Charges: Man Hit Woman In Head With Hammer On Way To Casino

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - A man is accused of repeatedly hitting a woman in the head with a hammer in Anoka County.

Justin Joseph Cardinal, 33, was charged Friday with second-degree assault.

Cardinal was driving two women to Running Aces Casino.

According to the criminal complaint, he became upset and drove his car into an Anoka County ditch.

The victim told police that Cardinal then took a hammer from his bag and hit her multiple times in the head.

She was taken to the hospital and treated for a fractured finger and for head injuries.

Cardinal was found in a garage by police after a helicopter search.

"This is another case where a defendant's anger escalated and resulted in significant injuries to the victim," Anoka County Attorney Tony Palumbo said in a statement. "This is serious conduct, and has been charged accordingly."

Bail was set at $300,000. Cardinal is expected back in court on Dec. 15.