Charges Against Rochester Assault Suspect Dismissed

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Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Olmsted County Attorney's Office has been forced to dismiss the two felony charges that were filed last August against a Rochester man who was accused of choking a woman until she lost consciousness.

A motion filed yesterday and Olmsted County Court indicates that, after extensive efforts, authorities have been unable to locate the victim in the case. The motion to dismiss also states that prosecutors considered whether the other admissible evidence could secure a conviction but it was decided that would not be possible without the alleged victim's presence.

52-year-old Roland Outlaw had been scheduled to stand trial this week on a third-degree assault charge and a felony count of harassment. The now-dismissed criminal complaint alleged that he assaulted the woman by grabbing her around her neck and choking her until she was unconscious.

Rochester police reported that red marks were observed around the victim's neck when she came to the law enforcement center the same night. Outlaw later surrendered to police and denied ever going to the residence where the alleged assault occurred and claimed anyone who said he was there was lying.