Man Charged with Biting, Punching 16-Year-Old

A 38-year-old man who allegedly bit a teenage boy twice following an argument about walking the dog now faces criminal charges.

Eagan police arrested Roosevelt McCray on Feb. 24. McCray, who has a previous conviction for domestic battery, now faces a one count of malicious punishment of a child and one count of domestic assault, both gross misdemeanors. If convicted on either charge, McCray could serve a maximum of one year in jail and as much as $3,000 in fines.

Police say the altercation began on Feb. 23, when McCray and the 16-year-old boy got in an argument about walking the dog. After the boy told McCray to stop yelling at him, McCray allegedly punched the boy in the face, then grabbed him and fell to the floor. During the fight, McCray allegedly bit the boy on the shoulder and in the middle of his back hard enough to cause the boy to bleed.

The boy's mother—who was dating McCray—broke up the fight and sent the boy to school, according to a criminal complaint filed by the Dakota County Attorney's office. That evening, police say, the boy stayed with a friend's family and sent his mother several texts saying he refused to come home because of McCray.

The next morning, the mother met the boy at a school bus stop and the pair returned to her apartment complex, according to police. When the boy saw McCray exit the apartment, he dialed 911 and fled toward his friend's house, police say.

A nearby neighbor stopped the boy, and the two returned to the apartment building, according to police. The neighbor then attempted to intercede in the argument between McCray and the teenager. When police arrived, they found McCray yelling at the boy.

Police photographed the bite marks on the boy's back. McCray allegedly told officers that he hadn't intentionally bitten the boy, but that his mouth had been open during the fight.

The 16-year-old told officers McCray had struck him in the past, and had once given his mother a black eye, according to the criminal complaint.

McCray posted a $3,000 bond on Feb. 25 and was released from Dakota County Jail. His next court date is May 1.