Two women were charged in federal court after authorities say they violently attacked Border Patrol agents during a chaotic confrontation in Minneapolis, with one suspect allegedly biting off the tip of an agent’s finger and another accused of biting an officer during a separate arrest attempt.
According to federal court records, the incidents occurred within minutes of each other on Jan. 24 as U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents were securing a perimeter near Nicollet Avenue and 28th Street following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti.
Finger severed during arrest
One of the defendants, Claire Louise Feng, 27, is accused of violently assaulting a Border Patrol agent after officers attempted to arrest another individual who had kicked a chemical agent canister toward law enforcement.
According to the criminal complaint, Feng tackled an officer from behind as he attempted to make the arrest. During the struggle, another agent moved in to restrain her, at which point Feng allegedly bit the agent’s right ring finger with enough force to sever the tip.
Court documents state the agent did not immediately realize the extent of the injury due to cold temperatures and wearing protective gloves. The severed fingertip was later found inside the glove, and the agent required medical treatment.
Feng is charged with forcibly assaulting a federal officer and causing bodily injury, a felony offense under federal law.
Second suspect accused of biting another agent
A second defendant, Emily Duchateau Baierl, 37, was charged in a separate criminal complaint tied to the same incident.
According to that criminal complaint, Baierl was observed throwing objects, including chemical agents, at officers who were attempting to clear the area. When a Border Patrol agent attempted to arrest her, another individual pushed the officer away, allowing Baierl to resist arrest.
As the agent attempted to restrain her, Baierl allegedly bit the officer’s middle finger, causing visible injury despite the agent wearing gloves. Photographs included in the court filing show a bloodied finger consistent with the injury described.
Baierl is also charged with forcibly assaulting a federal officer resulting in bodily injury.
Both women were reportedly released on their own recognizance.
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.