Rochester Teen Intentionally Struck by Motorist
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Rochester teenager was transported to St. Mary’s hospital last night with what police described as significant injuries suffered in what appears to have been an assault by a person using a car as a weapon.
Rochester Police Capt. John Sherwin says officers were sent to the parking lot of the former Big Lots store along Highway 14 East near Cub Foods around 8:45 PM after receiving a number of calls from people living in the area concerning a commotion and possible assault. When they arrived at the scene, police found the 16-year-old victim outside a nearby apartment building suffering from some knocked out teeth, other facial injuries, a possible broken hand and numerous abrasions.
Capt. Sherwin says the teenager was not able to provide investigators as much information about how he suffered his injuries, but witnesses reported seeing him and two other teenagers engaging in a conversation with the occupants of a small black car. After the trio walked away from the vehicle, the witnesses reported the motorist revved the engine of the car and sped in the direction of the victim. The two other teenagers said it appeared the driver of the car intentionally struck the 16-year-old, who apparently was thrown up against a wall or a dumpster by the impact.
Police are still working to identify the driver and locate the car involved in the incident.