MOORHEAD, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) – A Moorhead woman faces a felony assault charge after allegedly pushing another woman inside a local American Legion.
The victim suffered two fractures in her arm after falling backward and striking a table, according to court documents.
Abby Jo Melquist, 38, of Moorhead, is charged with third-degree assault causing substantial bodily harm.
The alleged incident occurred October 25, 2026, at the American Legion on 30th Street North in Moorhead.
Argument at American Legion Turns Violent
According to the criminal complaint, Moorhead police responded to Sanford Urgent Care following a reported assault.
The victim told investigators she had experienced previous disagreements with Melquist at the bar.
One disagreement reportedly involved someone taking another person’s seat several months earlier.
On October 25, Melquist allegedly approached the victim and attempted to speak with her.
The victim said she refused to continue the conversation because she believed Melquist was intoxicated.
She reportedly told Melquist to leave the disagreement alone.
According to the complaint, Melquist then pushed the woman backward with both arms.
Victim Suffers Broken Arm After Fall
The victim told investigators that her head struck the edge of a high-top bar table as she fell.
Her arm reportedly became caught on something during the fall, twisting backward.
Medical imaging revealed fractures near the victim’s wrist and farther up her forearm.
Authorities documented the injuries as part of their investigation into the alleged assault.
Witness Describes Confrontation
A witness told police he had been outside the establishment moving a vehicle when someone rushed outside.
That individual reportedly told him Melquist had broken the victim’s arm.
When the witness returned inside, Melquist allegedly struck him in the chest with both hands.
The complaint states that Melquist also directed an angry remark toward the witness about his wife.
The witness reported that Melquist and the victim had experienced minor disagreements at the establishment before.
Surveillance Video Reviewed by Police
Investigators also spoke with the American Legion manager, who provided surveillance footage of the incident.
According to the complaint, the footage showed the two women speaking before Melquist pushed the victim.
The video evidence was included in the probable cause statement supporting the felony charge.
Felony Assault Charge Filed
Melquist faces one count of third-degree assault involving substantial bodily harm under Minnesota Statute 609.223.
The felony carries a maximum possible sentence of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.
The case is filed in Clay County District Court under case number 14-CR-26-3925.
The allegations have not been proven in court. Melquist is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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