Maurice Dwayne Copeland, 45, of Frazee was charged in Becker County District Court with felony third-degree assault after an April 12 incident in Detroit Lakes.

Detroit Lakes police were dispatched on a report of an assault at a Detroit Lakes residence at 1:53 a.m., Sunday, April 12, according to court records.

Responding officers found a man claiming he was assaulted by Copeland. The man had a swollen right eye and blood covering his face and clothing. He was transported by ambulance to the emergency room.

According to the report, Copeland’s girlfriend lived next door and got into an argument over politics with another woman at a gathering of people there. The girlfriend left, only to return with Copeland, and a second argument ensued, this time with the victim.

Expletives and insults were exchanged leading to Copeland allegedly punching the victim several times. Copeland and his girlfriend eventually went back to her home next door.

Emergency responders were called and an emergency room doctor later confirmed the victim had injuries described as a blowout eye socket fracture, a nasal fracture, and extensive facial fractures.

Officers were unable to contact Copeland or the girlfriend until the next day. Copeland was arrested and bail or bond was set with no conditions at $40,000 on Tuesday, April 14.

Bond with conditions was set at $20,000. Cash bail with conditions was set at $1,000. 

Copeland posted $1,000 bail and was released with conditions that include no drinking or drug use, no weapons, and no contact with the victim.

Copeland’s next court date is scheduled for Monday, June 8.