Minneapolis Man Charged With Felony Assault After Allegedly Attacking Woman With Hatchet
Hennepin County Jail Booking Photo
Published: October 14th 2026.
MINNEAPOLIS MN - A Minneapolis man is facing two felony assault charges after allegedly attacking a woman with a hatchet inside a Minneapolis home on October 12th, 2026, according to a criminal complaint filed in Hennepin County District Court.
Frank Applewhite, 73, has been charged with second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and third-degree assault causing substantial bodily harm.
According to the criminal complaint, Minneapolis police responded to a report of an assault involving a weapon at a residence. Officers later spoke with the victim at a hospital, where she reported that she worked as a personal care assistant for Applewhite's wife.
The victim told investigators that she was leaving the residence when Applewhite allegedly approached her from behind and struck her in the head with a hatchet. She reported raising her hand to protect herself from additional blows, resulting in a cut to her hand that required six stitches.
According to court documents, the victim's boyfriend, who had arrived to pick her up, heard screaming coming from inside the home. He reportedly rushed inside and took the hatchet away from Applewhite.
Investigators subsequently went to the residence, where Applewhite's wife allowed them inside. Officers reported observing blood on the kitchen and living room floors, along with a hatchet matching the victim's description.
Applewhite is currently in custody, according to the criminal complaint.
If convicted, Applewhite faces a maximum sentence of seven years in prison for second-degree assault and five years for third-degree assault. The second-degree assault charge also carries a stated minimum sentence of one year and one day.
The charges are allegations, and Applewhite is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.