Decision on Pulkrabek charges awaits Woodbury police investigation

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Bill Pulkrabek

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The Ramsey County Attorney’s Office has delayed a decision on whether to criminally charge Washington County Commissioner Bill Pulkrabek in a domestic assault case.

The Woodbury Police Department is conducting additional investigation into Pulkrabek and a decision about possible felony domestic assault charge will await the completion of that investigation, according to a Ramsey County attorney spokesman.

A decision on possible charges had been expected Thursday.

Pulkrabek allegedly choked his girlfriend and pulled her down stairs by her hair during a domestic incident Monday at his Woodbury residence, according to a police incident report. His attorney said they are denying the allegations.

Police arrested Pulkrabek, 41, Monday afternoon at 10993 Oak Grove Circle Apt. A, on suspicion of felony domestic assault by strangulation and misdemeanor fifth-degree domestic assault.

His arrest came after a woman reported that she was in an argument with her boyfriend, identified as Pulkrabek, when he threw her onto his bed by her hair, according to a police incident report. She said Pulkrabek placed his forearm on her neck, making it difficult for her to breathe. She pushed and kneed him to get him off of her. The incident report says Pulkrabek pulled his girlfriend by her hair down the stairs and out of his residence. The alleged victim did not need medical attention.

Pulkrabek is married to Lori Pulkrabek, an Oakdale City Council member. Lori was not the alleged victim.

Pulkrabek was booked into the Washington County Jail. He posted $25,000 bail about three hours later and was released. A phone message left for Pulkrabek was not returned.

“At this time we are denying all allegations that have appeared in the press,” said Ryan Kaess, Pulkrabek’s attorney. “It’s not my intention to try this in the media.”

Pulkrabek represents Washington County District 2, which includes Oakdale, Lake Elmo, Landfall and the northeast part of Woodbury. The Oak Grove Circle address listed as his residence is in his commissioner district. The property is owned by Brian J. LeClair, according to Washington County property records. LeClair is a former Woodbury-area state senator.

Kaess confirmed that Pulkrabek has been living with LeClair for about six months.

Pulkrabek was first elected to the County Board in 1998. He was re-elected to a fourth term last fall by defeating Lake Elmo Mayor Dean Johnston. Prior to his election to county office, Pulkrabek served as Oakdale mayor from 1995 to 1998.

Washington County Attorney Pete Orput asked the Ramsey County prosecutor to handle the case to avoid a conflict.

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