Martin Frederick Branshaw, 51 of Hastings, was charged* today with one count of attempted murder in the second degree and one count of assault in the second degree with a dangerous weapon, Dakota County Attorney Kathy Keena announced.
According to court documents, deputies from the Dakota County Sheriff's Office were called to a residence in Ravenna Township around noon on Tuesday, May 20, on a report of a domestic disturbance. Deputies were told that Branshaw had a gun and was threatening to kill a female victim inside the home.
The victim told 911 dispatch that she had barricaded herself in a bedroom on the second floor and Branshaw was pounding on the door, trying to break in. When deputies arrived, they got a ladder and safely rescued the victim through the window.
The evening before, the two had been drinking alcohol and got into an argument. The victim went upstairs to go to bed but Branshaw repeatedly screamed at her from the first floor. She eventually fell sleep but was woken when Branshaw entered the room. He then unlocked a gun safe next to the bed, grabbed the victim by the hair and put the barrel of a black pistol to her temple. He then pulled the trigger and the victim heard a “click" but it did not fire.
Branshaw was inside the house when deputies arrived. He told them he had a gun and that he would shoot. South Metro SWAT also responded to the incident and took command of the scene. They breached the house and Branshaw was found in a second-floor bedroom with an apparent self-inflicted injury on his neck. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment where he currently is in custody.
During the investigation, an HK .45 caliber pistol was found under a couch cushion. It was loaded with a magazine that contained 10 rounds, however, no bullet was in the chamber.
“I'm so grateful for the swift response of the Dakota County Sheriff's Office and South Metro SWAT and their unwavering commitment to public safety as the outcome of this incident could have been so different," said County Attorney Keena.
Mr. Branshaw was unable to appear in court today due to his hospitalization. Accordingly, his first appearance was continued to June 12 at 1 p.m. in Hastings. In the interim, bail was set for $1 million with conditions by Judge Dannia Edwards. The court also issued a domestic abuse no contact order (DANCO). After Branshaw is medically cleared, he will be transferred to the Dakota County Jail.
A summary of the facts pertaining to this case can be found in the criminal complaint at Criminal Complaint Search.
*Criminal charges are not evidence of guilt. A defendant/suspect is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If you or a loved one is a victim of domestic assault, help is available — call 360 Communities 651-452-7288 or Minnesota Day One at 866-223-1111 or visit www.dayoneservices.org.