Rochester Bike Path Assault Case Ends With Probation

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A homeless man accused of attacking two men on a Rochester bike path earlier this year has been sentenced to probation.

Felony Charges Dismissed Through Deal

Olmsted County court records indicate 35-year-old Damien Justin Newman recently entered into a plea agreement and admitted to an amended charge of gross misdemeanor harassment. In exchange, Olmsted County prosecutors dismissed felony charges of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of terroristic threats, and a misdemeanor count of obstructing the legal process.

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He also entered a guilty plea to a felony charge of property damage stemming from an incident last November. In that case, he was accused of causing more than $3,000 in damage to a southwest Rochester building.

Court Imposes Five Years of Probation

For both convictions, Newman was sentenced to a total of five years on probation with no additional jail time beyond the 46 days he spent in custody following his arrest in April.

According to the criminal complaint in the assault case, Rochester police responded to a report of a man brandishing a knife on a bike path. The court document does not specify the location.

Rochester police department squad vehicle — photo by Kim David TSM

Victims Reported Being Chased With Knife

The court document says police spoke with two victims who stated they were on the bike path when they encountered Newman, and he began chasing them while brandishing a knife. The victims reported that Newman lunged at them and made a slashing motion while holding the knife.

It was also alleged that he threw rocks at the victims while yelling that he was "going to get them." The criminal complaint says the victims were chased for approximately 50 yards before they escaped. No injuries were reported.

Officers Arrested Suspect After Struggle

The responding officers searched for and located Newman in the area of the alleged assault. When they attempted to take him into custody, the criminal complaint says he took off his shirt, balled his fists, and began swinging at the officers, who took him to the ground and arrested him.

Court records indicate Newman has previous convictions for felony domestic assault, drug possession, and property damage dating back to 2010.