Moorhead (trfnews.i234.me) A Moorhead woman faces felony assault charges. Police say she threatened a man with a metal snow shovel. They also allege she smashed glass at a bus stop.
Olivia Jan Hammer, 20, was charged Thursday in Clay County District Court. She is charged with second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon. She also faces fourth-degree property damage and obstructing legal process.
What the police say happened
Officers responded around 6:33 a.m. Wednesday. The call came from an apartment complex in the 400 block of Brook Avenue. A resident reported a woman knocking on doors.
The man told police that Hammer knocked on his door around 6:30 a.m. He said she did not live there. He said he left for work about five minutes later.
The man said Hammer stood in the hallway. He said she followed him outside. Police say Hammer then grabbed a metal snow shovel from the lobby.
The man said he began walking fast to get away. He said Hammer followed him toward a bus stop. The complaint says she threatened him while chasing him.
The man reported that Hammer said, “I’m going to hit you.” He also reported she said, “I’m going to kill you.”
At the bus stop, police say Hammer swung the shovel. The complaint says the swing broke the glass shelter. Police later confirmed broken glass at the scene.
The man said Hammer pointed the shovel at him. He said she jabbed at him several times. He told police he feared for his life.
Arrest and jail status
Officers found Hammer near the bus stop, according to the complaint. Police say she became uncooperative during the arrest. The complaint says she struck an officer’s upper arm and shoulder.
Police also report Hammer made unusual statements after her arrest. The complaint says she mentioned she “crashed into a tree.” It also says she was “looking for her kids every single day.”
Hammer faces up to seven years in prison on the felony assault charge. She also faces a possible $14,000 fine. She remained in custody after the charges were filed.
Clay County District Court Judge Michael Leeser signed an order of detention Thursday morning.
More information
You can read Minnesota’s second-degree assault law at the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.
You can also review the obstructing legal process law at the Minnesota Revisor.
For public case access options, visit the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.