Moorhead: Malone Faces Gun, Assault Charges
MOORHEAD, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — Mark Xavier Randlen Malone faces three felony charges after an alleged assault inside a Moorhead apartment.
Malone, 28, is charged in Clay County District Court file 14-CR-26-3140.
The charges include prohibited ammunition possession, second-degree assault, and reckless firearm discharge.
The alleged incident happened on Aug. 29, 2026.
Man Reports Being Pistol-Whipped
The complaint says police responded to an apartment complex after receiving a disturbance report.
A bystander reported seeing an injured man in the parking lot.
The man told investigators that he had been helping Malone move items.
He said an argument began while both men were inside Malone’s apartment.
Prosecutors allege Malone retrieved a handgun from a closet during the dispute.
The man said Malone then struck him repeatedly in the head with the gun.
Police reported several cuts on the man’s forehead.
One wound was described as large and still bleeding.
The man was transported to a hospital for treatment.
No police officer names are included in this report.
Mark Xavier Randlen Malone | Clay County booking image
Malone Gives Different Account
Police later contacted Malone by telephone, according to the complaint.
Malone allegedly said the other man had arrived at his apartment and made threats.
He claimed the other man possessed the firearm first.
Malone said the two fought over the weapon.
The complaint says Malone admitted striking the man with the firearm.
He also allegedly reported that the gun fired during the struggle.
Malone later returned to the apartment complex and was detained.
Search Finds Ammunition and Bullet Damage
Investigators later searched Malone’s apartment and vehicle under a warrant.
The complaint says police found blood in several areas of the apartment.
A 9mm casing was allegedly found on the hallway floor.
Investigators also reported damage where a bullet appeared to have struck the floor.
Bullet fragments were allegedly visible beneath the flooring.
Police also reported finding two boxes of ammunition in a bedroom closet.
A loaded firearm magazine and holster were also found, according to prosecutors.
Three Felony Charges Filed
Count One cites Minnesota Statute 624.713.
Prosecutors cite a 2016 Wisconsin burglary conviction as the basis for the firearm restriction.
The count carries up to 15 years and a $30,000 fine.
Count Two alleges second-degree assault under Minnesota Statute 609.222.
That count carries up to seven years and a $14,000 fine.
Count Three alleges reckless firearm discharge within a municipality.
The charge cites Minnesota Statute 609.66.
The complaint lists a maximum of two years and a $5,000 fine.
Charges Remain Allegations
The complaint contains allegations that have not been proven in court.
Malone is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Clay County jail information is available through the Clay County Correctional Facility.
Public court information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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