Charge upgraded for Minn. police sergeant in bar attack

ANOKA, Minn. — A Minneapolis police sergeant accused of punching a man while off-duty at a bar is facing a more serious charge.

The Anoka County Attorney has upgraded the charge against 47-year-old David Clifford from third- to first-degree assault.

KARE-TV reports that prosecutors upgraded the charge because of the severity of injuries to Brian Vander Lee, who has undergone two surgeries to relieve bleeding on his brain since the June 16 attack in Andover.

A criminal complaint says Clifford told police he “took offense to some language” Vander Lee was using on the patio of Tanner’s Station and asked him to stop. Clifford told authorities he went over to Vander Lee, and when Vander Lee stood up and cursed, Clifford punched him, thinking he was going to be hit himself.