Man Accused of Knocking Victim Unconscious in Downtown Rochester
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Rochester man is facing a felony assault charge in connection with a violent confrontation in downtown Rochester that was witnessed by a police officer.
Rochester man faces felony assault charge
Forty-year-old Michael Maurice Adams Jr. is charged with 3rd-degree assault and a misdemeanor count of fleeing police. His bail is set at $50,000.
Police officer witnesses downtown confrontation
According to a criminal complaint filed in Olmsted County Court, a Rochester police officer was nearby while a group of people was playing music and gathering outside the city parking ramp at the corner of 1st Avenue and 3rd Street Southwest around 12:15 a.m. on Saturday. While observing the group, the court document says the officer heard a commotion and saw Adams punch another man in the face, causing the other man to fall backward and strike the back of his head on the sidewalk.
The criminal complaint says the officer spotted Adams walking away and ordered him to stop. The officer reported that Adams responded by running away, but he was apprehended after a brief foot chase.
Victim suffered head injury after being punched
The charging document states the officer then returned to the location of the confrontation and found the victim on his back, unconscious, with blood pooling around the back of his head. After regaining consciousness, the officer noted that the victim's speech did not make sense and that he was taken to the hospital to be treated for head injuries.
Witnesses describe alleged assault
The criminal complaint also states that two witnesses reported that Adams punched the victim after the man accidentally bumped into Adams and attempted to apologize. One of the witnesses told police that the victim fell to the ground after he was punched by Adams and was attempting to get up when he was punched a second time. The witness said that blow caused him to strike his head on the pavement.
When interviewed by police, the court document says Adams claimed the other man swung at him first and hit his chin before he punched the victim and "put him to sleep." Adams also stated that he did not know the victim.
More Minnesota News:
- Local Predatory Offender Sentenced for 2nd Child Porn Conviction
- Cases Involving 9.5 Pounds of Meth Send Rochester Man to Prison
- New Detour Starts Wednesday at Hwy. 52/I-90 Interchange
HAVE YOU SEEN ME? 30 Kids Missing From Minnesota
Gallery Credit: Minnesota Now
More From KROC-AM
