Jonathon J. Faanes, 53, Saint Francis, was charged in Dakota County District Court July 28 with felony assault in the second degree with a dangerous weapon.
At 1:38 p.m. July 27, state troopers responded to a report of a vehicle collision at the interchange of Upper 55th Street and northbound Highway 52 in Inver Grove Heights. Reports of a physical altercation at the interchange were also received. Upon arrival, troopers learned that one of the parties involved in the altercation, Faanes, had gone to his truck and retrieved a hammer.
According to the complaint, on the scene, troopers observed a semi-truck, driven by Faanes, boxing in a van driven by the victim. There was also a semi-truck blocking the ramp. The victim told officers that after the motor-vehicle accident Faanes approached him and an altercation ensued. The victim stated that Faanes got a hammer and struck him with it four to five times in the head and face. Injuries to the victim’s head and face were observed.
A witness told officers that he was driving onto the ramp and saw Faanes standing over the victim and hitting him with a metal hammer in the face. The witness was able to intervene and take the hammer from Faanes which was placed inside the semi-truck.
Faanes was booked into the Dakota County Jail.
