Rochester Man Sentenced in Brutal Assault of Amputee

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Rochester man has been sentenced to prison following a felony conviction stemming from an assault last year that left an amputee severely injured.

Assault occurred at downtown Rochester apartment complex

Twenty-two-year-old Tongol Pal Ruach was charged last September in connection with the assault, which was reported in late August of last year. According to the criminal complaint, Rochester police responded to a report of an assault at an apartment in the Central Towers complex in downtown Rochester and found the victim, who has one leg, lying on the floor.

The court document says the man’s mouth was bloody and that it appeared he had several teeth knocked out. Responding officers also found blood throughout the residence and reported that the apartment appeared to be in disarray.

Victim Told Investigators He Was Struck Repeatedly Before Losing Consciousness

The criminal complaint says the victim was able to speak with officers and told them that Ruach had struck him multiple times in the head and midsection before he lost consciousness. The man indicated that the attack occurred about 30 minutes before officers arrived.

The victim said he had kicked Ruach out of his apartment and that Ruach had been threatening him while demanding a tax return and money. Ruach was also accused of stealing the victim’s wallet and phone.

Victim Lost Vision in Left Eye Following the Assault

Court documents say the victim lost vision in his left eye following the assault and that his care team was working to prevent him from losing vision in his right eye.

Convicted of Aggravated Robbery Charge

Olmsted County court records indicate that Ruach entered into a plea agreement earlier this year and admitted to a charge of first-degree aggravated robbery. In exchange, first- and third-degree assault charges were dismissed.

Ruach has now been sentenced to four years in prison. He was given credit for the 162 days he had spent in jail since his arrest in the case.

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Gallery Credit: Jaime Skelton