Apple Valley Man Sentenced After Allegedly Pointing Stolen Handgun at Teen During Marijuana Deal Gone Wrong
Published: June 8, 2026
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA: An Apple Valley man has been sentenced after prosecutors say he chased two teenagers across Dakota County, rammed their vehicle multiple times, and pointed a handgun at them following a dispute over a marijuana sale.
According to court records, Eberardo Zamora Silvan, 22, of Apple Valley, was sentenced on May 27, 2026, in Dakota County District Court after pleading guilty on March 9, 2026, to felony Threats of Violence – Reckless Disregard of Risk and gross misdemeanor Possession of a Pistol Without a Permit. A misdemeanor charge of fourth-degree criminal damage to property was dismissed as part of the case resolution.
The case stems from an incident that occurred on October 17, 2024, in Eagan and Apple Valley, Minnesota.
Teens Report Being Chased After Marijuana Transaction
According to the criminal complaint, Eagan police were dispatched shortly before noon on October 17, 2024, after a 17-year-old girl called 911 to report that a man had pulled a gun on her after a marijuana transaction. Dispatchers reportedly heard screaming during the call as another vehicle attempted to strike hers. Investigators said the teenage girl, identified in court documents as Victim 1, told officers she had arranged through a mobile app to purchase marijuana. She and a 17-year-old male passenger met the seller at a location in Apple Valley.
The complaint states Zamora Silvan approached their vehicle carrying a small amount of marijuana and asked for $25. The teen reportedly paid $20 instead. After realizing he was $5 short, prosecutors say Zamora Silvan got into his vehicle and began following the teenagers as they drove away. The victims told police they attempted several U-turns and other maneuvers in an effort to determine whether they were being followed, but Zamora Silvan continued pursuing them into Eagan.
According to the complaint, Zamora Silvan then intentionally rammed the victims' vehicle multiple times. Officers later observed fresh damage consistent with the reported collisions.
Handgun Allegedly Pointed at Victims
The complaint alleges the confrontation escalated when Zamora Silvan pulled his vehicle in front of the teenagers' car and stopped in traffic. Prosecutors say he exited his vehicle holding a black handgun and pointed it directly at the teenage driver through her windshield.
The female victim told investigators she became extremely frightened and backed her vehicle away before driving around him to escape. The male passenger reportedly told police he raised his hands because he feared he was about to be shot. Both victims stated they continued seeing the handgun as Zamora Silvan followed them.
Stolen Firearm Recovered
After locating and stopping Zamora Silvan's vehicle, officers recovered a tan handgun from the center console. The firearm contained a magazine loaded with 11 rounds. Court documents state Zamora Silvan did not possess a permit to carry a firearm. Investigators also discovered the handgun had been reported stolen approximately three years earlier.
Police additionally recovered marijuana, vape cartridges, and approximately $420 in cash from the vehicle.
After being advised of his constitutional rights, Zamora Silvan denied selling drugs to the victims, denied striking their vehicle, and denied pointing a gun at them. However, he acknowledged possessing the handgun and admitted he did not have a permit to carry it, according to the complaint.
Original Charges
Dakota County prosecutors initially charged Zamora Silvan with:
Felony second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon involving a handgun.
Gross misdemeanor possession of a pistol without a permit.
Misdemeanor fourth-degree criminal damage to property.
The felony assault charge carried a potential prison sentence because it involved the alleged use of a firearm.
Sentencing
Court records show that as part of a plea agreement, Zamora Silvan ultimately pleaded guilty to felony threats of violence and possession of a pistol without a permit.
Judge Tori K. Stewart imposed a stay of imposition on the felony conviction, meaning it can be reduced to a misdemeanor if Zamora Silvan successfully completes probation.
As part of the sentence, Zamora Silvan was ordered to:
Serve 60 days in the Dakota County Jail, with eligibility for work release.
Complete five years of supervised probation through Dakota County Community Corrections.
Have no contact with the victims.
Complete anger management programming and cognitive skills training.
Remain law-abiding and submit to random testing.
Refrain from possessing firearms, ammunition, or explosives.
The court also reserved restitution for up to 60 days to allow Dakota County Community Corrections to determine the victims' losses.
Zamora Silvan was ordered to report to the Dakota County Jail on June 5, 2026, to begin serving his sentence.
Pictured: Eberardo Zamora Silvan. Provided by Dakota County Jail.
Written by: Will Wight
