A father and son have been charged with criminal trespass for allegedly entering a Burleigh County home without permission to seize property.

William Thomas Bruederle Sr. and William Cody Bruederle Jr. were charged Thursday with the Class Cfelony. The elder Bruederle also was charged with Class Amisdemeanor menacing for allegedly threatening a man at the home with a stun gun.

South Central District Judge Robert Wefald set bond for both men at $2,000 cash or surety.

Burleigh County Sheriff's Lt. Nick Sevart said residents of a home northeast of Bismarck called 911 at 8:48 p.m. Wednesday after the Bruederles allegedly entered their home without permission looking for property Bruederle Sr., 63, said belonged to him. Sevart did not know what kind of property was involved or how the people knew each other.

The 34-year-old man at the home said the Bruederles were asked to leave and would not, and a fight ensued, Sevart said. Bruederle Sr. allegedly drew a stun gun during the melee.

"I didn't touch him," Bruederle Sr. said.

Young children were present during the incident and were on a mattress on the floor as Bruederle Jr., 21, struggled with the man at the home, Sevart said.

A third man was arrested in the incident, but was released from jail and not charged.

During the Thursday afternoon court hearing, Bruederle Sr. was in a wheelchair, moaning and rocking back and forth as Wefald explained the charges to the men. As the judge explained his rights, Bruederle Sr. gyrated in his chair, muttering occasionally. After signing his bond order, he flopped onto the table in front of him. A court security officer had to disinfect the table after Bruederle Sr. was wheeled away.

After Wefald set bond, Bruederle Sr. questioned whether he could ask to be released on his own recognizance due to poor health.

"You can ask, and it is denied," Wefald replied.

Sevart said Bruederle Sr. does not use a wheelchair typically and was checked out at a hospital prior to being put in jail. The hospital cleared him to be placed at the Burleigh County Detention Center.

(Reach reporter Jenny Michael at 250-8225 or jenny.michael.) @bismarcktribune.com