Man Caught Pouring Gasoline in Rochester Home Sentenced to Prison
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The man responsible for terrifying a Rochester family last fall is headed to prison.
Twenty-five-year-old Ian Okot Ajal entered a plea agreement earlier this summer and admitted to a first-degree burglary charge in the case. He was originally charged with three counts of first-degree burglary, first-degree attempted arson, second-degree assault, felony terroristic threats, criminal damage to property, a gross misdemeanor count of criminal sexual conduct, and a misdemeanor assault charge.
According to court records, Rochester police responded to a burglary in progress at a home in the 2400 block of 52nd Street Northwest on October 20, 2024. When officers arrived, they found the homeowner restraining Ajal on the ground outside the house.
Intruder Poured Gasoline, Threatened to Blow Up House
The criminal complaint says the homeowner told officers he had just arrived home when one of his children ran outside, saying a stranger had broken into their home. The homeowner then went inside and found the intruder with a gas can, pouring gasoline in the kitchen.
The complaint says the man threatened to blow up the house before attempting to punch the homeowner and turning on the stove. That sparked a physical fight between the two men.
READ MORE: Charges: Rochester Man Tired to Trigger Explosion During Home Invasion
The homeowner said he managed to pin the intruder on the couch, but Ajal grabbed him in the groin area. The family’s dog then intervened and bit Ajal, allowing the homeowner to regain control and drag him outside, where he restrained him until officers arrived.
Four Children Were Inside During Home Invasion
The charging document also says four children, ranging in age from 4 to 14, were inside the home during the invasion. Ajal was later transported to the hospital for treatment of drug-induced psychosis and dog bite injuries.
Ajal was sentenced today to four years in prison, with credit for the 329 days he has already served in jail since his arrest.
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