FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. - The off-duty police officer attacked at the State Fair was targeted, according to a criminal complaint released late Tuesday afternoon.
Originally State Fair Police Chief Arty Blakey told KARE 11 the officer was assisting state fair police with an arrest early Sunday morning, but prosecutors now allege someone recognized the officer and attacked him.
The off-duty officer is Joseph Sauer who works with the St. Paul Police Department.
Prosecutors charged Kyle Wesaw with third degree assault and fourth degree assault. He's accused of kicking Sauer in the head which was caught on video and posted to YouTube.
The complaint alleges Wesaw's friend, Anthony Clark recognized Sauer as a St. Paul police officer and tried to punch Sauer near the Midway. That's when Sauer allegedly took Clark to the ground telling the him, "stop fighting, I'm a cop."
Investigators say shortly after, Wesaw kicks Sauer in the head knocking him out for a few seconds.
Officers were able to identify Wesaw the next day after they watched the YouTube video, and Minneapolis Police arrested him.
Clark was also charged with third and fourth degree assault.
Sauer was hospitalized for several hours for observation. Despite the force of the kick he did not suffer any broken bones but did complain of a headache, a swollen mouth, and memory loss.
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