Fargo, Cass County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Fargo man is charged after an alleged assault and threats, court documents say.
911 call leads police to apartment
Police say they were sent to a Fargo apartment around 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 9.
Dispatch received an anonymous 911 call about loud voices and a possible assault.
Officers arrived and found a victim with visible injuries, court documents state.
Victim reports beating and torture threats
The victim first hesitated to talk and said they feared getting in trouble.
The victim later said Derrick Lee Kingbird hit them in the head and face.
The victim estimated eight or nine blows, according to court records.
The victim said Kingbird accused them of being a “snitch.”
The victim said Kingbird threatened torture and death if they refused to comply.
Court documents say Kingbird showed a plastic bag and tightened its drawstrings.
The victim said the display made them fear they would be suffocated.
The victim also said Kingbird grabbed a white cord and mimed whipping.
The victim said Kingbird smiled while making the motion, court documents state.
The victim told police they feared a group they called the “Native Mob.”
The victim said they worried others could be asked to harm them.
Injuries and medical care
Police reported injuries above both eyes and a bruise forming on the forehead.
They also noted a cut on the nose and swelling.
The victim said they felt dizzy more than once.
The victim was taken to a local hospital for evaluation, court documents say.
Charges and court schedule
Kingbird is charged with felony terrorizing and domestic assault, court documents say.
He was booked into the Cass County Jail after the reported incident.
Officials list the terrorizing count as a Class C felony.
They list the domestic assault count as a Class B misdemeanor.
Court documents say Kingbird denied that anything happened when police first spoke with him.
Records say he did not give a statement after his arrest.
He is expected in court for an arraignment hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 13, at 9 a.m.
Helpful resources
Check the public Cass County Jail roster.
Search public case records on the North Dakota Courts site.
Read the law text in the North Dakota Century Code, Title 12.1-17.
If you need help, visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.