HASTINGS, Minn. (WCCO) – A 48-year-old Wisconsin man has been accused of assaulting a co-worker at a Hastings hospital last week, according to charges filed in Dakota County.
Gary John Best of River Falls, Wis. faces one felony count of third-degree assault in connection to the Feb. 19 incident.
According to the criminal complaint, Hastings Police were dispatched to the hospital the morning of the incident to investigate a possible assault. There, the alleged victim talked to police, telling them that he was at a meeting earlier in the day with his supervisor and Best.
The victim said the meeting was in regards to a disagreement he had with Best the day before. During the meeting, Best allegedly began verbally degrading the victim, who responded by saying, “F— you.” Best then allegedly crossed the room and attacked the victim, punching him repeatedly in the face until the supervisor pulled him away. He managed to break free and attack the victim again until the supervisor again pulled him away and pushed him towards the door, the complaint said.
The victim suffered head trauma, facial trauma and a closed fracture.
Police then talked to the supervisor, who confirmed the victim’s story.
Best later admitted to police over the phone to striking the victim and said he knew what he did was wrong, the complaint said. He turned himself in on Feb. 20 at 7:11 a.m.
If convicted of the charge, Best could face a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
