Elgin Man Charged for Disturbing Incident at Rochester Elementary School

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The man whose behavior prompted a large police response at a Rochester elementary school this week is now facing a felony charge. 

Read More: Rochester Police Respond to Suspicious Person Near School 

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

The incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. Tuesday on the grounds of Ben Franklin Elementary School, located 1801 9th Ave SE. 

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Felony Drug Charge Filed Against Elgin Man Seen Pouring Liquid from Gas Can On Himself Outside of Rochester Elementary School

Rochester police identified the man as Jesse Skelly. The 42-year-old Elgin man is facing a felony third-degree drug possession in a school zone charge. 

The criminal complaint says officers responded to the report of a man pouring gasoline on himself and holding a lighter on the school grounds. 

The first officer to arrive saw Skelly standing near the school’s bus line. He was holding a red plastic gasoline can, the complaint says. 

Skelly then poured a clear liquid from the container on his chest and body, discarded the can and took out a cigarette lighter.Officers commanded Skelly to drop the lighter but he refused, the court document says. 

See Also: Rochester Home Depot Arsonist Pleads Guilty 

Police then fired a 40mm less-than-lethal impact round at Skelly. The round missed but caused Skelly to go to the ground, which allowed officers to place him in handcuffs, the complaint says. 

Rochester police also said the fire extinguishers and a fire blanket were used out of an abundance of caution. There was no fire at the scene. 

Skelly was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital for an evaluation. After being showered and changed into robes, Skelly fled from staff in the emergency department before being restrained, the complaint says. 

Along with the lighter, Skelly had a gram of methamphetamine and firecrackers on him, the court document says. 

Skelly made his first court appearance Thursday morning. He is being held without bail and is due back in court on Friday.