On December 26, 2025 Champlin police were dispatched to the 1200 block of Sherwood Street, within the city of Champlin, Hennepin County on report of an assault. 911 dispatchers received a call that a reporting party tried to kill a staff member by strangling her. Upon arrival officers spoke with an adult female Victim who stated MICHAEL OTTO [DOB REDACTED], herein after "Defendant", entered a staff office with a corded alarm clock. Defendant took the cord from the clock, pushed Victim back in the chair she was sitting in against the wall, and put the cord to her neck "choking" her with it.
Victim tried to move so that surveillance cameras could capture the assault. Staff members had to enter and remove Defendant from Victim. Victim [NAME REDACTED] was able to breathe however her vision became spotty. Victim's voice was obviously different as she spoke with a tremor or other change and Victim's hands shook while speaking. Victim [NAME REDACTED] had assaulted her before in March of 2025. On that occasion, Defendant had leapt at Victim from the stairs to the chair she was sitting in. One of the other staff members was able to redirect him as well and she did not suffer any injuries.
Defendant's guardian was contacted and expressed interest in Defendant being taken to a hospital; however, due to safety concerns law enforcement could not ensure he would stay in a hospital and not released back to the group home where Victim works. Defendant was taken into custody and is currently in custody at the Hennepin County Jail pending charges from this incident.
