Mental Evaluation Ordered for Man Accused of Assault with a Table Leg

(KNSI) – A judge ruled a Paynesville man must undergo a mental health exam after allegedly beating someone over the head with a table leg.

Lawyers for Vance Michael Kruger say he suffers from mental illness and will use that as part of his defense. The case is temporarily suspended until the 47-year-old is deemed competent to stand trial and can understand the charges against him.

According to the criminal complaint, police went to a home in Paynesville in October for a complaint that someone had been hit with a club. As they arrived, they saw Kruger walking out of the house with a wooden table leg in one hand. Police spoke with the victim, who was barricaded in a room. Upon further examination, police discovered multiple lacerations on their head and said Kruger was the one who hit them.

Kruger has been charged with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of assault resulting in substantial bodily harm.

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