Crime & Safety
Hockey Dad Accused of Choking Son's Coach Heading To Trial
After waiving his right to a speedy trial, Thomas Angelo Tonda, 49, was scheduled for a jury trial on Aug. 20.

A 49-year-old St. Paul man accused of is heading to trial after a Dakota County judge found sufficient evidence in the case against him Monday morning.
Thomas Angelo Tonda waived his right to a speedy trial and Judge David Knutson scheduled a settlement conference for Aug. 1 with a jury trial, if necessary, scheduled for Aug. 20.
According to a Dakota County criminal complaint, Tonda became angry after the coach admonished his son for hitting another player with his hockey stick during practice.
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After the boy left the ice for the locker room, Tonda allegedly pushed and screamed at the coach before grabbing his neck and threatening to "choke (him) out."
Police say Tonda then placed the victim in a choke hold and, as he left the area, threatened to kill the coach.
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Tonda is facing charges of felony terroristic threats and misdemeanor fifth-degree assault. If convicted of the felony offense, Tonda could face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
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