Minnesota Man Accused of Shooting Sleeping Roommate in the Face and Telling Police the Attack Was “Worth It,” Authorities Say
ST. CLOUD, MINNESOTA — A 31-year-old Minnesota man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he shot his sleeping roommate in the face, assaulted a second man inside the home, and later told officers the attack was “worth it.”
The suspect, identified as Austin Robert Gerads, was arrested early Sunday morning after first responders located two injured men inside a residence on 8th Avenue South.
Police Say Victim Was Shot While Sleeping, Then Accused of Killing Suspect’s Daughter
Officers were called to the home around 4:20 a.m. after reports of a possible shooting. When they arrived, they found a 44-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds and another man, 55, who had been assaulted.
According to the injured men, Gerads allegedly walked into the bedroom where the younger victim was sleeping and shot him twice — once in the shoulder and once toward his face. Investigators say the second shot grazed the victim’s cheek, narrowly missing a fatal injury.
The shooting victim told police he woke up to Gerads standing over him with a firearm. After the first shot, the suspect reportedly accused him of killing his daughter, then aimed at his head.
After firing again, Gerads allegedly pistol-whipped the victim in the back of the head, sparking a struggle that allowed the victim to knock the gun away.
Second Roommate Injured After Trying to Intervene
Police say the 55-year-old roommate entered the room after hearing the commotion, only to be attacked as well. Gerads allegedly struck him in the head with a blunt object.
Investigators later found several items inside the home believed to be connected to the assault, including:
- A handgun suspected to be the shooting weapon
- Bullets and shell casings
- A metal pole with blood on it
- A baggie containing a substance believed to be methamphetamine
Both victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The shooting victim was transported to St. Cloud Hospital, while the older victim received medical evaluation at the scene.
Suspect Allegedly Fled on Foot Before Being Arrested
When officers arrived, Gerads was reportedly still inside the house but ran out the back door in an attempt to escape. Police caught him shortly afterward following a foot chase.
During questioning, investigators say Gerads admitted to the attack, claiming it was “worth it.” He also insisted that his daughter was being held captive in a basement beneath a trap door — a claim officers say was unfounded.
Authorities confirmed that no one was being held hostage in the home.
Gerads has been charged with:
- Attempted second-degree murder
- Second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon
- Fleeing a police officer on foot
He remains in custody as prosecutors prepare additional filings.
Investigators Reviewing Motive Amid Concerns Over Suspect’s Mental State
Authorities are continuing to investigate what led to the attack, including Gerads’ belief that the victim harmed his daughter. Police have not publicly described any evidence supporting that claim and say the allegation appears to be part of the suspect’s delusion at the time of the violence.
Detectives are also examining whether drug use — suggested by the substance found in the home — may have contributed to his behavior, though toxicology reports are pending.
The victims are expected to recover, and police say they are cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.
As Minnesota authorities continue building their case, residents are reminded to report escalating disputes or unusual behavior within shared homes before violence erupts. For continuing coverage of major criminal cases and community safety updates, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.