Osseo man arrested for stealing gun from ice fishing contest

An Osseo man is facing charges in Buffalo County after allegedly taking a gun from an ice fishing contest held in Gilmanton on Feb. 22.

According to the criminal complaint sent by the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department, Timothy Busse, 37, told police he didn’t know why he took the gun and that alcohol affected his decision-making. 

According to the complaint, the reporting party said several guns had been raffled off, but when it was time to raffle a pistol off, it couldn’t be found. The reporting party said he saw a male wearing a “Let’s Go Brandon” shirt taking an unusual interest in the gun. When it came time to raffle that gun off, they noticed both the gun and the male were gone. The reporting party was able to identify the man as Busse. 

Buffalo County Sheriff Mike Osmond made contact with Busse’s father, who possessed the gun. Busse’s father — who was not named in the report — said that Busse had called him and told him to pick up a gun he had supposedly won. The father’s report was confirmed by phone records.

Busse was located at the White Pig Tavern in Mondovi and taken outside the tavern by law enforcement officers. He told police that he “will take full responsibility for what happened.” Because of previous felony convictions, Busse is not allowed to possess firearms. He was convicted of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon in 2019. 

While searching Busse, officers found prescription pills and marijuana.

Busse was charged with possession with intent to deliver narcotics, possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony, theft-movable property, possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia. The narcotics charge carries the most severe penalty as Busse could be sentenced to serve up to 15 years in prison and fined $50,000. For the theft, he faces six years in prison and a $10,000 fine. 

When Osmond asked Busse why he took the gun he said he wasn’t quite sure. He said he had been drinking and didn’t know why he would’ve taken it.  

Busse wrote an apology letter to the Gilmanton Sportsmen’s Club that read:

“Dear Sportsman’s Club Members, I, Timothy Busse, am so sorry for my completely dumb actions. Alcohol was a factor, but not in any way an excuse. I’m not a bad person and can’t believe I did something so unforgiving. I cannot reiterate how horribly bad I feel and how sorry I am. Signed, Timothy Busse” 

As of last week, Busse was being held in the Buffalo County Jail on a $1,500 cash bond. He is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing tomorrow (March 6).