$200,000 Bail Set for Alleged Hospital Stabber as Competency Evaluation Looms

WILLMAR, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – In a shocking turn of events, Darrick Michael Whelan, 31, of Willmar, faced a hefty $200,000 bail after allegedly stabbing a CentraCare employee earlier this week. However, the proceedings have been put on hold pending a competency assessment.

Key details from the incident:

• Whelan, accused of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and third-degree assault causing substantial bodily harm, was detained in Kandiyohi County Jail as of Thursday morning.
• The victim, a female CentraCare employee, suffered severe injuries including five lacerations to her left torso area, shoulder, forearm, left chest, and left breast, requiring immediate trauma surgery and 36 stitches.
• Whelan’s court appearance prompted the judge to suspend proceedings, citing concerns over his competency, a recurring issue flagged in a previous 2022 case.

Additional insights from the police complaint:

• Willmar Police were summoned to CentraCare — Rice Memorial Hospital on Monday where they encountered staff attempting to restrain Whelan, who allegedly attacked a female staff member.
• Witnesses described Whelan’s behavior as “shady,” with suspicions rising as he exhibited strange movements prior to the assault.

Whelan’s case underscores the urgent need for mental health evaluations and interventions within the legal system.