A Hastings man has been charged with felony criminal vehicular operation after authorities say he intentionally drove toward a man during an early-morning confrontation in South St. Paul, striking him and causing injuries that required surgery.
Christian Ronald Glasby, 22, of Hastings, was charged in Dakota County District Court with one count of criminal vehicular operation resulting in substantial bodily harm through gross negligence. The charge stems from an Aug. 28 incident. The complaint was filed Aug. 31.
According to the criminal complaint, law enforcement officers responded Aug. 28 to a South St. Paul residence after receiving a report of an injured person in a driveway.
When officers arrived, they found the alleged victim yelling in pain and suffering from visible injuries and swelling to his left leg. The man reportedly was unable to walk, move his leg or move his toes. He told officers Glasby had struck him with a vehicle.
The complaint states Glasby and his girlfriend had been guests at the man's residence. At some point, Glasby and his girlfriend began arguing and the alleged victim attempted to intervene.
The man told police Glasby then got into his vehicle and intentionally drove forward into him.
A neighbor provided investigators with additional information about the events leading up to the incident. According to the complaint, the neighbor reported seeing Glasby and the alleged victim arguing in the driveway at approximately 3 a.m. The neighbor later heard the man screaming for help at about 4:45 a.m.
Glasby also provided a statement to law enforcement, according to the complaint. Authorities allege Glasby admitted intentionally driving toward the man, but said he did so because the man was hitting his vehicle with a box cutter.
Glasby reportedly told investigators he saw the man fall before Glasby left the scene. The complaint states officers did not locate a box cutter at the scene.
The alleged victim's injuries were serious enough to require surgery. At the time prosecutors filed the complaint, the full extent of the injuries was not yet known.
"As medical records become available, charges may be added or amended to reflect the level of injury," the complaint states.
Prosecutors charged Glasby under a Minnesota statute covering criminal vehicular operation resulting in substantial bodily harm through gross negligence. The felony carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison and/or a fine ranging from $3,000 to $10,000, according to the complaint.
The complaint was signed by South St. Paul Police Commander Mike Running and approved for prosecution by attorney Casey Schofield-Mork on Aug. 31. A Dakota County District Court judge found probable cause to support the charge and issued an order of detention because Glasby was already in custody pending further court proceedings.
The allegations contained in a criminal complaint are accusations. Glasby is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.