Inver Grove Woman Facing Charges after Threatening Neighbor with a Knife

A Fourth of July weekend argument now has one Inver Grove woman facing felony charges after she allegedly threatened her neighbor and a teen with a knife and also told the two she was prepared to jump into a trash bin to steal personal information. 

Ashley Janiece Burks was arguing with a neighbor in in the 6100 block of Carmen Drive around 10 a.m. Friday, July 5. The discussion escalated, according to a report filed by Inver Grove police, when Burks said she'd be willing to jump into a trash bin and get a neighbor's personal identification off discarded mail items.

As the argument continued, Burks did as she threatened, going into the bin and holding some of the neighbor's mail items in her hand. The neighbor's children attempted, successfully, to rescue the mail from Burks. 

That, the report continues, caused Burks to run into her home and retrieve a knife. She emerged, the neighbor told police, with the knife and threatened both her and the kids. Two of the children interviewed, according to the complaint, said Burks "threatened to kill them." 

Another witness interviewed by IGHPD said he or she heard the "knife comment," but didn't think it was pointed at anyone in particular. The person did see the knife in Burks' hand, but said she later threw it back in the house.

The third witness said the two neighbors "often" argue loud enough for the neighborhood to hear. 

If convicted, Burks could face up to five years in jail and a $10,000 fine.