A Minneapolis man is facing several serious charges after authorities say he opened fire during a family dispute in a Cass Lake business parking lot, an incident that led to a gas pump being struck by gunfire. The situation unfolded late Tuesday morning on November 18, 2025, and has since raised concerns in the community about safety, family violence, and the dangers of weapons being used during emotional confrontations.
According to Cass County Sheriff Bryan Welk, deputies were called to 203 Aspen Avenue NW in Cass Lake at 11:16 a.m. after reports came in of a person firing a weapon in the parking lot of a business. The location, which sits along a busy route used by locals and travelers passing through the area, quickly became the center of a large law enforcement response as officers worked to determine what had happened and whether anyone had been injured.
The suspect, identified as 20-year-old Jose Pineda Jr. of Minneapolis, was taken into custody at the scene and transported to the Cass County Detention Center. Authorities say he is facing multiple pending charges, including reckless discharge of a firearm, second-degree assault, and domestic assault. These charges reflect the severity of the incident, which investigators say could have resulted in much more serious injuries or even loss of life.
The initial investigation found that the shooting was connected to an ongoing dispute within a family traveling together. Deputies learned that the group had been driving from Bemidji to the Twin Cities when tensions escalated inside the vehicle. At some point along the route, the conflict intensified enough for the driver to pull into the parking lot of the Cass Lake business, where the situation worsened.
Once the vehicle came to a stop, passengers began stepping out, and it was during this moment that a firearm was discharged. Authorities say Pineda fired the weapon in the direction of an adult male passenger. The shot missed the individual but struck a nearby gas pump, causing additional danger to everyone in the surrounding area. The presence of fuel, vehicles, and people at the business made the situation especially risky.
Although the gunshot did not strike any person directly, minor injuries were reported as a result of the dispute. Authorities did not release details on the nature of these injuries, but they confirmed that no one suffered life-threatening harm. Still, the event left many shaken, as violence involving firearms can escalate unpredictably, especially in public spaces where bystanders are present.
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office received assistance from the Itasca County Sheriff’s Office and the Leech Lake Tribal Police Department, both of which responded to ensure the scene was secured and all individuals involved were accounted for. Their coordination helped bring the situation under control and allowed investigators to piece together the events that led up to the shooting.
Law enforcement officials emphasized the seriousness of discharging a weapon in public, especially during emotional or family-related disputes. Incidents like this, they noted, highlight the importance of de-escalation and the significant risks that arise when firearms are introduced into tense situations. Sheriff Welk thanked assisting agencies for their quick support and encouraged the community to report disturbances promptly so that officers can intervene before situations become dangerous.
The investigation remains active, and authorities say additional information may be released as the case progresses. For now, Pineda remains in custody as prosecutors prepare formal charges. The incident serves as a reminder of the quick decisions law enforcement must make to protect public safety, as well as the real dangers that can accompany domestic conflicts.
