Man involved in Rockville incident identified

ROCKVILLE (WJON News) — The identity of the man who violated the restraining order in Rockville and additional information about the incident have been released. The man was identified as Joseph Bloch of Rockville, and he was charged in Stearns County District Court with threats of violence – disregard for danger – and an aggravated harassment offense – use of a dangerous weapon in the commission of the offense.

According to the indictment, the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office was called to a home on County Road 8 in Rockville, near Grand Lake, around 9 a.m. Monday. When they arrived on scene, a woman told officers that while she was outside in her yard, Bloch threatened to come get her and fired three shots from a rifle in her direction.

The woman’s husband was also outside and corroborated her story. He informed her of ongoing problems with Bloch, including that he had broken a window on their property. Over the next few hours, officers tried to reach Bloch by phone multiple times and were able to reach him on two separate calls. Both times, investigators say, Bloch became agitated and began yelling at them before hanging up.

When Bloch could not be found later, the sheriff’s office obtained a search warrant for the home and found several guns and ammunition casings. On Tuesday, the women called to report that Bloch was back home, and when they responded, officers saw Bloch driving into Marty and stopped him. Bloch exited his vehicle and walked toward officers while yelling at them. He stopped in front of the patrol car and placed his arms on the hood. Officers arrested him and took him into custody without incident. Block is being held in the Stearns County Jail.

READ MORE FROM AUTHOR PAUL HABSTRITT:

Come with us and visit Canelake’s Candies in Virginia, Minnesota

Visit Pierz, Minnesota with us in pictures

Experience Minnesota’s state bird like never before – through the lens of Canadian photographer Chris Whitty