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Man Accused Of Hitting Woman, 82, With Dumbbell

FARGO, N.D. (AP) -- A North Dakota man sent to prison 20 years ago for assaulting a Minnesota teacher in her home with a tire iron is now accused of hitting his landlord's 82-year-old wife in the head with a dumbbell.

Forty-one-year-old Joel Johansen of Fargo is charged with aggravated assault in the alleged attack on Carol Wambheim that authorities say fractured her skull. Johansen did not immediately respond to a telephone message seeking comment left for him at the Cass County jail.

Police Sgt. Mark Lykken said he did not have information on a possible motive.

The Forum newspaper reports that Johansen's criminal history includes burglary and assault convictions for attacking a Moorhead, Minn., high school gymnastics teacher in January 1990. He was sentenced to more than five years in prison.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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