Convicted Rochester Felon Accused of Striking Man With Metal Pipe

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A convicted felon from Rochester is facing new charges connected to an alleged metal pipe attack that occurred in Rochester last week. 

Charges filed in Olmsted County Court Wednesday indicate the victim reported the alleged assault on Saturday. The victim told Rochester police he went to an apartment complex in the 500 block of Northern Hills Dr. Northeast to pick up an acquaintance around 11:30 p.m. Friday night. 

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Upon arriving at the apartment, the man reported being struck by a metal pipe on the right side of his torso by a man identified as 37-year-old Phillip Kuch. The victim and Kuch struggled over the pipe before the victim decided to let go of the item, according to the criminal complaint.  

The charges say Kuch then accused the victim of stealing from him and demanded he empty his pockets. The victim told officers he complied with Kuch’s demands and emptied his pocket, which did not contain any items that belonged to Kutch. The criminal complaint says Kutch then struck the victim with the pipe a second time, connecting with the victim’s mouth as the victim leaned over gathering his belongings. 

The victim then went to the emergency room at St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment to his lip and teeth. He was told to consult with an oral surgeon following his visit to the ER, the complaint says. 

Kuch was arranged on charges of felony 3rd-degree assault and felony fifth-degree assault with at least two prior convictions. Court records indicate Kuch was convicted of felony second-degree assault in March 2020 and was convicted of violating a domestic abuse no contact order that same year. 

Kuch’s conditional bail was set at $10,000. He’s due for his next court appearance on March 8.