North Dakota: Samuel Mieke charged with assaulting Fargo woman, sitting on Chihuahua

NORTH DAKOTA -- A 38-year-old man is accused in Cass County District Court of injuring a woman and her Chihuahua during an assault that allegedly took place in the woman's Fargo home Sunday.

Samuel J. Mieke is charged with one count of aggravated assault/domestic violence and one count of animal cruelty.

According to court documents filed in the case:

A woman told police Sunday evening that Mieke, whom she has known for a long time, became angry with her after drinking and punched her in the shoulder.

She said he also grabbed her by the throat and pressed with his thumbs, preventing her from breathing, and later struck her several times on the back with his boots, causing pain.

The woman told police Mieke knew she recently had surgery on her back.

She also said Mieke sat on her Chihuahua before grabbing the dog by the throat and throwing the animal.

Court documents do not specify the extent of the dog's injuries.

When Mieke was later located by police, he told them nothing physical occurred and he denied striking the woman.

He was taken to jail and made a court appearance on the charges Tuesday.

CURRENT CHARGES:

• MIEKE, SAMUEL J Male White 7/30/1977 12:00 AM 2016-00002323 ANIMAL CRUELTY
• MIEKE, SAMUEL J Male White 7/30/1977 12:00 AM 2016-00002323 ASSAULT AGGRAVATED
• MIEKE, SAMUEL J Male White 7/30/1977 12:00 AM 2016-00002323 RESISTING POLICE OFFICER
• MIEKE, SAMUEL J Male White 7/30/1977 12:00 AM 2016-00002323 TAMPERING W/WITNESS
• MIEKE, SAMUEL J Male White 7/30/1977 12:00 AM 2016-00002323 VIOL ORDER PROHIB CONTACT

(InForum - March 8, 2016)