An Eden Prairie man is charged with racially-biased assault following a Feb. 16 incident that began in front of the Eden Prairie Costco store and ended a mile away when the man rammed another car, according to a complaint filed in Hennepin County District Court.
David Christian Schmeisser, 51, is charged with fourth-degree assault, motivated by bias, after confronting another Costco customer, identified as “PQN,” as they were both exiting the store, making racist comments, and eventually ramming PQN’s car.
The police complaint described the incident:
“Defendant cut in front of PQN, with his vehicle and would not move,” and made a lewd gesture at PQN.
As PQN prepared to turn onto Technology Drive, Schmeisser swerved to prevent PQN from passing.
At one point, Schmeisser shouted a racial obscenity at PQN, followed by “Go back to China,” and “Go home.” PQN is described as being of Asian descent.
PQN eventually was able to pass Schmeisser, who then followed PQN. Near the Mister Carwash on Flying Cloud Drive, Schmeisser intentionally rammed into PQN’s vehicle. Schmeisser then fled in the direction of Regional Center Road.
PQN was able to stop and noted minor damage to his vehicle. No injuries were noted in the complaint.
Police were able to locate Schmeisser, who admitted that his car hit PQN’s car and that he should have stopped and reported the accident, but did not.
Schmeisser is also charged with one count each of careless driving, failure to stop following a collision, and damage to property. The fourth-degree assault motivated by bias charge is a gross misdemeanor; the others are misdemeanors.
A detention order was issued for Schmeisser on March 1.