Crime & Safety

Police Nab Suspect Accused of Brutal Inver Grove Heights Beating

David Eugene Nelson Jr. was arrested Sunday in connection with the July incident.

A man accused of breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s Inver Grove Heights apartment in July and beating her unconscious was arrested Sunday.  

David Eugene Nelson Jr., 49, who is believed to be homeless, was arrested by Dakota County sheriff’s deputies just before 2 p.m. Sunday.

Nelson is charged with five felonies, including two counts of first-degree burglary and one count of aggravated first-degree robbery, each of which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $35,000 fine. Nelson has also been charged with stalking, which has a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine, and third-degree assault, punishable by five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

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Police say he jumped his victim as she was leaving her apartment July 27, pushed her back inside, knocked her down and beat her until she passed out. He’s accused of grabbing the victim’s purse and then fleeing the apartment, leaving her bleeding in a hallway.

Nelson remained in the Dakota County Jail today without bond. He is scheduled to make a first appearance on the charges at 11 this morning in Dakota County District Court in Hastings.

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