Published: November 5, 2026
EAGAN, MINNESOTA - An Eagan man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say he discharged a firearm inside a home, allegedly placing his longtime partner in danger.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Dakota County District Court, Charles Allen Freeland, 60, of Eagan, has been charged with two felony counts of dangerous weapon violations stemming from an incident on March 14, 2026.
Incident Details
The charges follow a reported incident at a residence in the 4200 block of Stirrup Street in Eagan. According to the complaint, officers with the Eagan Police Department met with an adult woman at a local fire station after the incident. The woman reported that Freeland, her long-term romantic partner, had come home from work around 6:00 a.m. and at approximately 9:00 a.m., he allegedly entered their bedroom, retrieved a handgun from a bedside table, and stated he was going to shoot the television.
The woman told police she initially did not take the statement seriously, noting that Freeland had previously made threats involving her and one of their pets. Moments later, she reported that Freeland fired the handgun inside the bedroom. The bullet struck a dresser, leaving a visible hole. She told investigators that Freeland then said she was “lucky he didn’t shoot her.”
The complaint also outlines broader concerns reported by the victim, including allegations of ongoing verbal abuse, prior physical altercations, claims that Freeland frequently called her during overnight work shifts, disrupting her sleep, statements that she had become increasingly isolated and rarely left the home, and she also reported that Freeland kept multiple firearms in the home, including handguns and a long gun, and that he consumed alcohol daily.
Police Response and Evidence
Officers responded to the residence and took Freeland into custody without incident. According to the complaint, Freeland admitted to firing a round inside the home, but claimed it was accidental. He also told officers he had consumed alcohol earlier that morning. A search warrant executed on the home, vehicle, and an RV led to the recovery of:
A loaded Sig Sauer handgun in a vehicle
A loaded .32 caliber handgun in a bedside table
9mm ammunition
A bullet was found on the bedroom floor
Damage to a dresser consistent with a gunshot
Charges Filed
Freeland is charged with:
Intentional discharge of a firearm that endangers safety (felony, up to 5 years in prison and/or fines up to $10,000)
Reckless discharge of a firearm within a municipality (felony, up to 2 years in prison and/or fines up to $5,000)
Prosecutors allege the firearm was discharged intentionally in close proximity to another person, creating a significant risk of harm. Bail was requested to be set at $20,000 without conditions or $15,000 with conditions. In court filings, prosecutors cited “significant public safety concerns” related to Freeland’s alleged handling of firearms and reported alcohol use. Freeland is currently being held at the Dakota County Jail on interim conditions without bail or bond until his first appearance, which is scheduled for tomorrow, March 18, 2026, at 1 PM in Hastings, Minnesota.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and Freeland is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Provided by the Dakota County Jail.
Written by: Will Wight
