Paynesville Man Charged With Assault in Street Fight

ST. CLOUD -- A Paynesville man is charged with felony assault after a fight with another man Tuesday night.

A complaint filed with Stearns County District Court accuses 37-year-old Justin Brown of 1st Degree Assault-Great Bodily Harm.

The incident happened in the 100 block of Washburne Avenue in Paynesville. A witness told authorities he heard arguing and fighting at about 11:50 p.m. Tuesday. When he arrived at the scene, the witness says he saw Brown punching and kicking the man while he was on the ground.

Authorities arrived to find Brown standing over the man who was lying on the ground unconscious and bleeding from his head. Records show the victim had a large cut to one of his ears, causing it to become significantly detached.

Brown told investigators there was a fight, but he was acting in self defense.

Brown's next court appearance is scheduled for September 8th.