Andrew W. Hammett, 31, Hastings, was charged in Dakota County District Court Tuesday, June 27 with felony domestic assault by strangulation. On June 24, a report of a domestic assault at a residence was received by police dispatch. It was advised that the victim had been beaten and choked, and the suspect, Hammett, had left the scene.
According to the complaint, the victim stated to police that Hammett had arrived home upset earlier in the day, and the victim and Hammett had an argument. Hammett began hitting the victim while she was lying on the couch and accused her of cheating on him. He moved atop of her and strangled her. The assault moved to the bedroom where Hammett continued to strangle the victim until she lost consciousness. When she woke, she could not breathe or move, and was shaking. She was able to break loose from Hammett and eventually was able to lock him outside the residence. Prior to the incident, the victim and Hammett lived together and were in a relationship together.
About 12 hours later, officers located Hammett in Hastings and arrested him. Hammett has one prior conviction that was a domestic violence-related offense. In 2018, he was convicted of threats of violence. Hammett was booked into the Dakota County Jail.
