The state has offered to lower a Class C felony terrorizing charge to Class A misdemeanor menacing for Tyler James Genre, 27, of Minot regarding an Aug. 12 incident.

However, Judge Stacy Louser said she wants more information from a medical provider about whether Genre is fit to enter a plea.

Genre’s mother testified at the hearing on Wednesday that Genre has had problems lately with his mental health and has been receiving treatment. Genre’s lawyer, Kyle Craig, said that he believed Genre was able to enter a plea to the misdemeanor, but Louser said she wanted a report from Genre’s medical provider first.

Genre was charged with terrorizing after police received a call in August 2018 and went to a residence and found Genre sitting on the front porch. Genre had allegedly made a threat to burn down the house and took out a lighter, lit it, and held it to the ground as if he was going to start a fire. He had also been charged with striking two family members. He pleaded guilty to simple assault – domestic violence in Minot Municipal Court and was ordered to complete a class for domestic violence offenders.

The family members testified Wednesday that they were never afraid of Genre. His mother testified that the threat he made was an idle threat, made when Genre was angry. Genre also has a limited criminal history and his mother said it was completely out of character for him and related to difficult circumstances at the time. His mother would like the charge to be dropped altogether.

Louser allowed Genre to remain free on bond and lifted a no contact order preventing Genre from having contact with the family members. Louser said a change of plea hearing might be rescheduled at a later date after she has received the information she requested.