Aurora, MN (trfnews.i234.me) — An Aurora man is facing four felony assault charges after allegedly spraying two individuals with what is believed to be bear spray during a heated altercation.
According to a criminal complaint filed in St. Louis County District Court, Johnathan Russell Cope, 47, is charged with:
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Two counts of 2nd Degree Assault with a Dangerous Weapon
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Two counts of 3rd Degree Assault with Substantial Bodily Harm
The incident occurred on the night of June 4, 2025, when Cope reportedly approached Luke Strong and Ryen Mueller in a truck parked near a residence. Cope allegedly yelled at the men before spraying them both in the face and fleeing the scene. EMS later transported both victims to the hospital.
Officers noted classic symptoms of bear spray exposure: facial irritation, difficulty breathing, and pain, with the victims requiring medical treatment. The case underscores a legal gray area in Minnesota law, as it remains undecided whether pepper or bear spray qualifies as a “dangerous weapon” under all circumstances.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
I’m just finding this news story now. That’s not what happened. I was there. I saw everything. The cops didn’t add my statement in the file.Luke & Ryans statements aren’t the truth.Johnathan never left the yard. They were drunk.Luke & Ryan.They got out of the truck at the same time & aggressively went at Johnathan. Luke’s fists were clenched. They were gonna jump him. Johnathan, within the law, defended himself. If anybody could find any “eyes” that were in the skies that day that caught the situation unfold. Please share so the truth can be known. Yes Johnathan has done some bad things in his past. I’m sure we all have. He has changed from who he use to be.He is being named whén he is the victim. People need to know the truth