ST. PAUL – “I am appalled! It is unbelievable that Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty refuses to prosecute an assault on Maple Grove Police Officer Brandon Gross,” said State Senator Warren Limmer (Maple Grove – R) after learning from a police report that a known felon dragged the officer 40 yards during a recent traffic stop.

During the encounter, Officer Gross’s arm was pinned inside the vehicle while the suspect, Daniel Rudolph allegedly accelerated his vehicle, extinguished his headlights, among other factors that indicated he knew Officer Gross was being dragged. Repeat felon Rudolph has formerly been convicted of armed robbery and other felony-level crimes.

“It is troubling to witness a continued pattern of dereliction of responsibility by Hennepin County Attorney Moriarty, especially when it involves the assault of a repeat felon on our law enforcement officers. It’s another terrible example of poor judgement that I fear will encourage not only more criminal activity, but more attacks on law enforcement.”

“I understand Officer Gross is recovering from the attack and I wish to personally thank him for his service to our community.”