Charged with assault with a deadly squirt gun
A 31-year-old Blue Earth woman armed with a Sizzlin’ Cool dragonfly type squirt gun is accused of entering a residence and then assaulting two people. on Jan. 24.
Renee Lynn Memije appeared in Faribault County District Court on Monday.
She has been charged with first-degree burglary/assault, third-degree assault and fifth-degree assault.
Judge Douglas Richards has set bail at a $35,000 surety bond or $3,500 cash.
According to a court complaint, Blue Earth police officer Melissa Felion responded to a report around 3:30 p.m. of an intruder entering a house on South Nicollet.
When the officer arrived at the scene, she found Memije inside and being restrained by a male occupant of the house.
Court papers say Memije filled a squirt gun with a solution made of water, jalapenos, red peppers and salt.
She also was dressed in all black, that included a black baseball cap and black furry mask.
A court complaint says Memije went to the residence, rang the doorbell and sprayed a woman in the face when she opened the door.
When the female called for help, her husband came downstairs and saw Memije walk through the door.
She reportedly sprayed him in the face with the gun.
Police Chief Tom Fletcher says the solution got into the couple’s eyes and caused some swelling.
They were offered medical attention at the scene, but refused.
The man told authorities he feared Memije would further harm his wife and their children, so he wrestled her down to a bench until help arrived.
Richards ordered a psychological evaluation be conducted before the next hearing is held.
The maximum penalty for first-degree assault is 20 years in prison and a $35,000 fine.
Third-degree assault carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine, while fifth-degree assault is 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Should Memije post bail. Richards imposed the?following release conditions:
no consumption or possession of alcohol or mood-altering drugs;
must report changes in address to court officials;
cannot enter an establishment serving alcohol;
may not leave the state without permission from the court;
remain in contact with her attorney, Bill Grogin;
no direct or indirect contact with the alleged victims;
and she cannot possess firearms or weapons.