A man punched a woman in the face and pinned her down until an officer pushed him away, according to charges. Police responded around 1:33 a.m. Sept. 19 to a residence in North Mankato after callers reported yelling and arguing.

Liem Mach Liem, 29, of Mankato, is charged with felony third-degree assault causing substantial bodily harm and misdemeanor fifth-degree assault.

An officer looking through a side entrance saw Liem on top of the woman on a stairwell, holding her down by her head, according to the complaint. Another man was trying unsuccessfully to pull him away. The officer entered, announced his presence and pushed Liem off her.