A Buhl man struck another man in the face with a metal pipe during an argument over a scooter the victim accused him of taking, causing facial fractures, according to charges.
Nathan John Gundy, 40, faces felony charges of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon causing substantial bodily harm and third-degree assault causing substantial bodily harm.
According to the complaint, officers responded to the 700 block of Frantz Location in Buhl on Aug. 22 after the victim reported that Gundy hit him in the face with a pipe and then left the scene. The victim’s father told officers he did not witness the assault but saw Gundy drive away in a black Escalade. He also reported that Gundy threatened to return with friends and “liquidate” their residence if police were called.
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Two other people at the scene told officers they did not see the assault but heard arguing outside for five to 10 minutes. The victim then came inside with an injury to his face.
The victim told officers he and Gundy argued after he accused Gundy of stealing from his house, including a scooter. Gundy returned the scooter and asked the victim not to call police. When the victim said he would contact law enforcement, Gundy struck him in the face with what the victim described as a 12-inch lead pipe with a cap at the end. Medical records showed the victim suffered facial fractures.
Officers attempted to contact Gundy but were initially unsuccessful. Later that day, Gundy called the police department and left a message saying someone told him police were looking for him. Officers went to Gundy’s residence and spoke with him. Gundy denied assaulting the victim.
Court records show the state requested a warrant for Gundy’s arrest due to the seriousness of the crime and concerns for public safety.
The charges were filed Oct. 1 in St. Louis County District Court.
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Saint Paul Man Charged After Knife Threat at Duluth Airbnb • Duluth Man Hit Resident With Shovel, Threatened Another • Duluth Woman Charged in Break-In That Injured 2
Jurisdictional Context
Saint Louis County is Minnesota’s largest county by area, stretching from Duluth to the Canadian border. The Saint Louis County Attorney’s Office prosecutes felonies through the Sixth Judicial District; cases are heard at courthouses in Duluth, Hibbing and Virginia.
