A Minnesota man, aged 31, has been arrested and charged with attempted second-degree murder, second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, and fleeing a police officer by means other than a motor vehicle. The charges stem from an incident in which Austin Robert Gerads allegedly shot his 44-year-old roommate multiple times while the latter was asleep.
The St. Cloud Police Department responded to a call about a possible shooting at a residence on the 800 block of 8th Avenue South around 4:20 a.m. on a recent Sunday. Upon arrival, they found two injured men, aged 44 and 55, who identified their roommate, Gerads, as their attacker.
The victims reported that Gerads shot the 44-year-old twice before assaulting the 55-year-old with an object. The older victim was reportedly targeted after he tried to intervene on behalf of the younger one. Both victims were treated for non-life-threatening injuries, with the shooting victim being transported to St. Cloud Hospital.
When confronted by the police, Gerads allegedly tried to escape on foot but was apprehended after a brief chase. A handgun believed to have been used in the attack was recovered from the scene.
Further details about the incident were revealed in a probable cause affidavit. The shooting victim told police that he was asleep when Gerads woke him by shooting him in the shoulder. Gerads then accused the victim of killing his daughter, aimed the gun at the victim’s head, and fired a second shot, which grazed the victim’s cheek. Gerads then allegedly hit the victim in the back of the head with the gun. A struggle for the weapon ensued, during which the victim was able to gain control of the gun and throw it away.
When the 55-year-old victim entered the room, Gerads allegedly hit him in the head with an object. Gerads was still in the house when police arrived but attempted to flee through the back door.
In addition to the handgun, police also found bullets, shell casings, a bloodied metal pole, and a bag containing what they believe to be methamphetamine. When questioned about the attack, Gerads reportedly said it was “worth it” and claimed his daughter was being held captive in the basement. However, police found no evidence of anyone being held captive in the house.