FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. — A 45-year-old man was critically injured following an altercation at the Minnesota State Fair Saturday night, according to reporting from CBS Minnesota and information provided by State Fair Police.
Police said officers were dispatched to the area of Carnes Avenue and Nelson Street at approximately 9:48 p.m. Saturday following a reported assault.
According to State Fair Police, the incident resulted from a confrontation involving another group of fairgoers. Police said there were no known weapons used.
No suspects are currently in custody, and the incident remains under investigation.
Heather Hoffman, the injured man’s fiancée, identified him to CBS Minnesota as Sammy.
Hoffman said Sammy had been walking around the fair with two friends while she was inside the Grandstand.
According to Hoffman’s account, Sammy’s friends told her that he bumped into a teenager and the encounter escalated.
Hoffman alleges several other people then became involved and attacked Sammy. She told CBS Minnesota that Sammy was kicked and stomped in the face.
Those specific circumstances have been attributed to Hoffman because State Fair Police have not publicly confirmed all details of her account.
Hoffman said Sammy suffered serious facial injuries, including a jaw broken in multiple places, and underwent reconstructive surgery.
CBS Minnesota reported that neither the station nor Sammy’s family had obtained video showing the incident.
Hoffman described Sammy as an important part of her family and community and said the couple had been planning their wedding before the incident.
A North St. Paul business where Hoffman works is helping support the family, and an online fundraiser has also been established.
The Minnesota State Fair reported attendance of 217,929 people Saturday.
State Fair Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could assist investigators to contact the department at 651-291-1111.
The investigation remains active, and no arrests have been announced.
NCN will continue monitoring information released by Minnesota State Fair Police as investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the altercation.
