ANDOVER, Minn. – Minneapolis Police Sergeant, David Clifford, is now facing more severe charges for his role in an assault in 
Andover in June. Clifford, 47, was originally charged with third degree assault, but the charges have been upped to first degree assault because of the severity of the victim’s injuries. Clifford admits that he punched Brian Vander Lee, 43, in the face at Tanner’s Station in Andover, but claims that Vander Lee was trying to hit him. Because of the punch, Vander Lee fell backwards and hit his head on the cement patio before losing consciousness. Vander Lee has had three brain surgeries since the mid-June incident.
If convicted of first degree assault, Clifford could face up to 20 years in prison, and a $30,000 fine.
