‘F— around and find out’: Man used Snapchat to allegedly threaten to ‘shoot’ the mother of his son, her fiance, and any cop who tried to help her, police say

A Minnesota man is facing serious criminal charges after authorities say he used text messages and Snapchat to threaten the mother of his child, her fiancé, and any law enforcement officers who might attempt to intervene during a custody-related dispute. According to police and court documents, the threats escalated from demands to see his son into explicit promises of violence, prompting officers to arrest him and execute a search warrant at his home.

The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Chase Michael Oothoudt, was arrested and charged with making terroristic threats after allegedly sending a series of alarming messages directed at the mother of his 7-year-old son. Authorities say the threats were severe enough to raise concerns for the safety of the woman, her family, and responding officers.

Custody Dispute Allegedly Sparked the Threats

According to a criminal complaint reviewed by Law&Crime, the investigation began on June 7 when Oothoudt’s former partner contacted police to report that he had threatened to come to her residence and take their son without permission. The woman told investigators that the messages became increasingly aggressive and violent as the conversation continued.

The complaint states that Oothoudt allegedly informed the woman that he intended to retrieve their son regardless of her wishes. What started as a dispute over access to the child reportedly evolved into threats of forced entry and violence against anyone who stood in his way.

Former Partner Described Relationship History

The woman reportedly explained to officers that her relationship with Oothoudt had ended several years earlier. Despite the separation, she had continued allowing him to spend time with their son. However, she told police that those visits became less frequent after she began noticing what she described as increasingly erratic behavior from him.

Concerned about his conduct, she had reduced contact, a decision that authorities believe may have contributed to the tensions reflected in the messages.

Alleged Text Messages Became Increasingly Violent

According to investigators, Oothoudt first sent a text message stating, “I’m coming to get my son.” The complaint alleges that he later escalated the threat by warning that he would “breach the door and take [the boy] by force.”

Police said the woman repeatedly instructed him to stop contacting her. Instead, the messages allegedly became more disturbing.

In one message cited in the complaint, Oothoudt allegedly wrote that if she took his child away from him, he would take her husband away from her, adding that it was “not a threat” but a “promise.” Authorities also referenced another message in which he allegedly warned that no one would stand between him and his son while mentioning the home’s security doors and her fiancé’s ability to protect the family.

Threats Extended Beyond the Family

Investigators say the threats were not limited to the woman and her fiancé. Court documents indicate that Oothoudt also threatened violence against law enforcement officers who might respond to the situation. Those threats became a major factor in the police response and subsequent arrest.

Snapchat Video Contained Chilling Threats

The case took an even more alarming turn when Oothoudt allegedly sent a video through Snapchat.

According to police, the video featured Oothoudt making explicit threats to shoot the woman’s boyfriend and law enforcement officers if they attempted to stop him. Investigators said he referred to the recording as possibly being a confession or a suicide letter before launching into a profanity-laced tirade. During the video, he allegedly stated that if his son were taken from him, he would shoot the woman’s boyfriend and any deputies who came to intervene, repeatedly using the phrase “f— around and find out.”

Authorities viewed the statements as credible threats of violence and immediately took steps to protect the woman and her family.

Police Response and Arrest

After reviewing the messages and video, investigators determined that Oothoudt represented a potential threat to the victim and those around her. Officers subsequently traveled to his residence and placed him under arrest.

Search Warrant Revealed Large Weapons Cache

Following the arrest, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Oothoudt’s home.

According to the complaint, investigators discovered several high-powered rifles positioned near windows in a manner that authorities believed suggested preparation for a potential confrontation with police. Officers reportedly viewed the placement of the weapons as particularly concerning given the threats directed at law enforcement.

Police ultimately seized a total of 14 firearms from the residence, including rifles, shotguns, and pistols. The discovery added another layer of concern to an investigation already centered on threats of deadly violence.

Charges and Release Conditions

Oothoudt was booked into the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office detention facility on charges of terroristic threats. Court records indicate that he later posted a $50,000 bond and was released from custody under specific conditions.

As part of his release, he was ordered to have no contact with the mother of his child or her family. The restrictions were imposed to help ensure the safety of those allegedly targeted by the threats while the criminal case proceeds through the court system.

Upcoming Court Appearance

Authorities said Oothoudt is scheduled to appear in court on June 15, where the case is expected to move forward. Prosecutors will likely rely on the text messages, Snapchat video, and evidence recovered during the search of his residence as key components of their case.

Case Highlights Growing Concerns Over Digital Threats

The allegations against Oothoudt underscore how threats made through digital platforms such as text messaging and Snapchat can quickly become criminal matters when they contain credible indications of violence. In this case, investigators said the combination of explicit threats, references to firearms, and the subsequent discovery of multiple weapons led authorities to take immediate action.

While the charges remain allegations and Oothoudt is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court, prosecutors contend that the threats against his former partner, her fiancé, and responding officers created a serious public safety concern that required swift intervention by law enforcement.