Man arrested for assault

Albert Lea police arrested Brandon David Franksain, 28, for fifth-degree assault at 11:07 a.m. Monday at 702 St. Thomas Ave., according to reports.

 

Travel center closed Monday

The Albert Lea Travel Information Center, on Interstate 35 just north of the Iowa border, was closed for a brief time Monday as crews conducted pipe repairs.

Motorists were able to continue using the parking lot during the closure.

 

Police request further review of kicking

ST. PAUL (AP) — St. Paul police have asked Minneapolis prosecutors to review allegations of police brutality against two officers after a videotaped arrest shows one of them kicking a man.

The YouTube video shows St. Paul police Officer Jesse Zilge kicking 30-year-old Eric Hightower once in the chest while trying to arrest Hightower last August. Another officer, Matthews Gorans, sprayed Mace into Hightower’s face and right ear to help get him into a squad car.

Last year, Olmsted County prosecutor Jim Martinson reviewed the case for possible felony charges. He declined to file charges, saying there was “insufficient proof” the officers used unreasonable force.

A St. Paul police spokesman said the Minneapolis city attorney will review the incident for possible misdemeanor charges.

Meanwhile, a police internal affairs investigation continues.