Man Accused in Waterslide Incident Allegedly Bit a Lifeguard Last Month

The man accused in the Apple Valley waterslide incident allegedly bit a lifeguard last month.

According to WCCO-TV, police are now also investigating a prior incident involving Roman Adams at the Apple Valley Aquatic Center that took place on July 13 in which he allegedly bit a lifeguard at the park. Police were not notified at the time of the incident, and the lifeguard's injuries did not need medical attention. 

Adams is no longer in custody following Tuesday's incident in which he is accused of pushing or throwing an 8-year-old boy off a waterslide platform. He could face up to five years in prison if convicted on the third-degree assault charge. 

Adams' developmental disabilities may be taken into account when assessing the charge. Apple Valley Police Capt. Nick Francis tells KARE 11, "Its difficult when we have to view someone as a possible suspect that's got some mental disabilities...But our job comes down to determining whether or not a crime took place, whether or not someone knew right from wrong." 

Police reportedly say it appeared he did know right from wrong regarding the incident. 

Adams' PCA was at the park when the incident took place, but was not waiting in line with him when it occurred. 

KARE 11 spoke with someone from the nonprofit Fraser about whether this is typical behavior for a person with a developmental disability. (It's not.) Read more here. 

Photo: Dakota County Jail via TwinCities.com