Charges Dropped in Downtown Rochester Assault Case

Rochester, MN (KROC AM News ) - Charges have been dropped against a Rochester man who was accused of attacking a woman last year near St. John’s Church and Mayo Clinic’s Ozmun Building.

Police say the 28 year old woman was walking in the 100 block of 4th Ave SW  around 4:30 a.m. on August 5th when she was jumped from behind and knocked to the ground by a strange man.The woman told police the man tried pulling her pants down but she kicked him in the groin until he stopped. The woman says the man was able to get her wallet and then ran off.

Police were able to make a tentative ID of the suspect and the woman confirmed a photograph of the man. Arrested as the suspect was 53 year old David Brooks. He was later charged with aggravated robbery and three other crimes.

His case was delayed in part as he underwent a court-ordered psychological examination which determined he was competent to stand trial. He was scheduled to go on trial next month but Olmsted County Attorney Mark Ostrem asked a judge to dismiss the charges Tuesday.  

Ostrem says the decision was made because the woman who reported the incident could not be located.