Rochester Woman Charged for Peace Plaza Damage Accused of Biting Police Officer

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Rochester woman charged last week for thousands of dollars in damages to the Peace Plaza is facing new charges stemming from an alleged assault of a police officer. 

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That’s according to a criminal complaint filed in Olmsted County Court on Tuesday morning. 

The incident occurred outside of a restaurant in downtown Rochester shortly before 9:30 Monday morning. 

Charges: Rochester Woman Bit Officer After Being Caught Damaging Restaraunt's Plates

42-year-old Jamie Lea Copeland is charged with felony fourth-degree assault of a peace officer, gross misdemeanor obstructing the legal process and misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct and property damage. 

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Rochester police responded to a restaurant in the 20 block of Historic 3rd St. in downtown Rochester and encountered a woman later identified as Copeland. The court document does not name the restaurant. 

The complaint alleges she smashed a dozen plates set out by a restaurant in the area for guests. Officers attempted to walk Copeland to a squad vehicle to detain her but she attempted to walk away. 

The complaint says officers attempted to use handcuffs to detain her but she pulled away from officers. Police took her to the ground and eventually placed her in handcuffs. 

While she was being placed into a squad vehicle, Copeland bit one of the officers on the bicep, which caused instant pain and left red marks and bruising, the charges say. 

Peace Plaza Case

Monday morning’s incident occurred after Copeland was released without bail following her first court appearance in the Peace Plaza case. 

Read More: Homeless Woman Accused of Causing $10K in Damages to Rochester Peace Plaza 

She’s accused of causing $10,000 worth of damages by damaging 174 plants and planters on the morning of July 5. 

Court records indicate Copeland has convictions for felony assault on a peace officer, fleeing police, and first-degree damage to property stemming from an incident in April 2020 during which she crashed her vehicle into some doors at the Mayo Civic Center. 

Read More: Rochester Woman Sentenced for Ramming into Mayo Civic Center

She was also accused of ramming a Rochester police squad vehicle during that incident. Copeland was sentenced to 5 years on probation for her convictions in that case. 

Copeland’s bail was set at $20,000 without conditions following her first appearance in the officer assault case on Tuesday. She’s due back in court later this month.