Fargo Man Arrested After Alleged Assault, Threats

FARGO, ND (northwestmnnow.com) — A Fargo man faces multiple charges following an alleged domestic assault early Sunday, October 4, 2026.

Police say Francisco Ayala assaulted a woman, threatened her life, and resisted officers attempting to arrest him.

The incident happened at an apartment on 22nd Street South shortly before 5:30 a.m.

According to a Fargo police incident report, officers responded after receiving a report of a man hitting a woman.

Police Find Suspect Hiding Inside Apartment

When officers arrived, they reportedly found Ayala hiding beside a bed inside the apartment.

Police ordered Ayala to cooperate, but he allegedly refused to follow their commands.

Officers attempted to detain him, but Ayala reportedly pulled away and resisted their efforts.

Police eventually carried him out of the apartment because he would not cooperate.

Ayala was arrested on a charge of preventing arrest following the struggle with officers.

Witnesses told investigators that Ayala threw the woman onto the floor and struck her during the disturbance.

They also reported that he threw a television remote at her head.

According to police, the woman had visible injuries following the alleged assault.

Ambulance personnel treated her at the scene, but she declined transportation to a hospital.

Witnesses also reported that Ayala threatened to kill the woman and harm himself.

Investigators learned about earlier incidents in which Ayala allegedly threatened the woman with a hammer.

Those reported threats caused the woman to fear for her life, according to police documents.

Following his arrest, officers transported Ayala to a hospital for medical clearance.

During the trip, police say Ayala repeatedly slammed his head against the partition inside the patrol vehicle.

The actions caused a cut to his head, according to the incident report.

Medical staff treated Ayala before officers transported him to the Cass County Jail.

Police did not report additional injuries to officers during the incident.

After receiving medical treatment, Ayala was booked into the Cass County Jail.

According to the report, he was booked on charges of preventing arrest and simple domestic assault.

Police also reported an outstanding warrant through the U.S. Marshals Service.

The circumstances surrounding that warrant were not detailed in the incident report.

Investigators requested that prosecutors consider an additional charge of terrorizing based on the reported threats.

Authorities have not confirmed whether prosecutors will pursue that additional charge.

The case remains under review as authorities consider the evidence and possible additional charges.

More information about local police services is available through the Fargo Police Department.

Information about federal law enforcement is available through the U.S. Marshals Service.

Additional case information may become available through the North Dakota Courts Public Search.

The allegations against Ayala remain subject to the legal process. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

I’m David Keller reporting for Northwest MN Now News.

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