Police: West Fargo woman, also daycare provider, choked preteen boy to point of unconsciousness

WEST FARGO - Charges against a 40-year-old who runs an in-home daycare here allege she choked her boyfriend's preteen son, causing him to temporarily lose consciousness.

Kristina Lee Bjorem of West Fargo is charged with aggravated assault in Cass County District Court in connection with the May 13 incident, a felony charge filed late last month.

Bjorem made an initial appearance in court on the allegations Monday. Bail was set at $3,000 with a no-contact order for any children under age 12. She posted bail after the hearing.

West Fargo police claim the boy, who is either 10 or 11 years old, told officers in an interview five days after the incident that Bjorem choked his neck with both hands, making him feel like he "didn't have a lung" before he blacked out for about five seconds, a report filed with charges states.

The boy alleged he told Bjorem he couldn't breathe as she was choked him. He claimed she responded, "I know," the report states.

Bjorem told investigators the alleged victim was upset about a game he had been playing with his brother before arriving home and the victim had been kicking and hitting her.

Police say when asked if she had choked him, Bjorem said she didn't think so but couldn't remember.

A phone number for Bjorem couldn't be found.