Moorhead, Clay County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Moorhead man faces a felony charge after a reported hammer attack this month.
Mitchell Albert Spitzmiller, 39, was charged Tuesday in Clay County District Court. The charge is second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon. Court records say he has no permanent address. He remains in custody at the Clay County Jail.
What the complaint alleges
The assault was reported on Feb. 11 in the 900 block of 18th Street South in Moorhead. The details come from a criminal complaint.
Documents say Spitzmiller rode a bus with a couple. He allegedly offered to pay their fare. The group later walked after leaving the bus.
During the ride and walk, Spitzmiller allegedly told the woman he loved her. He also said he wanted to be with her. The complaint says she rejected him.
He then asked her for a hug, according to the complaint. After the hug, he allegedly made a threat about taking “everything” with him. The complaint says he referred to the other man’s life.
Witnesses told police Spitzmiller pulled a hammer from a camouflage bag. They said he swung it several times at the other man.
The first swing knocked the victim’s phone away, court records say. The victim was trying to call 911. A second swing hit the victim’s hand, the complaint says. A third swing missed when the victim moved.
The victim told police he feared for his life. He reported pain in his left hand. He declined medical care at the scene.
Prior report and arrest
The complaint also describes an earlier incident from three days before. The victim said Spitzmiller became aggressive and tried to stab him.
Because of that report, the victim said he pre-dialed 911 on his phone. Spitzmiller allegedly fled after realizing the call was made.
Police arrested Spitzmiller on Feb. 13 in Dilworth. Officers found him near an abandoned building on Main Street, court documents say.
Possible penalties and public records
Second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon can bring up to seven years in prison. It can also bring a fine up to $14,000. See Minnesota Statute 609.222.
Readers can review case access options through Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO). Jail custody information may also appear on the Clay County Inmate Roster.
Charges are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.