ST. PAUL — A 33-year-old man is charged with poking a St. Paul bar patron in the eye and blinding him on New Year’s Eve.

Kinseth Sorlien was charged Thursday in Ramsey County with first-degree assault.

Sorlien allegedly attacked the man early Wednesday at Governors Fine Food and Drink.

According to the charges, investigators learned the 61-year-old victim lost sight in his left eye.

The complaint says Sorlien had yelled at his mother to leave the bar. His mother walked up to the victim, hugged him and wished him a Happy New Year.

Later, Sorlien allegedly walked up to the victim and jabbed him in the eye with two fingers. Sorlien left the bar but was arrested. He told police the poke was accidental.

Sorlien remains in jail.