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September 2, 2010

Walmart driver to get second evaluation

Bail may be reduced for Raymond Mager Jr.

By Dan Nienaber Free Press Staff Writer

MANKATO — A psychological evaluation found the man who rammed his car into Mankato’s Walmart in March didn’t understand what he was doing, but a judge said Thursday he is granting a prosecutor’s request for a second opinion.

Blue Earth County District Court Judge Bradley Walker also said he will likely lower the bail for 47-year-old Raymond Edward Mager Jr., who has been in custody since he was arrested on March 18. His bail was set at $300,000 after he was charged with several felonies, including use of deadly force against a law enforcement officer, assault and criminal damage to property.

Mager is accused of driving his car into Walmart’s grocery section while being pursued by Blue Earth County Sheriff Brad Peterson, who was responding to a 6:30 a.m. report of a hit and run outside the city limits.

There was a short standoff inside Walmart, which also involved Mankato police officers, before Mager was taken into custody.

Mager also is accused of backing into Peterson’s vehicle, and nearly hitting Peterson, in the parking lot before he drove into the store.

The psychological evaluation is confidential, but Mager’s attorney, Scott Cutcher, discussed some of the findings during a court hearing Thursday. He said the evaluator found Mager did not have the medication he needed when he was released from a facility in Willmar, which resulted in the “manic incident.”

Cutcher also said another evaluation could delay Mager’s trial for at least two more months (the first evaluation did find that Mager is competent to stand trial). He asked that Mager be released on his own recognizance while the new evaluation is scheduled and completed.

“I promise I will follow every order, every rule and be where ever I have to be,” Mager added.

Steve Kelm, assistant Blue Earth County attorney, said he would be concerned about the public’s safety if Mager is released and quits taking his medication.

Walker said he will consider lowering Mager’s bail after he finds out what type of medical supervision Mager would be under if he is released from jail.

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