Mower County Sheriff’s deputy makes first court appearance for assault charges

A Mower County Sheriff’s deputy accused of punching and pepper spraying a juvenile during an incident in January is making his first appearance Monday in Rice County District Court.  

34-year-old Ryan Chrz is charged with two counts of gross misdemeanor misconduct by a public officer and two counts of misdemeanor fifth-degree assault.  The charges stem from an incident involving an unruly juvenile late in the morning of January 16th at a McDonald’s in Austin.  

According to court records, Chrz and two Austin Police officers wrestled the juvenile to the ground while trying to arrest him.  Police stated that the juvenile began struggling and kicking, and once he was shoved into the squad car, Chrz allegedly punched the juvenile with a closed fist.  Court documents also stated that the juvenile was pepper sprayed at least twice.

Chrz stated that the juvenile kicked him in the pelvis and groin area, and that his objective was to stop the juvenile from assaulting him.  The complaint in the case was filed on July 30th, and Chrz is currently on administrative leave.  

The Rice County Attorney’s Office is handling the prosecution of the case.

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