Richard James Rech, 22, of Austin was charged with felony second-degree assault-dangerous weapon, felony terroristic threats-reckless disregard risk and gross misdemeanor domestic assault on Wednesday in Mower County District Court.

According to the court complaint, officers responded to a domestic assault report at 8:33 p.m. on Monday in the 1000 block of Eighth Avenue Southwest. Dispatch advised that the suspect, Rech, had a knife and was threatening the victim, a male relative. The reporting party, a female, was inside the residence on the second floor in a room with a broken door. When officers arrived at the residence, Rech went to a window on the second floor and began yelling at the officers, allowing the woman to exit the residence.

The woman told police that she and the victim were in their bedroom on the second floor when Rech entered the room and asked for marijuana. When she told him she had none, Rech asked for money to buy some. When she told him no, she alleged he “went off” on her. She told police Rech started calling the victim names, saying he couldn’t wait for the victim to die. She also alleged that Rech told the victim he was going to kill him while holding a knife.

The victim and Rech then went downstairs while she called the police.

While speaking with the woman, officers heard the sound of a window opening in the back of the residence. They then observed Rech sitting on the second story windowsill. An officer spoke to him while other officers entered the residence and pulled Rech back inside.

Police then spoke to the victim, who said he had recorded part of the incident on his phone. During the recording, Rech was heard yelling and being belligerent towards the victim and the woman, saying, “I hope you die.” Rech could be heard on the recording saying “what you looking at” multiple times and telling the woman “get rid of him before I end him.” Rech then yelled, “You are a hypocrite, lying, heroin smoking (expletive) and I’m sick and tired of that dude. He’s weak, he’s dead (expletive) I killed him and I’m gonna kill you too.” Rech then asked the victim if he wanted to die. When the victim asked if he had a knife, Rech replied, “Yeah I do. Do you wanna die?” He then told the victim he was ready for him and that he would stab him.

The victim corroborated the woman’s story, saying Rech had a knife and threatened to kill him.

Officers located a knife in the living room. The victim verified it was the knife with which Rech threatened him.

A review of Rech’s criminal record shows a prior conviction for domestic assault.

Rech will appear in court again on July 1.