Inset: Austin R. Gerads (Stearns County Jail). Background: The block in Minnesota where Gerads allegedly shot his sleeping roommate (Google Maps).
In a troubling incident from Minnesota, a 31-year-old man stands accused of attempting to murder his roommate by allegedly shooting him multiple times during his sleep. The suspect, identified as Austin Robert Gerads, faces serious charges, including attempted second-degree murder, second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, and evading law enforcement on foot, according to court records.
The St. Cloud Police Department was alerted to a possible shooting early Sunday morning at a home located in the 800 block of 8th Avenue South. Officers responded promptly to the scene around 4:20 a.m., as reported by St. Paul’s ABC affiliate, KSTP.
Once at the scene, authorities discovered two men, aged 44 and 55, both suffering from injuries. They claimed that their roommate, Gerads, was responsible for the attack. The younger man reportedly sustained gunshot wounds, while the older man suffered injuries after intervening in the violent encounter between Gerads and the initial victim.
The 44-year-old victim was taken to St. Cloud Hospital, where he received treatment for injuries deemed non-life-threatening. Meanwhile, the 55-year-old was assessed on-site, and his injuries were also categorized as non-life-threatening.
The incident has left the community on edge, as law enforcement continues to piece together the events that led to this violent outburst. The case highlights the unpredictable nature of domestic violence and the critical need for immediate intervention in such situations.
Emergency medical personnel transported the shooting victim to St. Cloud Hospital where he was reportedly treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The 55-year-old victim was evaluated at the scene and found to have suffered non-life-threatening injuries as well.
When officers confronted Gerads about the attacks, he allegedly attempted to flee the area on foot. However, he was taken into custody following a short pursuit, St. Cloud Live reported. Investigators reportedly recovered a handgun from the scene that was believed to have been used in the attacks.
A probable cause affidavit obtained by local news radio station KNSI provided additional details about the attacks.
According to the report, the shooting victim explicitly told police that Gerads had tried to kill him. The victim said he was in bed asleep when he was awakened by Gerads shooting him in the shoulder.
After the initial shot, Gerads allegedly accused the victim of killing his daughter before aiming the firearm at the victim”s head and shooting him in the face. The second shot only grazed the victim’s cheek, KNSI reported.
Following the second shot, Gerads allegedly pistol-whipped the victim in the back of the head. The victim knocked the firearm away from Gerads, leading to a struggle for the weapon. The victim was reportedly able to get control of the gun and toss it away from Gerads, at which point the 55-year-old victim entered the room to see what was going on. Gerads allegedly struck the older victim in the head with an object.
When police arrived, Gerads was reportedly still in the house, but quickly fled out the back door.
In addition to the firearm, police also said they found bullets, shell casings, a metal pole with blood on it, and a baggie containing what was believed to be methamphetamine.
When police questioned Gerads about the attack, he allegedly said it was “worth it,” per KNSI. He went on to claim that his daughter was being kept in the basement beneath a trap door. However, police said, no one was being held captive in the home.
