Bloomington man accused of threatening park workers

Article by: Star Tribune
Updated: August 19, 2008 - 7:53 PM

Bloomington man charged with threatening to kill park employees who asked him to stop smoking.

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A Bloomington man faces three felony charges of making terroristic threats after he allegedly threatened and vowed to kill three park employees who asked him to stop smoking on a city beach.

Three Bloomington Park and Recreation employees who were conducting a summer camp program for kids Aug. 11 at Bush Lake Beach approached Tou Xioung Vang, 38, and asked him to stop smoking a cigarette. According to a city ordinance and signs at the beach, smoking is not allowed in the park.

According to a criminal complaint filed last week in Hennepin County District Court, that's when Vang began yelling obscenities and statements similar to "Do you remember the Vietnamese hunter in Wisconsin? I'll come back and kill all of you," and "Do you remember Virginia Tech? I'll mow all you down."

Vang's 4- and 6-year-old children and children attending Camp Kota were present when the exchange took place, the complaint said.

Vang spat in the direction of the camp staff and tipped over a table and a grill before leaving the park. Police arrested him a short time later, the complaint said.

Vang admitted to authorities that he made the threats to park employees, but denied that he would act upon them, the complaint said. He is due in court on Sept. 4.

TIM HARLOW