Federal Dam Man Charged in Knife Assault Case

Federal Dam (trfnews.i234.me) — A Federal Dam man is facing felony charges after a reported knife assault in Cass County.

Benjamin Francis Smith, 26, is charged with two counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon.

The charges were filed in Cass County District Court. The case stems from an incident reported on July 11, 2026.

Knife Assault Reported in Federal Dam

According to the criminal complaint, deputies responded to a reported assault at a home on Battle Point Drive NW in Federal Dam.

The complaint states Smith was involved in an argument before the reported assault happened.

The victim, identified in court documents as DL, told investigators he was outside with Smith and others.

According to the complaint, Smith became upset and approached DL.

The complaint states Smith swung at DL with a pocket knife and struck him in the abdomen.

DL initially believed he had been hit with a fist. He later realized he had been stabbed when he saw blood.

First responders treated the injury. The complaint states the wound was about one inch deep.

DL was later taken to Bemidji for medical treatment.

Benjamin Francis Smith

A second person, identified as JFC in court documents, told investigators he witnessed the incident.

The complaint states Smith left the area and returned with a folding pocket knife.

JFC reported that Smith swung the knife toward him but missed.

The complaint states Smith then swung the knife toward DL and stabbed him.

Authorities searched for Smith after the reported assault.

The complaint states deputies later learned Smith had returned to his mother’s home.

Smith was located there and taken into custody.

Smith faces two felony counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon.

Each charge carries a possible maximum sentence of up to seven years in prison, a fine of up to $14,000, or both.

All charges are allegations, and Smith is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

More information about Minnesota court records can be found through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.