An 18-year-old woman is facing aggravated robbery and assault charges after allegedly attacking a man who was once a candidate for mayor of Minneapolis. The incident occurred at the Mall of America on Dec. 26, 2013. The Brooklyn Park woman is facing a possible 20-year prison sentence for each of the three felony counts, as well as a fine of $35,000.
According to the 63-year-old former candidate, he was seated inside of a Starbucks when his iPhone was suddenly taken from his table by a young man, who proceeded to run away. The candidate apparently got up to chase the man when he was stopped by two women, aged 18 and 17. The woman facing the assault charges allegedly jumped on the man’s back. The 17-year-old, known to be from Minneapolis, allegedly proceeded to hit the former candidate in his head using a metal baton. The 18-year-old also allegedly gouged the man’s face using her fingernails while shouting death threats.
When police arrived at the scene, the man was bleeding due to injuries sustained on his mouth and head. Witnesses confirmed that a young man had stolen the iPhone and fled. They also stated that the young man and the young women were sitting at the same table before the altercation. Police were able to take both women into custody, and the 18-year-old admitted that they had been casing the Starbucks on several occasions to see if there were any customers with property that could be stolen. Police also recovered the collapsible baton and the iPhone.
The man has insisted that the women will be prosecuted to the fullest extent possible. However, the woman might be able to get the charges lessened if she works closely with a defense attorney. A good defense might help this woman face less jail time, regardless of the relative fame of the victim.
Source: myfoxtwincities.com, “Woman, 18, charged in Mall of America attack on Minneapolis mayoral candidate” Lindsey LaBelle, Dec. 28, 2013
