Burnsville Man Charged After Allegedly Brandishing Handgun During Road Rage Incident on I-35E in Eagan
Published: July 21, 2026
EAGAN, MINNESOTA: A Burnsville man has been charged with a felony after prosecutors allege he threatened another driver by displaying a handgun during a road rage confrontation on I-35E in Eagan earlier this month.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Dakota County District Court, Davonte Damahr Young, 36, of Burnsville, has been charged with one count of Threats of Violence (Intent to Terrorize), a felony under Minnesota law.
The charge stems from an incident that occurred on July 8, 2026, on southbound Interstate 35E near the Highway 77/Cliff Road area in Eagan. This is a separate incident not connected to the July 11th incident on northbound I-35E near Deerwood Drive: Apparent Road rage shooting on I-35E in Eagan leaves vehicle damaged.
Alleged Road Rage Escalated on Interstate
According to the complaint, Minnesota State Patrol troopers responded to reports of a driver who had allegedly displayed a firearm during a confrontation between two vehicles.
The victim told investigators he was traveling southbound in the left lane of I-35E when a white Chevrolet Cruze entered the freeway and abruptly moved into the left lane directly in front of him while traveling approximately 10 to 15 mph slower. The victim said he flashed his high-beam headlights after the maneuver. According to court documents, the driver of the Cruze responded by making an obscene gesture.
The victim then passed the Cruze, but the Cruze later overtook him. When the victim attempted to pass again, the driver reportedly lowered his window and began yelling. The victim told investigators he responded by saying, "I can't hear you," before the other driver allegedly reached toward the center console and raised what appeared to be a handgun.
According to the complaint, the firearm was not pointed directly at the victim but was displayed in a manner the victim believed was threatening. The victim described it as a pistol that appeared to still be inside a holster. After the encounter, the victim continued following the Cruze until both vehicles exited at Buck Hill Road. The drivers then went separate ways, and the victim contacted law enforcement.
Vehicle Quickly Identified
The victim was able to provide investigators with the license plate number of the Chevrolet Cruze, as well as a detailed description of its driver. He described the driver as a Black male in his early 30s with long dreadlocks, a goatee, and wearing what appeared to be a blue Amazon-style safety vest over a black T-shirt.
Investigators determined the vehicle was registered to a woman who lived with Young at a Burnsville apartment. When officers arrived at the residence, they found Young outside with the keys to the Cruze in his possession. According to the complaint, the vehicle was still warm, suggesting it had recently been driven.
Young allegedly denied driving the vehicle, and officers did not observe any firearm in plain view at that time.
Search Warrants Executed
Investigators later obtained a search warrant for the Chevrolet Cruze. On July 16, troopers located the vehicle leaving the Amazon fulfillment center in Eagan and conducted a traffic stop. Young was identified as the driver.
According to the complaint, investigators noted Young was wearing clothing that closely matched the description previously provided by the victim. No firearm was located inside the vehicle during the search.
Believing the weapon was likely stored elsewhere, investigators secured a second search warrant for Young's apartment. Court documents state Young's girlfriend, who owns the Chevrolet Cruze, allowed officers into the residence and directed them to the laundry room, where she believed the firearm was stored.
Investigators reportedly recovered a Walther 9mm pistol inside a gun case in the laundry room. The firearm was unloaded but was found alongside a case of ammunition. According to the complaint, Young's girlfriend told investigators the handgun belonged to Young and that she believed he possessed a permit to carry. However, prosecutors noted the permit appeared to have previously been invalidated by a court order. As part of the criminal case, prosecutors requested suspension of any existing firearm permit or pending application. As part of his bail, all firearms had to be surrendered.
Victim Identifies Suspect
As part of the investigation, the victim was presented with a six-person photographic lineup.
According to prosecutors, the victim identified Young as the individual who allegedly displayed the handgun during the interstate confrontation.
Bail and Court Conditions
Young made his first court appearance on July 17, 2026. The court set bail at $50,000 without conditions, or $5,000 with conditions. It appears Young has already posted bail.
Prior Criminal History
According to court records summarized in the complaint, prosecutors noted Young has no significant criminal history.
His prior convictions include:
A 2019 gross misdemeanor conviction for failure to display a driver's license.
A 2014 misdemeanor disorderly conduct conviction.
As with all criminal cases, the charge is merely an accusation. Young is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Pictured: Davonte Damahr Young. Provided by Dakota County Jail.
