Suspect In Serious Dover Assault Case Commits Suicide
Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - It appears the investigation into a suspected serious assault case in Dover has ended.
The Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office says a man identified as “a person of interest” in the case committed suicide before he could be interviewed.
Sgt. James Schueller says the 36-year-old man who was found unresponsive on a Dover street around 10 pm Jan. 28 had suffered a life-threatening head injury.
He says the investigation determined "the injuries suffered by the victim were from an assault. This determination was made through video/audio evidence and witness statement."
Schueller says investigators learned the Dover man “was intoxicated and asked to leave a bar near where he was found.” Schueller says the man “was outside when a verbal altercation could be heard between the suspect and victim.“
Schueller says investigators have not been able to determine “whether the suspect pushed or struck the victim but we do know that the victim was not severely beaten." He says it’s believed the victim suffered the serious injury “from his head striking the ground."
Schueller says investigators were preparing to interview the suspect the next day but learned the 50-year-old St Charles man “had been located in a vehicle, near I90 in Winona County, with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
Schueller says the victim has no recollection of the incident.
The sheriff’s office has decided not to release the names of those involved:
“The victim has suffered a life-changing head injury that will affect him and his loved ones, most likely forever. Additionally, the suspect’s loved ones are dramatically affected by the suicide of the suspect.
Out of simple respect for all those affected by this tragic incident, the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office will not be releasing the identities of the victim or suspect. We wish continued progress for the victim and his family and we send our condolences to the suspect’s family.”
It’s believed the victim continues to recover in a hospital.
News update: Rochester is in the middle of two very cold weather streaks