Owatonna Police Respond to Knife Incident

Owatonna Police responded to an alleged knife incident over the holiday break, resulting in the arrest of a 37-year old Owatonna man on assault and threat charges. The Owatonna Police Department’s Just the Facts e-newsletter states officers were called to an address in the 800-block of Harriet Avenue on Christmas Day afternoon.

“Investigating officers met with a male resident who reported another male resident in the home had returned home intoxicated and began attacking him…The suspect then pulled a knife and threatened to kill the victim. The victim locked himself in a bathroom while the suspect pounded on the door and continued to threaten to kill the victim.”

Police report “that a witness in the home reported hearing the altercation,” and “seeing the suspect with a knife and yelling that he was going to stab the victim.” Police apprehended 37-year-old Robert Martinez of Owatonna and charged him with 2^nd Degree Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Terroristic Threats, and 4^th Degree Assault of a Peace Officer after allegedly kicking a police officer and correctional officers at the jail.

In other news from Just the Facts, Owatonna Police are seeking to speak with individuals in connection with a hit and run incident and a theft at Wal-Mart. If you can provide information, contact the OPD Detective Bureau at 507-774-7207.

The department announces that Michael Brien has begun his service as a licensed officer with the OPD after serving as a Community Service Officer (CSO) since April 2019. “Michael is an Owatonna native and began his career with the department as a volunteer reserve before being hired as a CSO.” He began his new position January 3, 2021.