Guilty Plea For Intentional Hit-and-Run in Downtown Rochester

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Spring Valley man is expected to receive a prison sentence for a hit-and-run incident that occurred in downtown Rochester last fall.

According to the criminal complaint against 46-year-old Adam Lawrence Bussman, he allegedly intentionally struck a man with his vehicle following an argument over money. The incident was reported in the 100 block of First Avenue Northeast on the night of October 13.

Victim Found Under Vehicle

The court document says Rochester police responded to a report of a hit-and-run and located a man under a vehicle with a laceration on his nose and a large area of swelling on his forehead. The victim also complained of chest pain when he was transported to St. Marys Hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

READ MORE: Charges: Downtown Rochester Hit-and-Run Was Intentional

Argument Over Money

The criminal complaint says the victim told police that he and Bussman had gotten into an argument and that during the dispute, Bussman began to drive away but then reversed and struck him with his vehicle. A witness told police he saw the victim yelling at the occupant of an SUV before the vehicle traveled forward about 20 feet and abruptly stopped. The witness stated that the SUV then accelerated in reverse and struck the victim while traveling around 30 mph.

Drug Paraphernalia Found in the Vehicle

Rochester police later reported finding the SUV in the 500 block of 5th Avenue Northwest and took Bussman into custody. According to the charges, the arresting officers observed “multiple pieces of drug paraphernalia” scattered throughout the vehicle.

The court document says Bussman failed field sobriety testing, and a drug recognition evaluator concluded that he was likely under the influence of a central nervous system stimulant and a narcotic analgesic. Testing of a blood sample obtained from Bussman detected the presence of amphetamine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl.

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Multiple Felony Charges

He was charged with second-degree assault, felony criminal vehicular operation, and two felony DWI counts. Under the terms of a recent plea agreement, Bussman entered a guilty plea to the felony criminal vehicular operation count in exchange for the dismissal of the felony assault and DWI charges.

His plea deal recommends a 58-month prison sentence. Bussman’s sentencing hearing is scheduled to take place next week.