Charges: Rochester Man Tired to Trigger Explosion During Home Invasion
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Rochester man, who police reported finding at the scene of a drug-fueled home invasion, attempted to trigger an explosion at the victim’s residence.
Read More: Drug-Fueled Suspect Accused of Invading Two Rochester Homes
That’s according to a criminal complaint filed in Olmsted County Court on Thursday.
The alleged burglary occurred on Monday afternoon when police were notified of a burglary in progress while responding to a separate burglary reported earlier at a nearby residence.
Rochester police say the suspect, identified as 25-year-old Ian Ajal, was taken to a hospital for treatment of a drug-induced psychosis and injuries suffered from a dog bite at the second home.
Charges: Rochester Man Turned On Stove He Doused With Gas During Invasion of Home With Four Children Present
The criminal complaint, which charges Ajal with seven felonies, says he entered the home in the 2400 block of 52nd St. Northwest through the back door with a can of gasoline and began dumping the gas on a stove and throughout the home’s kitchen.
Ajal was confronted by a resident of the home who had just arrived as the break-in occurred. The man told police he saw Ajal dousing the kitchen with gas and that Ajal threatened to blow up the house, the complaint says.
The Rochester man then swung his fist at the victim and turned on the stove. The homeowner was able to pin Ajal on a couch and Ajal grabbed the victim in the groin area before the resident’s dog bit Ajal, the charges say.
The victim then dragged Ajal outside of the home and pinned him to the ground until police officers arrived.
A minor female was inside of the home when Ajal broke in and was one of four children ranging in age from 4-14 present at the time of the home invasion, according to the complaint.
Ajal is also suspected of invading a home and stealing a bag of oranges in the 2500 block of Georgetowne Dr. Northwest before the 52nd St. NW burglary. Ajal was seen with a bag of oranges when he broke into the second home, Rochester police say.
The Rochester man is charged with four counts of first-degree burglary, second-degree assault, terroristic threats and first-degree damage to property. He also faces a gross misdemeanor fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct charge and a misdemeanor assault count.
Ajal made his first court appearance on Thursday. His bail was set at $150,000 without conditions. He remains in custody and is due back in court next month.
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