A St. Charles man is facing a slate of charges after authorities say he posted a video last Thursday showing several glass bottles with fabric wicks that appeared to be Molotov cocktails, along with threats toward a local business. The online post triggered a multi-agency response, and officers later arrested him in the backyard of his home, according to charging documents.
According to Fox 2, the suspect, identified in court records as Dustin Dauster, is accused of posting the video on Thursday after previously leaving multiple voice messages warning the business that he would "exercise his 2nd Amendment rights." Court papers say the threats date back to Dec. 24, 2025 and escalated with the April video that finally drew law enforcement attention.
Arrest and alleged evidence
Officers and ATF agents moved in after the post and arrested Dauster in the backyard of his St. Charles home, according to the probable cause statement. That document says officers spotted a box of bottles resembling Molotov cocktails within his reach during the arrest.
The same statement alleges that Dauster refused repeated commands, kicked at officers and struck one officer in the thigh while being taken into custody.
Charges and bail
The St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney's Office charged Dauster with two counts of second-degree terrorist threats, first-degree harassment, fourth-degree assault and resisting arrest. Court records show he was booked on Friday and is being held on a $35,000 cash-only bond while the case moves forward.
Court date and next steps
Missouri court documents list an arraignment set for Tuesday. Prosecutors say the charges arise from multiple incidents reported between Dec. 24, 2025 and last Thursday. The case remains under investigation, and prosecutors plan to outline the allegations at the arraignment, according to court paperwork reviewed by Fox 2.
Local context
While cases involving incendiary devices are rare in the St. Charles area, they are not unheard of. Federal agents previously investigated a 2021 attack involving Molotov cocktails that led to federal charges and a multi-year prison sentence, according to an ATF release.
Prosecutors and police did not immediately respond to additional requests for comment about the current case.
Officials say anyone with information is urged to contact the St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney's Office or local police. The investigation remains active, and prosecutors are expected to update the public court record at next week's arraignment.
