Fargo Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm Charge After Road Rage Incident

FARGO, North Dakota — A Fargo man with a lengthy criminal record has pleaded guilty to a federal firearm charge following a June road rage incident in which witnesses said he pointed a gun at them during a traffic dispute.

Incident Near 45th Street and 19th Avenue North

According to court documents, Timothy Busche, who has at least eight prior felony convictions, signed a plea agreement on October 2 in U.S. District Court, admitting to being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charge stems from a June 8 confrontation near 45th Street and 19th Avenue North, where two people told police a passenger in another vehicle aimed a gun at them.

“This caused them to fear for their lives,” the plea agreement states. “One of them even reported seeing the trigger pulled though no shot was fired.” The victims provided officers with a description and license plate number, leading West Fargo police to stop a Ford Fusion shortly after the incident. Busche was the front passenger, while his father was driving.

Evidence Recovered in Vehicle Search

Police searched the vehicle and discovered a Taurus G3c 9mm pistol inside a white tote bag on the center console. The same bag also contained methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia, along with a partially disassembled air gun.

Busche reportedly admitted that the narcotics were his but denied owning or pointing a firearm. He acknowledged, however, that he was aware his father kept a gun in the car. Investigators later learned that the firearm, purchased from a Fargo dealer, had been manufactured out of state by a Brazilian company, making it subject to federal jurisdiction.

Federal Charges and Sentencing

Because of his felony history, Busche was prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law. He was also on parole for one of his prior convictions at the time of the incident. Under the plea deal, Busche faces up to 15 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. He is also required to pay a $100 special assessment fee.

Prosecutors agreed to recommend a lower-end sentence within federal guidelines in exchange for Busche’s cooperation and early plea. The agreement includes potential sentence reductions for acceptance of responsibility. A formal sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.

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