Moorhead Woman Charged in Hallway Assault Case
MOORHEAD, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — Elena Elizabeth Fladeland faces a felony fifth-degree assault charge in Clay County District Court.
The charge follows an alleged hallway confrontation at a Moorhead apartment building on December 17, 2025.
A criminal complaint says a neighbor reported hearing yelling and screaming from an apartment below hers.
Neighbor Reports Hallway Confrontation
The neighbor told police she stomped on her floor in an effort to stop the noise.
The complaint says Fladeland then came to the neighbor’s door.
The two began talking in the hallway, according to the filing.
Prosecutors allege Fladeland pulled the woman’s hair and punched her during the encounter.
The neighbor could not remember where the punch landed, the complaint states.
A person described as Fladeland’s caretaker reportedly stepped in and stopped the confrontation.
Another building resident was passing through the area at that time.
That witness reportedly saw the caretaker standing between Fladeland and the neighbor.
The witness also heard the caretaker tell Fladeland she could not put her hands on people.
Apartment Manager Confirmed Resident
The apartment manager later confirmed Fladeland lived in the apartment identified during the investigation.
The manager also confirmed Fladeland had a caretaker, according to the complaint.
The filing does not allege the passing witness saw the reported hair pulling or punch.
Instead, the witness reportedly observed the scene after the alleged physical contact.
Prior Convictions Cited in Felony Charge
Prosecutors charged Fladeland under Minnesota Statute 609.224.
The complaint says the felony level is based on prior qualifying convictions within three years.
The filing cites two prior North Dakota felony convictions while supporting the enhanced charge.
One was an aggravated assault conviction from November 2023.
The complaint also cites a felony terrorizing conviction.
Under Minnesota law, the charged offense carries a maximum five-year prison term.
The law also allows a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
Readers can search public case information through Minnesota Court Records Online.
The charge is an allegation and does not establish guilt.
Fladeland is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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