Fargo Man Charged in Alleged Dirty Needle Stabbing

Fargo (trfnews.i234.me) — A Fargo man faces two charges after an alleged needle stabbing outside a gas station.

Lucas Lee Whiteman, 41, was charged September 8 in Cass County District Court.

He faces terrorizing, a Class C felony, and simple assault, a Class B misdemeanor.

The case follows an incident reported September 5 on University Drive North.

Victim Reports Needle Stabbing

Police said the victim was walking near a gas station when Whiteman approached him.

The victim reported that Whiteman stabbed him in the arm with a needle.

Police said Whiteman then told the victim the needle was dirty before leaving.

The victim was taken to a Fargo hospital for treatment.

He later gave investigators a written statement about the encounter.

More information about local law enforcement is available through the Fargo Police Department.

Police said officers found Whiteman nearby after the report.

Investigators noted that Whiteman uses a wheelchair.

Whiteman told police he believed the other man was a threat.

He admitted lunging toward the man with a pen, according to the report.

Whiteman denied using a needle during the encounter.

Police said he also gave officers an unused needle from his shirt pocket.

Investigators interviewed Whiteman again the following day.

Police said his account changed during that interview.

Investigators said Whiteman first identified the wrong arm when describing the encounter.

He later identified the arm where police said the victim had a puncture wound.

Whiteman continued to deny using a needle, according to the report.

Police told the victim they were concerned about possible exposure to bloodborne illness.

The report did not identify any confirmed illness or infection.

Whiteman was arrested September 6 and taken to the Cass County Jail.

The Cass County Jail roster provides current custody information.

North Dakota Courts also provides public access to district court case information.

The charges are allegations. Whiteman is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.