Manhunt Underway for Troubled Watson Resident Threatening University of Minnesota Campus

A manhunt is currently underway for Joseph Mark Rongstad, a troubled resident of Watson, Minnesota. Rongstad, known for his history of chemical dependency and mental health issues, allegedly posted a chilling threat on social media, targeting the Twin Cities campus of the University of Minnesota. The university has issued an urgent alert, urging everyone to stay clear of the campus.

Authorities were alerted to the threat early Thursday, prompting an immediate response from the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Derek Olson took to Facebook to inform the public about the active investigation and the ongoing search for Rongstad. However, officers were unable to locate him at his Watson residence, leaving the community on edge.

Joseph Rongstad, a former mayor of Watson, has a troubling past with the law. In 2016, he was convicted of burglary after breaking into the home of then-mayor Kyle Jones while he and his family were asleep. More recently, in 2021, Rongstad was found guilty of driving a John Deere tractor into the Watson Lutheran Church, where he was discovered asleep inside the running vehicle. These incidents, coupled with his history of drug-related offenses, have raised concerns about his mental state and potential for violence.

Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 195 pounds, Rongstad is described as having brown hair and hazel eyes. As the manhunt intensifies, law enforcement agencies are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward immediately. The safety of the community, particularly the faculty and staff on the University of Minnesota campus, is of utmost importance.

While students are currently on break, the university has taken precautionary measures to ensure the safety of those who remain on campus. Buildings are now accessible only by key card, and employees are encouraged to work from home. The Department of Public Safety at the University of Minnesota has issued an online safety notification, advising everyone to stay away from the campus until further notice.

As the search for Joseph Mark Rongstad continues, the community remains on high alert. The urgency to locate him and prevent any potential harm to innocent lives is paramount. Law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to bring this situation to a swift and safe resolution. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.

Author: CrimeDoor

CrimeDoor

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  • I remember reading about a similar manhunt that took place in my hometown a few years ago. It was a small, tight-knit community, and everyone was shocked when we found out that a resident was on the run from the police.

    The man, let's call him John, had a history of mental health issues and had been struggling with addiction for years. He was known to be unpredictable and had a few run-ins with the law in the past. However, nobody expected things to escalate to

  • While it is important to acknowledge the ongoing manhunt for Joseph Mark Rongstad, it is equally crucial to approach this situation with empathy and understanding. Labeling him as simply a "troubled resident" may oversimplify the complexities of his circumstances and potentially perpetuate negative stereotypes. It is essential to consider the underlying factors that may have contributed to his actions, such as mental health issues, personal struggles, or a lack of support systems. By recognizing these factors, we can foster a more compassionate

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