South St. Paul Man Charged After Allegedly Pointing Pellet Gun at Business Employees
Published: March 13th, 2026
SOUTH ST. PAUL, MN — A South St. Paul man is facing a felony charge after authorities say he pointed a pellet gun at employees of a nearby business, causing them to fear for their safety, on Tuesday afternoon.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Dakota County District Court, Roger Lee Riley, 69, has been charged with Threats of Violence involving a replica firearm or BB gun following the incident on Tuesday afternoon, March 10, 2026.
Incident Reported on Concord Street
Limitless Media News received reports around 3 PM of a large police presence in the 1400 block of Concord Street South in South St. Paul, where law enforcement responded to a weapons call at a local business.
According to the criminal complaint, upon arrival, officers spoke with two employees of a business who reported that Riley had been involved in a confrontation shortly before the incident escalated.
The complaint states that Victim 1, an adult female employee, was assisting a customer when Riley allegedly began yelling at her and pointing his finger at her. Victim 2, an adult male employee, reported hearing Riley shout profanities, including “f* you,”** while complaining about noise.
A short time after the verbal confrontation, employees observed Riley sitting on the front steps of his residence directly across the street from the business. Victim 2 told officers he then saw Riley pointing a rifle toward the business. Investigators say the employees reported that Riley appeared to be tracking Victim 1 with the rifle, following her movements as she walked. The complaint alleges that whenever Victim 1 moved, Riley allegedly followed her movements with the rifle.
The employees then ran inside the business for safety. Even after they went indoors, Riley allegedly continued to track Victim 1 through the window with the firearm. When Victim 1 noticed the gun following her, she reportedly panicked and dropped to the floor inside the business.
Officers noted in the complaint that when they arrived, the woman was visibly upset and crying, telling authorities she had “never been more fearful.” Victim 2 also reported being fearful during the incident.
Defendant Admitted Having a BB Gun
According to investigators, Riley admitted to officers that he had taken a BB gun outside his residence. He initially told officers he was “sighting” or “scoping” the gun, but later admitted pointing it toward the business, according to the complaint.
During the interaction with officers, Riley allegedly became angry and began swearing at law enforcement. Officers also reported that he appeared to be under the influence of alcohol at the time.
During a search of Riley’s residence, authorities located two long pellet guns, one of which had a scope attached, according to the complaint.
Felony Charge Filed
Riley has been charged with Threats of Violence involving a replica firearm or BB gun, a felony under Minnesota Statute 609.713. The charge carries a maximum penalty of one year and one day in prison and a fine ranging from $900 to $3,000.
The prosecution requested that bail be set at $40,000 without conditions and $30,000 with conditions. It was ultimately set at $40,000 without conditions and $10,000 with conditions. As of the writing of this article, bail has not been posted, and Riley remains in custody at the Dakota County Jail. His next court appearance is set for April 8, 2026, at 1:30 PM in Hastings, Minnesota.
As with all criminal cases, Riley is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Provided by the Dakota County Jail.
Written by: Will Wight
