Mentor Farm Shooting Brings 7 Felony Charges
Mentor (northwestmnnow.com) — A Bagley man faces seven felony charges after an alleged shooting at a Mentor-area farm.
Leslie Manford Anderson, 79, made his initial court appearance Tuesday in Polk County.
He is charged with second-degree attempted murder and first-degree assault.
Anderson also faces three second-degree assault charges and two first-degree burglary charges.
All seven counts are felonies.
Trail Camera Leads Family to Farm
The incident happened early September 20, according to court documents.
Authorities were called to the Mentor farm around 2:48 a.m.
The call reported that a man had been shot in the head.
The man’s daughter said her father called her around 2:20 a.m.
He reportedly saw someone trespassing through trail camera footage.
The family had experienced earlier break-ins and had placed locks on several buildings.
Family members then drove to the farm to check the property.
The daughter arrived first, followed about 10 minutes later by her parents.
Shooting Alleged Near Farm Shop
The man checked several buildings and found a shop had been entered.
Court records say the shop contained tools belonging to the family.
Prosecutors allege Anderson came from the building while holding a handgun.
Anderson allegedly pushed the man and shot him in the head.
He then allegedly fired several shots toward the man’s wife and daughter.
The two women entered a van and backed away before calling 911.
Authorities found the wounded man bleeding when they reached the property.
His wife was applying pressure to the head wound.
Anderson Gives Investigators Another Account
Anderson told investigators he believed the man had stolen tools from him.
He said he went to the property to recover those items.
Anderson admitted bringing a wagon and angle grinder, according to court records.
He also admitted using a crowbar to enter one building.
However, Anderson denied owning a handgun.
He claimed the other man had the gun during their confrontation.
Anderson said he grabbed for the weapon because he feared being shot.
He claimed the gun fired several times as the men fell.
Search Finds Rifles and Ammunition
Anderson allegedly admitted being the person seen on the trail camera.
He also said he burned the clothing he wore that night.
Investigators later searched Anderson’s property.
They found a Ford convertible that allegedly matched tire marks near the farm.
Authorities also reported finding two .22-caliber rifles and ammunition.
Anderson is out of custody after posting a $300,000 bond.
His omnibus hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. November 10.
Criminal charges are allegations. Anderson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
More court information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
Minnesota criminal laws are available through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.
I’m David Keller reporting for Northwest MN Now News.
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