WADENA, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) – A Sebeka man faces a gross misdemeanor assault charge after allegedly punching an emergency department employee at Astera Health in Wadena.
Christopher Gene Stottlemire, 37, of Sebeka, is charged with fourth-degree assault involving a hospital emergency room employee.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Otter Tail County District Court, the alleged incident occurred August 22, 2026.
Police Respond to Reported Hospital Assault
On August 23, 2026, at approximately 2:55 a.m., Wadena police responded to Astera Health following a reported assault.
Authorities were informed that the incident had occurred the previous evening, around 7:30 p.m.
The complaint identifies Stottlemire as a patient receiving treatment in the hospital’s emergency department.
A hospital employee reported that Stottlemire became agitated while she was providing medical care.
Employee Says Patient Punched Her Arm
According to court documents, the employee entered Stottlemire’s room to adjust his intravenous (IV) tubing.
During the interaction, Stottlemire allegedly became agitated.
The employee told investigators she raised her left arm to protect herself.
Stottlemire then allegedly struck her left forearm with his right closed fist.
The employee reported the incident to authorities, prompting a criminal investigation.
The supplied complaint does not describe the extent of any injuries suffered by the employee.
Emergency Room Workers Protected Under Minnesota Law
Minnesota law provides specific criminal penalties for physically assaulting healthcare workers in hospital emergency departments.
These protections apply to physicians, nurses, and other individuals providing emergency department healthcare services.
Prosecutors charged Stottlemire under Minnesota Statute 609.2231, subdivision 2(a)(2).
The alleged offense is classified as fourth-degree assault, a gross misdemeanor.
A conviction carries a maximum possible penalty of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.
Criminal Case Filed in Otter Tail County
The criminal complaint was filed in Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District under court file number 56-CR-26-2464.
The complaint lists a summons for Stottlemire.
Although the alleged incident occurred at Astera Health in Wadena, the case was filed in Otter Tail County District Court.
The supplied complaint does not explain that filing location.
The charging document lists August 23 as the offense date, while its probable cause statement places the alleged assault on August 22.
The allegation has not been proven in court. Stottlemire is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Additional court information can be searched through Minnesota Court Records Online.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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