Willmar, Minn., man assaults man during Stearns County court hearing, faces charges

ST. CLOUD -- A 32-year-old Willmar man is in the Stearns County Jail pending the filing of charges stemming from an allegedly assault during a court hearing this morning in St. Cloud.

According to a news release from Stearns County Sheriff John Sanner, Shawn Richard Skinner was in a hearing before Judge William Cashman regarding a harassment restraining order.

Around 11:50 a.m., the judge dismissed the order and adjourned the hearing, at which time Skinner approached the other man involved in the hearing and struck him in the head twice with a closed fist. A bailiff attempted to stop the assault and used a stun gun on Skinner to subdue him. Other deputies responded to the courtroom and assisted in arresting Skinner.

He is expected to face charges of fifth-degree assault and disorderly conduct.