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2nd Suspect Arrested In Mankato Assault, Nelson Dismissed From Rutgers

MANKATO, Minn. (WCCO/AP) — A second suspect has been arrested in connection with a weekend fight that left a former Minnesota State, Mankato, linebacker critically injured.

As news of the second arrest was announced, Rutgers also announced they've dismissed former Minnesota quarterback 20-year-old Philip Nelson from its football program.

Philip Robert Nelson
(credit: Blue Earth County Jail)

Nelson has already been charged with two counts of felony assault in connection with the early Sunday attack of 24-year-old Isaac Dallas Kolstad.

Mankato Police say they received numerous tips about the assault and from those tips were able to make a second arrest of Trevor Stenner Shelley, 21, of St. Peter, Minn.

Shelley was arrested around 6:15 pm. Monday at his residence and taken into the Blue Earth County jail. Police are requesting first-degree and third-degree assault charges.

At a press conference Monday, investigators also identified a white vehicle in the area during the assault. They said both occupants of that vehicle have come forward to give details to investigators. However, police are still looking for additional witnesses to the assault. Anyone with information is asked to call 911.

Nelson made his first court appearance on Monday. He posted bail, which was set at $20,000, and was released. He walked out of jail with a towel over his head.

Nelson left the Gophers in January to transfer to Rutgers, saying he wanted a football program that would better fit his skills. Rutgers head coach Kyle Flood announced Tuesday that Nelson has been dismissed from their program.

"The Rutgers football family's thoughts and prayers are with Isaac Kolstad and his family," Flood said, in a released statement.

Isaac Kolstad
(credit: CBS)

Authorities say Kolstad was struck by another man before Nelson kicked him in the head. Nelson's attorney says he was not the aggressor.

According to Kolstad's CaringBridge site, he had surgery early Tuesday morning and remains hospitalized in critical condition with a severe head injury. His family continues to ask for prayers.

(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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