Brooklyn Center Man Charged After 11-Year-Old Allegedly Picks Up Loaded Gun During Fight
Published: August 8th, 2026.
BROOKLYN CENTER: A Brooklyn Center man has been charged after prosecutors allege his 11-year-old son gained access to a loaded handgun and pointed it at another man during a fight.
According to the criminal complaint, Brooklyn Center police responded to the 6700 block of Regent Avenue North at approximately 11:42 p.m. on Aug. 6 after receiving a report of an assault involving a weapon. Dispatchers advised responding officers that a caller reported being kicked and that a juvenile had pointed a handgun at him.
The probable cause statement alleges that a man told officers he had been unable to sleep because a neighbor was being loud and went outside to confront Tep. The two men allegedly set down firearms before getting into a physical fight.
During the altercation, the complaint alleges Tep's 11-year-old son came outside, picked up a loaded revolver that Tep had placed on the ground and pointed it at the other man's head.
Tep allegedly pleaded with the child not to fire the weapon before taking it away from him, according to the complaint. The parties then separated.
After being advised of his rights, Tep allegedly told officers that he had placed his handgun on the ground in the front yard before the fight. He reportedly acknowledged that his son picked up the loaded handgun and aimed it at the other man before Tep retrieved it.
Police said the firearm was later placed on a vehicle tire while Tep waited for officers to arrive. Officers confirmed the handgun was loaded, according to the complaint.
The negligent firearm storage charge carries a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both. The disorderly conduct charge carries a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.
The charges are allegations. Tep is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.