North Dakota Man Accused of Choking Woman for One Minute and Stabbing Her With Pliers Over Loud Conversation, Police Say
FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA — A North Dakota man is facing felony assault and domestic violence charges after police say he choked a woman for approximately one minute and stabbed her with a pair of pliers because he believed she was speaking too loudly inside an apartment.
According to Cass County jail records, Michael David Schaffer, 36, was arrested Thursday and charged with aggravated assault with a weapon and domestic violence assault causing serious bodily injury.
Argument Inside Fargo Apartment Turns Violent
The incident occurred around 8:20 p.m. inside an apartment in Fargo, a city in eastern North Dakota near the Minnesota border.
Court documents indicate Schaffer was inside the apartment with a woman and at least one other person. Police said the woman and the other individual were talking, which allegedly angered Schaffer because he believed they were being too loud.
According to investigators, Schaffer became increasingly upset and began breaking items inside the apartment.
Police Say Woman Was Choked for About 60 Seconds
Authorities allege that during the outburst, Schaffer pushed the woman against a bathroom door and used one hand to choke her for approximately one minute.
Police said another person inside the apartment yelled at Schaffer to stop, prompting him to release the woman.
However, the violence did not end there, investigators said.
Suspect Allegedly Stabbed Victim With Pliers
After releasing the woman, Schaffer allegedly grabbed a pair of pliers, cursed, and stabbed her in the right elbow, according to court records obtained by local media.
Officers with the Fargo Police Department responded to the apartment after receiving a report of the assault.
When police arrived, they found the woman with two visible cuts to her elbow, as well as redness around her neck and chest, consistent with strangulation injuries, authorities said.
Suspect Found Outside, Denies Allegations
Police said Schaffer initially left the apartment, but later returned and was found standing in the entryway of the apartment building.
During questioning, Schaffer denied choking or stabbing the woman, claiming instead that she was the aggressor, according to law enforcement.
Officers arrested Schaffer at the scene and transported him to the Cass County Jail.
Charges Filed, Court Appearance Scheduled
Schaffer was booked on aggravated assault with a weapon and domestic violence assault causing serious bodily injury, both serious charges under North Dakota law.
He was scheduled to be arraigned on Friday, according to local court records. No information has been released regarding bond conditions.
Police have not said whether additional charges could be filed as the case proceeds.
Case Highlights Ongoing Domestic Violence Concerns
Authorities emphasized that strangulation and the use of improvised weapons, such as pliers, significantly increase the risk of severe injury or death in domestic violence incidents.
Investigators continue to review the circumstances leading up to the assault.
As the Fargo case moves through the court system, it adds to growing concerns about domestic violence and the importance of early intervention during escalating disputes. For continued updates on arrests, court proceedings, and public safety news from North Dakota and across the U.S., visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.