When Elbows Attack? Police Say Assault Left Lumps the Size of Ping Pong Balls

A St. Louis Park man with five previous assault convictions has been charged with striking a man repeatedly in the face with his elbows, leaving Ping-Pong ball-sized lumps.

James Anker Andersen, 45, is charged with two felony counts of domestic assault, each of which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

St. Louis Park police were called to an apartment in the 6200 block of Hamilton Street on Nov. 23 and found a 19-year-old man with “numerous visible injuries” on his face, hands and arms, according to the criminal complaint, signed by St. Louis Park Police Officer Aaron Balvin.

The victim had two large lumps the size of Ping-Pong balls beneath both of his eyes, and the injuries appeared fresh, according to the complaint.

The victim told police Andersen was drunk and became “confrontational” with him, then began to hit him in the face and body with his elbows.

The victim said he had to lock Andersen out of the apartment to keep him from continuing to hit him.

Police found Andersen at the scene, and noted that he was “heavily intoxicated,” according to the complaint. He claimed the victim had assaulted him, but police saw no visible injuries on Andersen.

Andersen’s criminal history includes convictions for domestic assault in 1991, 2008 and 2011, and fifth-degree assault in 1992 and 1993. He was also being sought by authorities on a warrant from last May, charging him with third-degree DWI, speeding and driving with a canceled license.

Andersen has been released from custody on a $40,000 bond. He is scheduled to make a first appearance on the charges Tuesday, Nov. 27, in Hennepin County District Court.