The owner of a popular dining spot near the Xcel Energy Center took a pop in the face and went down to the ground during a confrontation outside his restaurant with a 21-year-old man over parking, authorities said Monday.
Dave Cossetta, 56, was punched late Friday morning shortly before the doors opened at Cossetta's on W. 7th Street in St. Paul, just down the street from the home of the Minnesota Wild, according to police.
Cossetta came away slightly injured. The suspect, from Gem Lake, Minn., was arrested on suspicison of fifth-degree assault, jailed and then released pending charges.
The conflict centered on whether the man could park in the lot without paying, said police spokesman Howie Padilla.
Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482
