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Charges: Blaine Man Threatens Daughter's Boyfriend With Shovel

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A Blaine man is facing charges after allegedly attempting to attack his daughter's boyfriend with a shovel last month.

Todd Martin Rathbun, 50, has been charged with one count of terroristic threats.

According to the criminal complaint, shortly before 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 22 Blaine police officers responded to a call of an assault in progress in the 1700 block of 87th Avenue.

Upon arrival, police encountered a 26-year-old man who stated he and his 24-year-old girlfriend had returned home to pick up a cell phone charger.

As they were walking up the driveway the woman's father, Rathbun, came out of his camper, which was parked in the driveway of the home.

The man told police Rathbun swore at him and told him to get out. Rathbun then allegedly grabbed a shovel and swung it at the man.

According to the criminal complaint, the man was able to wrestle the shovel away, at which point Rathbun ran toward him and tried "gouging" the man's eyes and grabbing his testicles.

Police said the man knew Rathbun was trying to hurt him

If found guilty, Rathbun could face up to five years in prison, $10,000 in fines or both.

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