Officer Assaulted, Shots Fired During Two Separate Incidents Monday Night

(KNSI) — Police are investigating after two separate incidents within a few minutes and one block apart in St. Cloud Monday night.

The first happened about 8:10 when officers responded to a trespassing call at a business on the 1000 block of 9th Avenue South. When officers found the 20-year-old suspect, they told him he was under arrest. Police say the man then punched the officer in the face and fled. Officers set up a perimeter but were unable to find the suspect. The officer suffered minor injuries.

On Tuesday, officers found the suspect in the 1000 block of 5th Avenue South and arrested him without incident. The St. Cloud man was taken to the Stearns County Jail to be held on charges of 4th-degree assault, obstructing the legal process, fleeing on foot, and trespassing.

Meanwhile, nearby and a short time later, on Monday night, police say there were shots fired stemming from a large fight.

Officers said that while investigating about a block away from the first incident, they heard gunshots in the 1000 block of 9th Ave South and rushed to the scene. When officers arrived, they observed a large fight in the parking lot and multiple people running away. Police say that during the fight, an unidentified male fled the area and fired multiple shots. There were no reported injuries.

Officers were able to stop and arrest an 18-year-old from St. Cloud. He was taken to the Stearns County Jail on charges of 3rd-degree riot, fleeing on foot, obstructing the legal process, and disorderly conduct.

A 14-year-old boy from St. Cloud will also be charged for his involvement. The teen was released to his parent.

The investigation is ongoing.

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