A Golden Valley man pulled out a folding knife and threatened a woman in front of witnesses during an argument outside her Hopkins home, according to charges.
Deandre Antonio McKenzie, 30, faces charges of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and threats of violence. The charges were filed Friday, July 17, in Hennepin County District Court.
According to the complaint, officers responded to a report of a domestic assault in Hopkins on the morning of July 16. The 911 caller stated that the father of a woman’s child had “pulled a knife on her” and identified the suspect as Deandre Antonio McKenzie. Officers learned that McKenzie had left the scene in a maroon Camaro.
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When officers arrived, they spoke with the victim, an adult woman. She told police that McKenzie had come to her home to help get the children ready to leave. An argument broke out, and the victim asked McKenzie to leave. He initially refused, but eventually went outside to the front yard.
The victim reported that McKenzie then pulled out a “black folding knife” with a green design, “whipped the knife out” at her and made sure she saw it. Neighbors witnessed McKenzie holding the knife and told officers they were afraid for the victim. The victim told police that she was not as afraid as others because she was “used to” being treated this way by McKenzie.
Officers located McKenzie in the area and arrested him. They observed a green and black folding knife in plain view on the front passenger seat of his vehicle. During questioning, McKenzie admitted to being at the home and arguing with the victim but denied ever taking the knife out.
About This Charge
Minnesota classifies assault by degree under § 609.221 (first), § 609.222 (second), § 609.223 (third), § 609.2231 (fourth) and § 609.224 (fifth). First-degree assault, alleging great bodily harm, carries up to 20 years in prison. The lower degrees range from misdemeanor up to 10-year felony exposure depending on weapon use and harm.
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Jurisdictional Context
Hennepin County is Minnesota’s most populous jurisdiction. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office handles felony prosecutions across Minneapolis and 45 surrounding cities; the Fourth Judicial District presides over felony arraignments and trials at the Hennepin County Government Center in downtown Minneapolis.
