Hastings Man Charged With Felony Assault Following Alleged Knife Incident
Published: April 14th 2026
HASTINGS MN: A Hastings man has been charged in Dakota County District Court with felony assault following what is alleged to have been a knife-related incident on April 11, 2026.
According to the criminal complaint, law enforcement responded to a report of an assault inside a residence in Hastings. Investigators allege that Victor Reynaldo Andrade-Zepeda, 28, became involved in an altercation with another resident of the home.
The complaint states the incident occurred in a room with multiple witnesses present. During the interaction, Andrade-Zepeda allegedly placed the victim in a headlock and threatened, “I’m gonna slit your fucking throat.” The victim then screamed, and witnesses reported seeing blood coming from the victim’s neck.
One witness told law enforcement they observed Andrade-Zepeda’s wife attempting to wrestle a knife away from him immediately after the incident. Another witness called 911.
Responding officers documented what was described in the complaint as a visible, fresh puncture wound on the victim’s neck. Andrade-Zepeda was located on the property, sitting against a fence in the backyard, and was taken into custody.
He is charged with one count of third-degree assault — substantial bodily harm, under Minnesota Statute 609.223.1, a felony offense carrying a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison and/or a fine between $3,000 and $10,000.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
