Two charged after alleged struggle with South St. Paul police involving handgun
Dakota County Jail Booking Photo’s
SOUTH SAINT PAUL: — Two people have been charged in Dakota County after prosecutors allege a handgun was passed between them while officers attempted to detain them during a response to a reported fight in South St. Paul.
Dominique Jasmae Fuentes, 32, and Dajon Doral Gregory, 32, are each charged with felony obstructing legal process and gross misdemeanor obstructing legal process in connection with the Sept. 5 incident. Gregory is additionally charged with gross misdemeanor possession of a pistol without a permit.
According to separate criminal complaints filed in Dakota County District Court, South St. Paul police officers were dispatched to an address on Camber Avenue after receiving a report of a fight involving multiple people.
When officers arrived, they allegedly saw Fuentes and Gregory walking away from the area. Police identified themselves and repeatedly ordered the two to stop, according to the complaints.
Prosecutors allege Fuentes initially began walking toward officers and said the pair had nothing to do with the incident, while Gregory continued quickly walking away. An officer approached Gregory and ordered him to stop, but he allegedly did not comply.
The complaint against Gregory alleges officers noticed him concealing an object in either his right hand or the front waistband of his pants. When an officer attempted to grab his arm to stop him, Gregory allegedly shook the officer off.
Fuentes then walked back toward Gregory, and prosecutors allege Gregory handed her an object later identified as a handgun. Fuentes allegedly placed the firearm inside her bra.
According to Fuentes' complaint, another officer approached her and attempted to remove the handgun. Prosecutors allege Fuentes batted at the officer's hands, squeezed the firearm against her body and placed a hand around the barrel as the officer worked to remove it.
Officers then attempted to place Fuentes in handcuffs, but she allegedly pulled away, dropped her body to the ground and continued physically resisting before officers were able to handcuff her.
Gregory also allegedly continued resisting officers after handing over the firearm, including by pulling away and attempting to pull his arms farther inside the sleeves of his sweatshirt. Officers eventually placed him in handcuffs, according to the complaint.
Prosecutors allege the confrontation occurred in a crowded public area near several residences, with multiple people — including children — outside. The complaints state that those nearby could have been injured had the handgun accidentally discharged during the struggle. The allegations concerning that risk form part of the basis for the felony obstruction charges.
The complaint against Gregory states he did not have a permit to carry a handgun.
Fuentes' felony obstruction charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine. Her second charge, gross misdemeanor obstruction involving force, violence or the threat thereof, carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine.
Gregory faces the same maximum penalties on his felony and gross misdemeanor obstruction charges. His gross misdemeanor pistol-without-a-permit charge also carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine.
The allegations contained in criminal complaints represent the prosecution's version of events and have not been proven in court. Fuentes and Gregory are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.