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ROUND LAKE — A Round Lake resident is charged with a felony count of domestic violence and several gross misdemeanors, including child endangerment and fourth-degree assault of a peace officer, following a reported incident of domestic assault.
On Nov. 3, Nobles County deputies met with the victim outside of a Round Lake residence after receiving a report of domestic assault.
The victim stated that Gerald Douglas Simpson Jr., 32, had been drinking all day with a friend. According to the criminal complaint, when the victim went to lie down, Simpson reportedly pulled at the victim’s blankets, pinched them, and threw things at the victim.
Officers observed a small wound on the victim’s head, which they stated was from Simpson throwing a block of razor blades.
At one point, the victim became upset that Simpson and his friend had awoken a child in the house. Simpson reportedly placed the child on the bed next to the victim before wrapping his hands around the victim’s throat.
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The victim stated that Simpson’s friend helped her get out of the house and call the police.
Simpson was retrieved from a closet in the residence where he had reportedly locked himself in. He was placed in handcuffs after much resistance.
According to the complaint, Simpson continued to resist as officers attempted to place him into a squad car following his arrest. During this time, he reportedly kicked and yelled threats at several officers. While being transferred to the Nobles County Jail, Simpson reportedly continued to be very agitated, thrashing around and yelling.
After releasing Simpson to jail custody, officers reportedly observed the squad’s handlebar was broken, the bars on the passenger door were bent, and there were bloodstains on the glass, door handle and rear window cage. An officer had also received a scrape across his upper arm.
Simpson has two prior qualified domestic violence-related convictions from 2020 and 2021. In addition to the charges of domestic assault, child endangerment and fourth-degree assault, Simpson faces one count of third-degree property damage and obstruction, both gross misdemeanor offenses.
Conditional bail for Simpson was set at $100,000. He is scheduled to make his initial court appearance Nov. 15.
If convicted, Simpson faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, a $10,000 fine, or both for the charge of felony domestic assault. Each of the four gross misdemeanor charges carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine.
