Two Men Charged with Aiding and Abetting Assault in Downtown Mankato

A Lonsdale man and a LeCenter man have both been charged with aiding and abetting an assault that took place in Downtown Mankato. Zackary Gerald Wendorff and Tyler John Budin were both charged Monday in Blue Earth County District Court with the following counts:

Aiding and Abetting 3rd Degree Assault-Substantial Bodily Harm, A Felony which carries a maximum sentence of 5 years or a $10,000 fine, or both

Aiding and Abetting 5th Degree Assault-Inflict or Attempt Bodily Harm, a Misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of 90 days or a $1,000 fine, or both.

The incident occurred on January 5, 2025, at approximately 1:34 a.m. in the downtown entertainment district. Officers were flagged down by two unknown patrons and alerted to a possible medical incident nearby. They advised that a male had suffered a bleeding head injury and needed to be checked on because he did not seem okay. They did not witness how the injury occurred but had seen the injury and wanted to ensure he got help. They advised that there was a small puddle of blood on the pavement near him, which seemed to be from his head wound.

While responding to the incident, BEC Dispatch advised that they had received multiple 911 calls regarding the incident.

Officers arrived on scene and noted that the temperature was 6 degrees F, but the real feel was -10 degrees F. The victim was slumped forwards and seemed out not entirely alert. Mayo Ambulance arrived on scene.

After tending to the victim and reviewing CCTV of the incident, officers were able to identify two suspects, Zackary Gerald Wendorff and Tyler John Budin and apprehend them.