COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A competency examination will be conducted in the case of a Coldwater Township man who is charged with allegedly threatening to kill his mother with a hunting knife.
42-year-old Mark Hoopingarner is facing charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and interference with electronic communication.
Defense attorney Benjamin Jewell requested the competency exam for his client during last Thursday’s probable cause hearing in Branch County District Court. A court spokesperson says another probable cause hearing has been tentatively scheduled for November 1.
Michigan State Police say the incident took place in the 400 block of River Road on August 30th.
Troopers say besides threatening to kill her, Hoopingarner allegedly took his mother’s cell phone in order to keep her from dialing 911.
Court documents indicate the mother suffered a lacerated hand as she struggled to get the knife away from Hoopingarner who was upset about something when he came home.
State Police say the mother was able to convince Hoopingarner to take her to ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital.
He was treated for a self-inflicted knife wound. While at the hospital, the mother called the police to report the assault and Hoopingarner was later arrested.
