On Saturday, February 25, 2023, at approximately 11:59 p.m., the Polk County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to Esssentia Hospital in Fosston for the report of an individual with stab wounds. Polk County Deputies spoke with the victim, 35-year-old Zachary Papke from Altoona, Iowa. Zachary Papke was with a group of people staying at a cabin in Section 19 of Hill River Township. Papke indicated he was sitting at a table when he was the victim of an unprovoked attack by 51-year-old Daniel Mengedoth from Fargo, ND. Preliminary investigation revealed Mengedoth used a pocketknife to injure Papke.
Daniel Mengedoth was cooperative with deputies, was arrested, and charged with 1st-degree assault. Daniel is being held at the Northwest Regional Correctional Center in Crookston.
Zachary was treated and released from Essentia Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
No further information is being released at this time. The investigation is ongoing.
