This news report dated August 24, 2008 details felony charges brought against Superior Police Officer Ross W. Magnuson, 45, following an alleged off-duty road rage confrontation in Two Harbors, Minnesota. According to the criminal complaint, motorist Philip Hoberg told police that Magnuson confronted him at a Holiday gas station parking lot, pulled a handgun from his hip, pointed it at Hoberg’s chest, and asked something like “Do you want to go?” in front of Hoberg’s girlfriend and her child. Hoberg said he feared for his safety and tried to calm Magnuson. Hoberg later identified Magnuson from a photo lineup, and officers recovered a silver and black Smith & Wesson pistol from Magnuson’s gun safe.

Magnuson, a 12-year veteran of the Superior Police Department, was charged with second-degree assault and making terroristic threats — both felonies — along with misdemeanor counts of reckless handling of a dangerous weapon and disorderly conduct. Superior Police Chief Floyd Peters said he was shocked by the allegations but stated the department would not interfere with the criminal investigation. Peters said Magnuson was placed on administrative leave and that an internal investigation would follow the crimin