Man defends himself with toy in violent thermostat spat

MINOT, N.D. – Authorities say a heated argument over a turned-up thermostat in a mobile home took a violent turn when a Minot man punched his fiancée’s brother in the face and threatened him with a knife.

Police say the man tried to defend himself by hitting 33-year-old Cornelius Young with a children’s toy in the attack Friday.

Police say Young eventually left the home after his fiancée jumped on his back and bit his ear to distract him. Two children were present during the fight, but neither was injured.

The Minot Daily News reports that Young is charged with felony terrorizing. Court documents don’t list an attorney who can speak on his behalf, and a home telephone listing couldn’t be found.

He could enter a plea during a Dec. 7 hearing.

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Information from: Minot Daily News, http://www.minotdailynews.com