A felony charge hangs over the head of a 24-year-old Wisconsin man who was kicked out of downtown Minneapolis bar, then confronted and spat upon a police officer.

Ryan C. Huenink, of Madison, was charged last week in Hennepin County District Court with felony fourth-degree assault and fleeing police, a misdemeanor.

According to the criminal complaint:

Bouncers at the Pourhouse forcibly removed Huenink and others from the bar because of a disturbance inside near closing time on Oct. 14. Officers stepped in and urged the patrons to leave the area, but the group responded by yelling homophobic and other derogatory remarks at the officers and the bouncers.

The officers warned the patrons that they would be maced if they didn't move along. Huenink and others reacted by taking up "fighting stances with their fists up."

The officers maced the group, and Huenink responded by spitting at the officer who maced him and then running away.

Huenink was arrested a few blocks away and said to police that he was "being stupid" and "trying to show off a little."

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482