Michael David Schaffer, a 36-year-old man in Fargo, North Dakota, faces charges of aggravated assault with a weapon and domestic violence assault causing serious bodily injury after allegedly attacking a woman over her loud talking.
Incident Details
The altercation occurred around 8:20 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at a Fargo apartment near the Minnesota border. Schaffer reportedly grew angry while the woman and another person conversed, broke items in a rage, pushed her against a bathroom door, and choked her one-handed for about 60 seconds. When someone yelled to stop, he grabbed pliers, cursed, and stabbed her right elbow, causing two cuts.​
Fargo Police arrived post-911 call, finding the victim with elbow lacerations and neck/chest redness. Schaffer had fled briefly but returned to the entryway, where he denied the attack and claimed she assaulted him.
Legal Status
Booked into Cass County Jail that evening; arraignment was scheduled for Friday, January 23. Under North Dakota law (NDCC 12.1-17-02), aggravated assault with a weapon is a Class C felony (up to 10 years), while domestic assault causing serious injury is Class B (up to 7 years).
