had been driving on state Highway 61 that day when he was approached by a car driving erratically. He admitted stopping at the Holiday station where the car was parked. He said he approached the car and spoke with the driver about his driving conduct. He said the other driver got out of his car and approached him. Magnuson said he felt threatened and "broke leather" on his firearm.
