Pool Player Assaulted and Robbed at Rochester Business, Two Men Charged

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- Two men are each facing a robbery charge for an incident that happened over the weekend at a Rochester business. 

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Court documents say Rochester police responded to the report of a fight in progress shortly after 11:30 Friday night at a business located on Superior Dr. NW.

The criminal complaints, filed in Olmsted County Court on Monday, do not name the business. 

Twin Cities Man and Michigan Man Accused of Assaulting Pool Player and Taking His Wallet at Rochester Business

The victim, who the complaint says was bleeding from his left ear and had injuries to his head, told police that he fought two men in the bathroom of the establishment. 

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He stated the altercation occurred after he and another man refused multiple requests from the men to play a game of pool for money. The men took his wallet, according to the complaints. 

Court documents identify the alleged assailants as 30-year-old Reid James Lyden of Inver Grove Heights and 36-year-old Malcolm Jamal Reaves of Redford, MI. 

Twin Cities Man Charged in Rochester Robbery Speaks to Police

In a statement to police, Lyden said he and Reaves put $100 on the pool table to bet on a game of billiards and that the victim took the money. 

He stated he punches were thrown in the bathroom after he followed the victim in there and claimed his actions were self defense, the complaint says. 

Witness Statements Refute Robbery Suspect's Theft Allegation

Two witnesses indicated to police that Lyden and Reaves never set money on the table and that the victim and another man refused their offer to play pool for money. 

One of the witnesses said Lyden and Reaves were “trying to figure out if Victim had any money on him,” the charges say. 

A third witness entered the bathroom after hearing there was a fight in there and saw Lyden on top of the victim and “pounding” the victim, according to the court documents. 

Rochester Police Review Footage of Moments Leading up to Alleged Robbery at Business

Court documents say police reviewed camera footage and saw an argument taking place in front of the pool table. 

The victim is then seen going to the bathroom and the man identified as Lyden was filmed signaling a group of people to head towards the bathroom. The group is then seen entering the bathroom, according to the charges. 

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Lyden and Reaves are each charged with simple robbery and fifth-degree assault.

Both were released without bail following their first court appearances on Monday morning. They’re due back in court next month.