Ja’Juan I. Thomas, 23, Bayport, was charged on May 15 in Dakota County District Court with felony-controlled substance crime in the second degree possession of narcotic 50 or more grams, and two counts of felony assault in the fourth degree by transfer of bodily fluid.

On May 12 officers received a report of a medical issue at a grocery store in Burnsville. When officers arrived, they learned that the employees of the grocery store wanted a man, Thomas, trespassed from the property. Thomas provided a fake name to officers for the trespass notice. While confirming his identity, Thomas, who was detained in the back of a squad car, spit on an officer's arm and shirt. Once Thomas’ identity was confirmed, it was discovered that he had warrants out for his arrest. During a search of his backpack, multiple baggies containing approximately 730 pills marked “M 30” and other drug paraphernalia were located.

Thomas was transported to Dakota County Jail in Hastings, where, according to the complaint, he made threats towards another officer and told that officer that “they would regret not killing him.” Thomas then spit on another officer.

The pills, tested by the Dakota County Drug Task Force, came back positive for fentanyl with a total weight of 78.53 grams. Thomas was booked into Dakota County Jail.