Man Charged in Clock Attack at Champlin Group Home
BY MN CRIME STAFF
A Champlin man is charged with two felony assault counts after police say he used a corded alarm clock to attack a staff member at a group home last week.
Michael Piche Otto, 32, faces charges of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and third-degree assault involving substantial bodily harm stemming from a Dec. 26, 2025 incident in the 1200 block of Sherwood Street.
According to the criminal complaint, Champlin police were dispatched to the location after a 911 caller reported a staff member had been attacked. Officers spoke with an adult woman who said Otto entered a staff office holding a corded alarm clock, removed the cord and pushed her backward in a chair against a wall.
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The victim reported the cord was placed around her neck and tightened. Other staff members entered the office and removed Otto.
The woman told officers she was able to breathe during the assault but experienced spotty vision. Officers noted her voice had changed and her hands were shaking while she spoke.
Court records state the woman also reported a prior incident involving Otto at the same group home in March 2025. She said Otto leapt toward her from a stairway while she was seated and was redirected by another staff member. No injuries were reported during that earlier incident.
Otto’s guardian was contacted and expressed interest in having him taken to a hospital. Police determined they could not ensure he would remain there and not be released back to the group home due to safety concerns.
Otto was taken into custody by Champlin police and remains held at the Hennepin County Jail. Bail has been set at $50,000 without conditions. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 3, 2026.
If convicted, the second-degree assault charge carries a maximum possible sentence of up to seven years in prison. The third-degree assault charge carries a potential sentence of up to five years.
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