Rochester, MN – A local Olmsted County jury delivered a verdict on Tuesday that upholds public safety and the rule of law. The jury found 40‑year‑old Costin Aurelian Tita guilty of felony driving while intoxicated (DWI), a gross misdemeanor count of fourth‑degree burglary, a gross misdemeanor for carrying a BB gun in a public place, and a misdemeanor for fleeing police. He was acquitted of a separate gross misdemeanor charge of driving after cancellation‑inimical to public safety.
Incident that led to the trial
Police were called early on March 25, 2024, after a customer allegedly brandished what appeared to be a firearm at a downtown Rochester bar. Officers responded, followed the suspect out of the bar and into an alley near Third Street Southwest, where they observed him drive a vehicle onto a nearby city parking ramp.
When officers located the vehicle on the second level of the ramp, they saw Tita in the elevator vestibule and ordered him to stop. Instead of complying, Tita fled on foot into an adjacent skyway and then into a stairwell, leaving the BB gun behind next to the elevator.
Search and capture
While searching for the suspect, police received a 911 call from a woman who reported that Tita was pounding on the door of her home, frightening her because he was armed with a BB gun. The criminal complaint notes that Tita had been at the residence earlier that night.
After a continued pursuit, officers found Tita hiding in a neighbor’s garage. He attempted another brief escape before surrendering to police.
Criminal history and upcoming sentencing
Court records show that Tita has a substantial criminal background, including three felony drug convictions and a prior DWI conviction in Olmsted County in 2016. His driver’s license has been revoked, and he has faced suspected impairment‑related suspensions on two occasions since 2021.
The jury’s verdict reflects the community’s expectation that dangerous conduct—especially involving firearms or firearm‑like devices—will be met with firm legal consequences. Tita is scheduled to be sentenced in February, where the court will consider both the recent convictions and his prior record.
Community response
Local residents and business owners have expressed relief that the case moved through the courts and resulted in accountability. The incident, which unfolded in a busy downtown area, raised concerns about public safety in Rochester’s vibrant bar district. Law‑enforcement officials emphasized that the swift response and thorough investigation demonstrate the city’s commitment to protecting citizens and maintaining order.
Rochester police continue to encourage the public to report any suspicious activity, especially when weapons—real or replica—are involved. The department’s ongoing outreach aims to deter similar incidents and ensure that downtown remains a safe gathering place for families, workers, and visitors.
Original reporting: News Talk 1340 KROC-AM – News and Talk – Rochester News Radio — read the source article.
