Prosecution to Seek 15 Year Sentence in Rochester Shooting Case

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Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Court records indicate Olmsted County prosecutors intend to seek an aggravated 15-year-prison sentence for a Rochester man who was arrested nearly 4 years ago for a shooting in downtown Rochester and threatening to kill a police officer.

42-year-old James Grant today entered guilty pleas to felony charges of illegal possession of a firearm and threats of violence. Two other felony charges, another count of threats of violence and reckless discharge of a firearm, were dismissed through a plea agreement.

Grant was arrested the night of September 6th, 2018 after he was seen firing a handgun in the air while arguing with his girlfriend on the sidewalk along First Street Southwest near the Mayo Clinic Dan Abrams Center. The criminal complaint says Rochester police were able to identify the couple using video recorded by a Mayo Clinic surveillance camera. A search of the couple's nearby apartment led to the discovery of a 40-caliber handgun and ammunition.

Following his arrest, the criminal complaint says Grant became very agitated after he saw his girlfriend being arrested on an outstanding warrant. The court document says, at the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center, Grant threatened the arresting officer by saying that “the next round he popped off” would be in the officer's head. The complaint also notes the body camera worn by a detention deputy recorded Grant issuing the threat.

A sentencing hearing for Grant has yet to be scheduled. He remains in the Olmsted County Jail on $175,000 bail. The court record indicates that Grant was convicted of Aggravated Battery in Illinois in 2003 and served a nine-year sentence.