By Shawn Hogendorf, Staff Writer 

A 46-year-old Prior Lake man was charged with second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, domestic assault and obstructing justice with force in Scott County District Court last week.

Vincent Lee Heinz was arrested and jailed after police responded to a phone call of assault in the 2900 block of Center Road at approximately 1:44 a.m. on June 30.

According to the criminal complaint, when police arrived at the home, officers observed several visible injuries to a woman.

The woman told police Heinz had been drinking and the two began to argue. A witness said he heard the argument and then saw Heinz strike the woman over the head with a stick. The woman fell to the ground and Heinz continued to beat her in the rib cage and facial area, according to the criminal complaint. The witness heard the woman yell for help and called 911.

Police observed a 1-inch laceration on the back of the woman’s head, large bumps and bruises on both forearms, lacerations on both elbows, a small laceration on her right shoulder, a 6-inch bruise on her back, a small cut on her stomach, approximately seven separate 6-inch red bruise marks on her buttocks and a 6-inch bruise on her left thigh. Inside the house, police observed blood marks on the wall and on the exterior of the garage door.

After the alleged assault, Heinz fled the home in his truck. Heinz later returned to the home, parked his truck and fled again on foot. Officers set up a parameter and with the assistance of a K-9 officer. Heinz was later located traveling near Northwood and Center roads on foot.

As a paramedic attempted to treat Heinz for a dog bite, Heinz became agitated. He tried to kick and then lunged at the medic several times, according to the criminal complaint. Heinz refused medical attention and was transported to the Scott County Jail.

The woman was transported to St. Francis Regional Medical Center for treatment to her injuries.

Heinz was convicted of a domestic abuse violation for protection on Oct. 4, 2007 for two separate offenses that occurred on April 19, 2007 and May 14, 2007.

If convicted, Heinz faces a maximum penalty of 13 years in prison and $27,000 in fines.

 Shawn Hogendorf can be reached at (952) 345-6374 or shogendorf@swpub.com.