In a shocking turn of events, a renowned Twin Cities chef has found himself facing charges of threats of violence after allegedly choking his girlfriend and brandishing a gun. Justin Michael Anthony Sutherland, 39, could potentially face five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both, if convicted.

According to a criminal complaint, the St. Paul authorities received a distress call on Friday evening about a man carrying a gun on the 800 block of Front Avenue. The caller reported seeing a woman in distress with her hands raised outside a vacant building, while the man with the gun entered.

A second caller, who was Facetiming her sister, stated that the boyfriend was attempting to harm her and had attacked her earlier by putting his hands around her neck. Upon arriving at the scene, the officers apprehended Sutherland outside the building.

One of Sutherland's longtime friends revealed that the chef had been in a year-long relationship with the woman involved. The couple had recently moved into a nearby apartment in anticipation of transforming the vacant building into a restaurant. The friend acknowledged that their relationship had often been tumultuous, and that fights escalated into serious issues, according to court documents.

The friend further stated that Sutherland had texted him about a fight between him and his girlfriend earlier that day. As the friend rushed to their aid, Sutherland allegedly called and mentioned seeking his guns if necessary, after claiming that the girlfriend had gone to the "racist neighbor" to complain about him. The friend sternly advised Sutherland against taking any violent action.

Upon reaching the apartment, the friend discovered the couple engaged in a heated argument, necessitating his physical intervention to separate them. Sutherland then left the premises for a walk. The friend reported seeing a closed handgun case on Sutherland's bed but denied witnessing him with a gun, per court records.

The girlfriend later told the police that their fight escalated when Sutherland cancelled plans to attend a music festival, citing neighbors' racist behavior towards him. She alleged that he subsequently directed his anger at her. Graphic details in the court documents revealed that during a phone conversation with her sister, Sutherland began choking her, smashed the phone against the counter multiple times, and threatened her life.

Fleeing to the neighbors' house for assistance, the girlfriend was met with Sutherland blocking her return to the apartment, warning that he would shoot her if she dared to return. Despite these threats, she braved a return and was met with Sutherland striking her in the chest with the firearm. Sutherland's friend intervened, managing to disarm him. The court documents also mentioned Sutherland repeatedly expressing his wish for the girlfriend's death.

During a subsequent search of the residence, the authorities discovered two guns, one of which had traces of what appeared to be blood. It was noted that Sutherland had blood on his hands at the time of his arrest. In an interview with the police, the girlfriend recounted ongoing verbal abuse and revealed that Sutherland had previously shattered her car windshield.

During his detention, when informed about the charges of threats of violence, Sutherland vehemently denied the accusations and requested legal representation, as indicated by court documents. Moreover, the complaint highlighted that police had earlier responded to an incident at the same address, where the girlfriend had called 911, reporting that Sutherland had choked her and attempted to force her out of the apartment. However, on that occasion, both parties downplayed the incident and claimed everything was fine.

Individuals experiencing abuse or needing assistance are strongly encouraged to seek help. Several resources are available to address immediate concerns.