On 04/20/2026 at about 8:14 PM, Moorhead Officer Brifki responded to a domestic assault in Moorhead, Clay County. The 911 caller, later identified as HS (Victim), reported having injuries, the responsible party Darryl Jackson Johnson [DOB REDACTED] (Defendant) remained in the apartment, and Victim had gone to their neighbor’s. On scene, Officer Brifki observed Victim to have visible dried blood on their upper and lower lip. Victim reported having swelling to the left side of their face. The officer learned that earlier, Defendant arrived at the residence and argued with Victim [NAME REDACTED]. Defendant became upset and “choked” Victim [NAME REDACTED] on Victim’s neck.
Victim [NAME REDACTED]. Defendant kept one hand on Victim’s neck and continued “choking” Victim while using his other hand to punch Victim in the face with a closed right fist. Victim [NAME REDACTED]. Defendant backed away. Victim [NAME REDACTED] went to their neighbor’s. Victim [NAME REDACTED] is their boyfriend of six (6) years. Victim [NAME REDACTED], and Defendant stays with them. Officer Brifki spoke with the identified neighbor, who advised that Victim had called them and asked to open the door.
The neighbor let Victim [NAME REDACTED]. The neighbor asked Victim [NAME REDACTED]. Victim began to tear up and said they needed to call the police. Victim [NAME REDACTED] into the bathroom and called 911. Officer Brifki knocked at the residence door to contact Defendant. He did not come to the door. After several minutes of knocking and announcing, another tenant opened the door and allowed Officers to enter the unit. Defendant said he did not know what had happened and said Victim [NAME REDACTED]. He said they were supposed to be out of the apartment by May 1st and Victim wanted him to leave but he had nowhere to go.
Later, Defendant mentioned an argument about money. Officer Barta asked to see Defendant’s hands. Officer Brifki observed a fresh scratch on Defendant’s hand consistent with defensive wounds. Defendant made multiple statements indicating he expected to be arrested, stating "I'm gonna go to jail" and "me and the cops don't got a good history." Defendant was arrested. Upon arriving at the Clay County jail, Defendant refused to answer pre-booking medical questions. He was transported to Sanford Hospital for medical clearance.
Officer Brifki observed a doctor to verbalize he observed an additional scratch to Defendant’s neck. Officer Barta spoke with Victim [NAME REDACTED] during the assault, they had had difficulty breathing but did not feel dizzy or feel like they would pass out. Their vision was narrowing in, and they were beginning to see "black". In the moment, Victim she felt as if Defendant was attempting to kill them. [This matter should be heard in DVC.] PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: Pursuant to Minn. Stat. 609.49., intentional failure to appear for duly scheduled court appearances may result in additional criminal charges, and in addition to any arrest warrant that may otherwise be issued by the Court.
