North Dakota Man Accused of Choking Woman for Nearly a Minute and Stabbing Her With Pliers Over Loud Talking, Police Say
FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA — A North Dakota man has been arrested after police say he choked a woman for approximately one minute and then stabbed her with pliers during a violent domestic incident that began over her speaking too loudly inside an apartment.
According to the Fargo Police Department, Michael David Schaffer, 36, has been charged with aggravated assault with a weapon and domestic violence assault causing serious bodily injury. Jail records show he was booked into custody on Thursday.
Argument Escalates Into Violent Assault
The incident unfolded around 8:20 p.m. inside an apartment in Fargo, located along the Minnesota border.
Court documents obtained by local media state that Schaffer was inside the apartment with the victim and at least one other person when he became angry because the woman was speaking too loudly.
Police say Schaffer began breaking items inside the apartment before the situation escalated further.
Police Say Woman Was Choked for About 60 Seconds
Investigators allege Schaffer pushed the woman against a bathroom door and choked her with one hand for roughly one minute.
During the assault, another person reportedly yelled at Schaffer to stop.
Instead, authorities say Schaffer grabbed a pair of pliers, cursed, and stabbed the woman in her right elbow with the tool.
Victim Found With Neck Injuries and Puncture Wounds
Officers responding to the call found the woman suffering from:
- Two cuts to her right elbow
- Redness on her neck and chest, consistent with strangulation
Police said Schaffer initially left the apartment but later returned and was found standing in the building’s entryway.
Suspect Denies Allegations, Blames Victim
According to law enforcement, Schaffer denied choking or stabbing the woman, instead claiming that she was the aggressor.
Officers did not accept his account and took him into custody at the scene.
Charges Filed, Arraignment Scheduled
Schaffer was transported to the Cass County Jail, where he remains held pending further court proceedings.
He was scheduled to be arraigned on Friday, according to local reports.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges could be filed as prosecutors review the case.
Strangulation is widely recognized by law enforcement as a major warning sign for escalating domestic violence. What more should be done to intervene before these situations turn deadly? Share your thoughts with readers at WaldronNews.