Caledonia Argus

Man charged in 4th of July incident

Posted: 7/16/02

Brandon D. Ranzenberger, 25, of Caledonia appeared in court Monday, July 15 and requested an omnibus hearing regarding several charges relating to an incident that occurred during the July 4, Eitzen Fun Fest. A date for the omnibus has not yet been set.

According to the complaint, Houston County Sheriffís Deputies Tracie Erickson, Luke Sass and Mike Ernster were patrolling the fest ground when at 2:20 a.m. they noticed Ranzenberger walking across the parking area swaying from side to side and swearing loudly.

Erickson asked the individual to quiet down due to the time of day and people attempting to sleep.

Ranzenberger continued to yell obscenities as he walked across the grounds. Then, as he walked away, he turned around and yelled obscenities at the officers.

At that point, Erickson told Ranzenberger that he was under arrest for disorderly conduct. After being handcuffed, officers say Ranzenberger became combative, kicking, yelling and pushing against Erickson. With the help of the two other officers, Ranzenberger was taken to the ground to be controlled and to look for possible weapons. In his right pocket, a pat down search revealed two marijuana pipes and two small containers which police suspected contained marijuana.

As he was being escorted to the squad car, he continued to yell and stated that the handcuffs were too tight.

When Sass and Erickson attempted to loosen the handcuffs, and place his hands behind him, Ranzenberger grabbed Ericksonís finger, yelled at him and bent his finger causing pain.

Again the three officers took Ranzenberger to the ground at which point, he bit Ericksonís left forearm, leaving teeth marks. Erickson was able to stop the biting by pushing his head away.

Ranzenberger continued to be combative while in the squad car by banging his head on the cage in the car and yelling obscenities. He was taken to the crisis receiving center in Rochester for alcohol detoxification.

He is being represented by Gregory B. Schultz. He is charged with two counts of fourth degree assault, obstructing legal process, disorderly conduct possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Top of Page