Eden Prairie Woman Accused of Punching University of Minnesota Police Officer During Traffic Stop
Published: June 16th, 2026
MINNEAPOLIS: An Eden Prairie woman is facing a gross misdemeanor charge after allegedly punching a University of Minnesota police officer during a traffic stop near campus early Sunday morning.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Hennepin County District Court, 25-year-old Mary Teresa Roden of Eden Prairie has been charged with fourth-degree assault of a peace officer.
The incident allegedly occurred at approximately 1:19 a.m. on June 14, 2026, while University of Minnesota police officers were conducting a traffic stop near 1308 4th Street SE in Minneapolis.
According to the complaint, officers were in the process of issuing a citation when Roden, who was not involved in the stop, approached the scene and began shouting at officers. The complaint states officers repeatedly instructed her to step away, but she allegedly ignored those commands and continued to involve herself in the traffic stop.
Court documents allege that when an officer attempted to move Roden away from the scene, she swatted his arm away. The complaint further alleges that Roden then punched another officer in the face with a closed fist, causing the officer's glasses to become dislodged. She also allegedly kicked at the officer during the confrontation.
Roden is charged with fourth-degree assault of a peace officer, a gross misdemeanor offense under Minnesota law. The charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine.
The allegations contained in the complaint are accusations only, and Roden is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.