Moorhead Father Charged After Son Suffers Broken Rib
MOORHEAD, MN (northwestmnnow.com) — A Moorhead father faces felony charges after police say his 15-year-old son suffered a broken rib during a domestic dispute.
Grant John Ludwig, 36, was charged following an October 4, 2026, incident at a Moorhead residence.
According to a Clay County criminal complaint, Ludwig faces third-degree assault and malicious punishment of a child charges.
He also faces two misdemeanor domestic assault counts.
Family Dispute Turns Violent, Police Say
Officers responded to a Moorhead home on October 4 following a report of domestic assault.
Ludwig’s girlfriend told investigators that Ludwig and his teenage son became involved in a physical confrontation inside the home.
She initially believed both were participating in the fight, according to court documents.
However, she later witnessed Ludwig following his son outside while throwing furniture and other household items.
The teenager told officers the fight started inside before moving onto a staircase.
He said the confrontation continued outside, where his father allegedly threw him against several objects.
Those included a wall, a banister, and a table that broke during the struggle.
The teenager and another witness eventually left the property to seek help from a neighbor.
Teen Hospitalized With Broken Rib
Responding officers observed several visible injuries on the 15-year-old boy.
According to the complaint, the teenager had a black eye and noticeable facial swelling.
Investigators also documented blood on walls, a damaged banister, and a broken table.
The teenager was transported to a hospital for medical evaluation.
Medical staff confirmed that he suffered a broken rib.
The teen also told investigators that his father’s behavior occurred when Ludwig had been drinking.
Police Report High Alcohol Reading
When officers spoke with Ludwig, they reported observing signs of alcohol impairment.
According to the complaint, Ludwig appeared unsteady and was slurring his words.
A preliminary breath test later showed a blood alcohol concentration of .294.
Ludwig told investigators that his son had struck him first during the confrontation.
He also claimed he was disciplining the teenager in response to the situation.
According to court documents, Ludwig repeatedly stated that parents should be allowed to discipline their children.
Father Booked Into Clay County Jail
Following the investigation, Ludwig was booked into the Clay County Jail.
The criminal complaint includes felony allegations involving injuries suffered by his teenage son.
The allegations will be addressed through the court process.
Public case information can be accessed through Minnesota Court Records Online.
Information about local detention services is available through the Clay County government website.
The charges against Ludwig are accusations. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
How to Report Suspected Child Abuse
Anyone concerned about possible child abuse can contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline.
The hotline can be reached at 1-800-422-4453 for confidential support and guidance.
Anyone witnessing an immediate threat to a child’s safety should call 911.
I’m David Keller reporting for Northwest MN Now News.
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