Redwood Falls teen sentenced for felony assault after being accused of theft

A Redwood Falls teen, Vincent James Diver Jr., age 17, was sentenced in Redwood County Court for felony assault after an incident last August.

According to court documents, on Aug. 10, a Redwood Falls Police Officer was informed the victim of an assault was in the lobby of the law enforcement center. The victim and a witness stated that earlier that day, they had given Diver a ride to Willmar, and the car had broken down on the way. The victim and Diver separated at that point, getting rides home with different groups of friends.

When everyone was back in Redwood Falls, the victim saw Diver and asked him to return $40 the victim believed Diver had stolen. Diver denied stealing the money, but promised to return it the following day. When the victim was turning to leave, Diver punched the victim in the mouth in front of several witnesses and ran away. The victim and witnesses were not able to catch Diver.

Police officers noted the victim had a missing tooth, bloody gums, and a split upper lip, which later needed three stitches.

On December 12, Vincent James Diver Jr. was convicted of felony assault and sentenced, with a stay of imposition, to 177 days local confinement, three years supervised probation, and $485 in fees and fines.