Bagley Woman Charged in Potato Peeler Assault
Bagley (trfnews.i234.me) — Valerie Louise Fox faces a felony second-degree assault charge in Clearwater County District Court.
Prosecutors allege Fox attacked a man with a potato peeler near Lower Rice Lake on August 20, 2026.
The man, identified as C.M., suffered a large cut to his upper arm.
The charge carries up to seven years in prison, a $14,000 fine, or both.
Man Reports Attack Near Water Spout
Deputies received an assault report around 6:22 p.m., according to the criminal complaint.
C.M. said he had been getting water from a spout near Lower Rice Lake.
He said a woman approached and asked what family he belonged to.
The woman then allegedly told him the water was not his.
C.M. said he agreed and indicated he had not known that.
He told investigators the woman then demanded that he put the water back.
C.M. said he noticed a knife-like object hidden behind the woman’s body.
Stabbing Motion Alleged
The complaint says the woman then made a stabbing motion toward C.M.’s stomach.
C.M. said he avoided the alleged stab and pushed the woman’s hand away.
He alleged the woman then slashed the outside of his upper arm.
Investigators later observed and photographed a large cut on his arm.
C.M. said he ran around his pickup several times while trying to get away.
He told authorities the woman continued chasing him while holding the object.
C.M. eventually entered his truck and drove away.
He described the object as either a knife or potato peeler.
Fox Identified by Alleged Victim
Deputies later contacted Valerie Louise Fox at a nearby Auginaush Road residence.
Fox matched the description provided by C.M., according to the complaint.
Authorities later brought C.M. back to the area for an identification.
C.M. identified Fox as the woman who allegedly attacked him.
He also identified her vehicle and the residence connected to the incident.
Potato Peeler Found in Vehicle
Authorities obtained a search warrant for the property, vehicles and nearby buildings.
During the search, investigators found a potato peeler inside Fox’s vehicle.
The item was on the front passenger floorboard, according to the complaint.
Investigators also reported seeing what appeared to be blood drops near the peeler.
The vehicle was towed and the potato peeler was collected as evidence.
Fox was arrested and taken to the Clearwater County Jail.
Felony Assault Charge Filed
Fox is charged under Minnesota Statute 609.222.
The statute covers assault committed with a dangerous weapon.
The maximum sentence is seven years in prison and a $14,000 fine.
The case is State of Minnesota v. Valerie Louise Fox.
The court file number is 15-CR-26-301 in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.
Public case information is available through Minnesota Court Records Online.
The criminal complaint contains allegations and does not establish Fox’s guilt.
Fox is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.