(KNSI) – A St. Cloud man was issued a ticket after allegedly punching a man in the face in the CentraCare Plaza parking lot.
Police were called to the medical center at 3:47 p.m. on Wednesday on a report of two vehicles chasing each other in the parking lot of the CentraCare Plaza.
Before arriving, officers learned that a CentraCare Security Guard was currently in the parking lot on the West side of the complex with the two men involved.
Investigators say the incident began when 20-year-old Demaun marquis Ford got into an argument with a 19-year-old man from St. Cloud over a mutual acquaintance in the parking lot on the plaza’s Eastside.
Police said when Ford confronted the victim, the victim tried to leave in his vehicle, at which time Ford followed while allegedly driving erratically at times.
The victim stopped on the west side of the parking lot, at which time Ford allegedly punched him in the face, and security stepped in.
The 19-year-old victim had minor injuries from being punched that did not require medical attention.
Ford was issued a citation for 5th-degree assault and careless driving and was released at the scene.
At one point, the victim displayed a knife; however, police determined it was after being punched and was only defensive.
CentraCare Plaza took preventive security measures until police arrived and determined that there was not a threat to the public.
None of the incidents occurred inside the plaza, and neither the suspect nor the victim was CentraCare employees.
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