Fargo (trfnews.i234.me) — A 59-year-old Fargo man faces felony charges after an incident at Sanford Hospital on November 29. Michael Stephen Haug is accused of threatening hospital security with a knife and assaulting a staff member during the altercation.
According to court documents, Haug checked into the hospital to receive treatment for a cyst. He was placed in a secured emergency room when the incident occurred around 4:23 p.m.
Security staff asked Haug to remove his chain necklace with a gold medallion as part of standard safety protocol for the secured area. Haug removed the necklace but allegedly threw it at a security staff member, hitting him in the groin. The impact caused physical pain, according to police reports.
After the incident, Haug became uncooperative. He reportedly retrieved a pocket knife from his backpack, exposing the blade. Holding the knife, Haug allegedly threatened the security staff member, saying, “You wanna play games? We can play games.” The staff member feared for his life and quickly exited the room. He locked Haug inside and called the police.
Fargo police officers arrived at the scene shortly after the incident. Video footage from the hospital showed Haug holding the knife, and officers observed what appeared to be a second knife in the room.
Police were able to negotiate with Haug through a secured door. He cooperated with commands to remove his clothing and place his backpack near the door. Haug reportedly told officers that he had placed the knife back into the backpack. Officers arrested him after securing him in a patrol car.
During a search of Haug’s belongings, officers found a knife with a 4-inch blade and the broken necklace. Haug was taken to Cass County Jail and is being held on felony charges. He was also trespassed from Sanford Hospital, preventing him from returning to the facility.
Haug became uncooperative when officers attempted to interview him. He allegedly became hostile and refused to cooperate with their questions, according to police reports.
Haug is scheduled to appear in Cass County District Court for further proceedings in the case. The charges are accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.