A 32-year-old man was punched in the face after police say he tried to make a citizen's arrest of his girlfriend's ex-boyfriend.
The man contacted authorities Thursday, telling them he knew Michael Darius Stanger, 38, had a warrant for his arrest — and he knew where Stanger was. The alleged victim wasn't sure of the exact address, however, so police told him to call back when he had it.
The man called about 9:30 p.m. Thursday, telling them he was outside Stanger's residence in the 1200 block of Second Avenue Northwest. Before officers arrived, however, Stanger reportedly came out and asked the man what he was doing.
The man said he was making a citizen's arrest, then pulled out a set of handcuffs, said Capt. John Sherwin. Before the victim had the opportunity to do anything else, Stanger allegedly punched the man in the face and rode away on his bicycle.
Officers found Stanger in the area; he was cited for misdemeanor assault and arrested on the felony warrant, which stems from a 2013 conviction for fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct.
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The 32-year-old had a small cut above his eye, Sherwin said.
According to Minnesota statute, a private person may arrest another:
• for a public offense committed or attempted in the arresting person's presence;
• when the person arrested has committed a felony, although not in the arresting person's presence; or
• when a felony has in fact been committed, and the arresting person has reasonable cause for believing the person arrested to have committed it.
