Rosemount Man Charged After Allegedly Pointing Gun at Driver on Highway 52
INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA - A Rosemount man has been charged with felony threats of violence after allegedly pointing a handgun at another driver during a road rage incident on Highway 52 in Inver Grove Heights, according to a criminal complaint filed Monday in Dakota County District Court.
Alleged Incident on Highway 52
According to the criminal complaint filed by the Dakota County Attorney’s Office, on September 12, 2025, the Minnesota State Patrol received a report from a driver who said another motorist had allegedly pointed a firearm at him while driving northbound on Highway 52 near the 117th Street overpass.
The victim told law enforcement that he honked his horn and flashed his lights when another vehicle attempted to force its way into his lane. The vehicle then moved into the right lane and began to pass. As the two cars traveled side by side, the driver, who was later identified as Samuel Joseph Rowan, 22, of Rosemount, allegedly stared at the victim and pointed a pistol at him.
The victim described the firearm as a two-toned handgun with a silver slide and dark grip. He also provided authorities with the suspect’s license plate number, vehicle description, and physical description of the driver.
Admission and Firearm Recovered
Troopers traced the vehicle to Rowan’s Rosemount residence. When questioned, Rowan admitted he was driving on Highway 52, had been honked at, and then brandished his firearm at the other motorist. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, law enforcement located the reported handgun on the passenger seat.
Charges, Potential Penalties, and Bail
Rowan has been charged with one count of Threats of Violence (Intent to Terrorize), a felony under Minnesota Statute 609.713, Subdivision 1. The offense carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
At his initial court appearance on September 15, the Judge set Rowan’s bail at $40,000 without conditions or $20,000 with conditions. Conditions include:
Remaining law-abiding
No contact with the victim
No use or possession of firearms or dangerous weapons
Not residing in a home where others possess firearms
Surrendering any permit to carry a firearm
Not leaving Minnesota without court approval
Making all future court appearances
Also prohibited from committing any same or similar offenses.
Rowan’s next court appearance is set for November 5, 2025, at 1:30 PM.
A complaint is an allegation, and Rowan is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Provided by Dakota County Jail.
Additional Reading: Road Rage Incident Leads to Charges in Inver Grove Heights
Written by: Will Wight
