West Fargo Man Charged After Hospital Security Assault

West Fargo, North Dakota (trfnews.i234.me) — Aaron Knudson, 33, faces several charges after two encounters with police and hospital security.

Knudson is charged with felony simple assault on emergency personnel.

He also faces three misdemeanor charges in Cass County District Court.

Those charges include contact by bodily fluids and physical obstruction of a government function.

He is also charged with preventing arrest.

Police Encounter Begins After Fire Crew Report

The case began around 12:20 a.m. on September 20, according to a West Fargo police report.

A caller reported a vehicle following a West Fargo Fire Department truck.

The driver was reportedly traveling beside the truck and yelling at the fire crew.

The fire vehicle had been responding to another call.

However, it was diverted because of concerns about the situation.

Police later located the vehicle and identified Knudson as the driver.

The report says Knudson exited his vehicle before an officer could approach.

Police said he did not follow commands during the encounter.

Authorities said Knudson was held at gunpoint before running back toward his vehicle.

Investigators said he then attempted to drive away.

Police broke windows on both sides of the vehicle during the encounter.

Officers then used stun guns through the openings, according to the report.

Knudson was transported to Essentia Hospital in Fargo after the incident.

Police records say he was placed on an involuntary medical hold.

Around 3:24 a.m., hospital security guards tried to restrain Knudson.

Medical staff were preparing to give him medication, according to the report.

Hospital staff said Knudson kicked one security guard several times in the face.

The guard suffered visible swelling, according to investigators.

Knudson also allegedly spit toward another security guard.

The report says the saliva struck the second guard’s face and eye.

Staff said six or seven people were needed to restrain Knudson.

Knudson was later transported to the Cass County Jail.

He was initially booked on the assault allegation.

The bodily fluids charge was filed later with the other charges.

Information about local law enforcement is available from the West Fargo Police Department.

Court information is available through the North Dakota Court System.

Information about the hospital system is available from Essentia Health.

Charges are accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.