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Charges: Oakdale Man Attacked Couple and Their Car in Rainbow Foods Parking Lot

Charles NMN Tongkhuya is charged with first-degree damage to property.

An Oakdale man allegedly , then tried to pick a fight with police May 1 in the parking lot.

Charles NMN Tongkhuya, 48, was charged with first degree criminal damage to property, according to a Washington County District Court Complaint, in connection with the incident.

According to the criminal complaint:

Officers arrived at the parking lot after receiving an assault report, and approached Tongkhuya in an attempt to identify him. He said, “You looking for a fight? I know karate,” to the officers.

The couple then approached the officers and said Tongkhuya had assaulted them.

He had started yelling at them and kicked their car, they told police. After that, one of them got out of the car, and he kicked her and knocked her to the ground, the complaint says. Next, the other got out of the car and Tongkhuya kicked him in the arm, the complaint says.

The cost estimate to repair their vehicle was $1,492, according to the complaint.

Tongkhuya faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and $10,000 in fines. His initial appearance in court is scheduled June 14.

Oakdale Resident May 10, 2012 at 02:27 pm
Something smells. Why would he only be charged with property damage? Was he not charged for assault? Wouldn't that be felony assault especially if he's trained in martial arts? Getting kicked in the stomach and being knocked to the ground is a severe and agressive attack.
Who beats a middle aged couple at the grocery store? Did he think they drove too fast entering the parking lot? Did he have a child with him he felt was in danger? Did they know each other? What time of the day did this happen? I can't imagine witnessing an attack so violent -- especially at Rainbow where my family goes about 5 times a week. It's even more disturbing to think of my children or any child seeing this.
Patty Busse May 10, 2012 at 04:25 pm
I was curious about why he wasn't charged with assault, too, O.R. I'll see if I can find that out.
Oakdale Resident May 15, 2012 at 02:30 pm
This is perplexing. I haven't seen additional information on this incident or lack of assault charges anywhere.
Patty Busse May 15, 2012 at 07:20 pm
OK, got an answer from the prosecuting attorney. He said that the property damage aspect of the incident was a felony-level offense, however, the assaults were misdemeanors. Since they're all part of the same incident, they're merged at sentencing. So, since he can't be sentenced separately for the felony and the misdemeanors, they went with the more severe charge.
Cart of Groceries August 22, 2012 at 05:47 am
Are there any more updates to this story or court case?
Hannah Gruber (Editor) August 23, 2012 at 01:47 am
Here's an update: http://patch.com/A-xjGk

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