Walsh County, North Dakota (trfnews.i234.me) — The Walsh County Sheriff’s Office has released new details regarding an attack on a deputy that occurred Tuesday afternoon along Highway 81 north of Minto.
According to Public Information Officer Christopher Larson, the incident began at 2:52 p.m. when dispatch received reports of a male lying in traffic, jumping toward vehicles, and attempting to enter them. The man, later identified as 39-year-old Andrew Mattson of St. Thomas, was also reportedly attacking people in the area.
When a deputy arrived on scene, Mattson was walking in the middle of heavy traffic. The deputy ordered him to stop multiple times. Instead, Mattson turned and aggressively ran toward the deputy. The officer attempted to use a Taser, but the device failed. Mattson then physically attacked the deputy.
Authorities say Mattson initially resisted but was taken to the ground and placed in handcuffs. He was transported to a local hospital for medical clearance, where he allegedly spat on a deputy. The officer involved has not been publicly identified at this time.
Mattson now faces multiple felony charges, including domestic violence, aggravated assault, two counts of terrorizing, reckless endangerment, assault on a peace officer, unlawful entry into a vehicle, and contact by bodily fluids. He is scheduled for his first court appearance on Wednesday at 3:00 p.m.
The Walsh County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by other law enforcement agencies during the incident. Officials remind the public that interfering with traffic or attempting to enter vehicles creates serious risks for both motorists and individuals involved.
More information on North Dakota criminal statutes and sentencing guidelines is available through the North Dakota Attorney General’s Office.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
