May 12, 2015

Watford man charged with attempting to strangle his wife

By Amy Robinson
Farmer Staff Writer

Pheasant Ridge-area residents in the northeast part of Watford City were probably wondering why police officers armed with guns were surrounding a neighboring house in the early morning hours of Monday, May 4. Police officers had gone to that residence searching for 39-year-old Bruce Allen Norfleet, who was accused of strangling his wife and holding a shotgun to her head several hours earlier.
“Officers had already been at the hospital on a call,” said Watford City Police Chief Art Walgren. “A woman had taken herself to the hospital and had said that her husband had strangled her and held a shotgun to her head. Police officers then went to the home looking for him and couldn’t find him. He had already fled from the home.”
According to court documents, the victim reported to officers that she had been strangled three separate times by Norfleet to unconsciousness, which caused her to vomit. Visible marks were located on the victim’s neck that indicated a strangulation. And the victim had what appeared to be ruptured blood vessels in her eyes, which are also consistent with signs of strangulation.
Norfleet was also reported to have held a shotgun to the back of his wife’s head, and police officers observed a visible bite mark on the victim’s wrist. Additionally, it was reported that Norfleet had broken the victim’s cell phone and blocked her vehicle into the driveway.
According to the victim, Norfleet has done this before - three times within the last three months, and in her opinion, his behavior has been getting worse. She informed police officers that she believes Norfleet may kill her after the incident on May 4.
“The suspect ended up turning himself in later that day,” said Walgren. “He was then arrested and booked into jail on two felony charges. He’s done this before. He has a criminal history.”
Norfleet now faces two Class C Felony charges in McKenzie County: Terrorizing - Domestic Violence and Aggravated Assault - Domestic Violence. Bond was set at $25,000 cash or surety, and currently there is no attorney listed for Norfleet. A preliminary hearing and/or an arraignment is set for June 16, 2015, at 8:30 a.m.
 

WATFORD CITY WEATHER