RENVILLE COUNTY — Richard Leo Peters, 56 years old, of Morton, was sentenced for the crime of Assault in the Second Degree (assault with a dangerous weapon) on Monday, August 1, 2023.
On July 31, 2022, Deputy Hussman from the Renville County Sheriff’s Office responded to Peters’ residence after being informed that he may be having a possible diabetic-based medical episode. Deputy Hussman was informed that Peters had been drinking all day and was not maintaining his blood sugar levels. He entered the residence and heard Peters say, “I’m loaded and ready to go”. Peters then turned the corner with a black automatic rifle with a loaded magazine, aiming the firearm at Deputy Hussman, while Deputy Hussman was standing in front of Peters’ daughter and grandchild. Deputy Hussman immediately commanded Peters to drop the firearm and continued to do so multiple times before Peters eventually complied. Peters was arrested and transported to the Renville County Jail. Judge Van Hon presided over the sentencing hearing and commended Deputy Hussman for his quick decision-making and situation assessment, which allowed both Deputy Hussman and Peters to be present in the courtroom for the hearing. Peters apologized expressing remorse for the situation to Deputy Hussman and for the harm his crime caused, but also thanking him for not shooting him that night.
On August 1, 2023, Judge Van Hon sentenced Peters to a 36-month stay prison sentence, 5 years of probation, and 45 days in jail. Peters is required to obtain a chemical use assessment, abstain from any drugs or alcohol, submit to random testing, not possess any firearms or ammunition, and follow a variety of other terms of probation. Peters is required to report to the Renville County Jail on September 1, 2023.
