Rochester man accused of hammer assault at grocery store sentenced to probation

(ABC 6 News) – A Rochester man accused of swinging a hammer at a man in Cub Foods was sentenced to 5 years’ probation Monday, March 11.

Pedro Vasquez, 29, could be re-sentenced to 20 months in prison if he fails to follow the conditions of his probation, according to Minnesota court records.

He was also sentenced to the 190 days he already served in the Olmsted County ADC, as well as 100 hours of community service.

—–PREVIOUS STORY—–

(ABC 6 News) – A Rochester man accused of swinging a hammer at a man in Cub Foods pleaded guilty to one count of 2nd-degree assault with a deadly weapon Friday, Jan. 12.

Rochester police arrested 29-year-old Pedro Vasquez after he allegedly attacked a person in Cub Foods with a hammer on July 5, 2023.

Vasquez was charged with 2nd-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and 5th-degree assault–fear of bodily harm or death.

The second charge will be dismissed at sentencing March 11, 2024, according to court documents.

Rochester police say officers received multiple calls from Cub Foods at about 11:27 p.m. on the night of July 5.

When they arrived, they followed the sounds of yelling and screaming to the deli area, where a man was restraining Vasquez, according to police.

Police took Vasquez into custody, then spoke to witnesses who said he had come into the store and acted suspicious, saying things that did not make sense.

A cashier told police Vasquez told him he recognized the cashier and had killed the cashier’s father.

Police say they suspect Vasquez may have used drugs prior to entering the store.

Vasquez allegedly entered an employee area and reappeared with a hammer.

Vasquez allegedly chased the man police found restraining him and swung the hammer at him until he tripped–allowing the man to hold him down.

Police say there were no serious injuries and Vasquez did not hit anyone with the hammer.