Fargo stabbing suspect had multiple police encounters, talked about “mass shootings”

FARGO (KVRR) – The man accused of stabbing and seriously injuring two people following last week’s Pride Parade in downtown Fargo had several encounters with police in the weeks leading up to his arrest.

Thirty-five-year-old Michael Hurteau is charged with two counts of attempted murder, aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon and terrorizing.

According to documents obtained through an open records request by KVRR News, police responded to a complaint on Aug. 8 in the 400-block of Broadway that Hurteau was making “gun noises” and talking about “how cool mass shootings are.”

Hurteau was heard calling a woman in the area a “fat cow,” but denied to police that he had been discussing mass shootings. When he was told to stop yelling, he said he was upset with being homeless.

On Aug. 5, police were called regarding an “ongoing issue” with Hurteau, which led to him being trespassed from a property.

At least three other times in late July and early August, Hurteau claimed to be the victim of sexual assaults, but the claims could not be substantiated.

Officers on patrol spotted Hurteau with a sign that said “Being raped. Help Me.” Hurteau could not provide a description of a suspect and told police “he just wanted food and was hoping someone would allow him to stay in their home.”

The report says Hurteau was provided information about available resources and he declined any type of medical assistance.

Fargo police are declining to comment on the reports due to an ongoing investigation, but police say if anyone feels threatened or has concerns about someone’s behavior to call 9-1-1 and notify law enforcement.