GRAND FORKS, ND (trfnews.i234.me) – A Grand Forks man accused of intentionally driving into pedestrians will undergo a mental evaluation before his criminal case continues.
Ian Matthew Schneeweis, 26, faces three Class A felony attempted murder charges and nine additional criminal counts.
The charges stem from a September 23, 2026, incident that left two pedestrians injured.
According to the reported court order, Judge Ted Sandberg suspended proceedings Monday, November 2, pending an evaluation at the North Dakota State Hospital.
Judge Orders Mental Evaluation
The evaluation will determine whether Schneeweis is mentally fit to proceed with his criminal case.
Evaluators will examine whether he understands the legal proceedings and can assist with his defense.
Defense attorney David Dusek requested the evaluation in a motion filed October 26.
Prosecutors did not oppose the request, according to the reported court documents.
The case will remain paused while the evaluation is completed and the court addresses his competency.
The evaluation order does not establish that Schneeweis has a mental illness or is unable to stand trial.
Two Pedestrians Injured in September Incident
The charges follow an incident in Grand Forks on September 23, 2026.
Police were called around 5:40 p.m. to the 1600 block of South 16th Street.
Investigators allege Schneeweis drove a 2007 Honda Accord into two pedestrians during the incident.
Another pedestrian reportedly escaped injury by taking cover near a tree.
Authorities said the vehicle also struck another car, a tree, and an apartment building entrance.
The injured pedestrians were taken to Altru Hospital for medical treatment.
Court documents described a brain bleed and facial injuries suffered by one victim.
Another victim suffered a broken leg and significant bruising.
No fatalities were reported.
Investigators Describe Statements About Voices
According to a police affidavit, Schneeweis allegedly admitted using methamphetamine earlier on the day of the incident.
Investigators also documented statements involving voices he claimed to hear through a vehicle radio.
Schneeweis allegedly told officers the voices instructed him to run people over.
The affidavit also describes his claims about radio sounds changing depending on his decisions.
These statements are allegations contained in court documents, not independent findings about his mental health.
Three Attempted Murder Counts Among 12 Charges
Schneeweis faces 12 criminal counts, including:
- Three counts of attempted murder – Class A felonies
- Two counts of criminal vehicular injury – Class B felonies
- Reckless endangerment – Class C felony
- Terrorizing – Class C felony
- Criminal mischief – Class C felony
- Preventing arrest – Class C felony
- Ingesting a controlled substance – Class A misdemeanor
- Duty upon striking an unattended vehicle – Class A misdemeanor
- Refusal to halt – Class B misdemeanor
Each Class A felony carries a potential maximum prison sentence of 20 years.
Certain felony convictions could also trigger requirements to serve at least 85% of an imposed sentence.
Court Proceedings Remain on Hold
No date for completing the mental evaluation was included in the supplied report.
The court must address Schneeweis’ fitness to proceed before the criminal case can move forward.
Schneeweis remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Read earlier reporting from Valley News Live.
TRF News previously covered the criminal allegations and pedestrian injuries.
Additional case information is available through the North Dakota Court Records Inquiry.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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