Another twist in Wetzel case

A 60-year-old Dickinson man has claimed for nearly two years that police and other officials are covering up their attempt to murder him. A doctor who said Joel Wetzel was delusional in the past said his symptoms are improving, according to a report that came out Wednesday.

Wetzel was involved in a shooting incident that left him and another Dickinson resident injured in July 2008.

"He showed the undersigned medical records, which state that he was shot in the back multiple times," Dr. Lincoln Coombs stated in an evaluation regarding their March 18 conversation. "Based on his account, this supports his assertion that the police, prosecutors and the judge are attempting to cover up his attempted murder by police."

Wetzel has been in jail for 21 months and Coombs said he is competent to stand trial.

"I would like to settle it," Wetzel said Friday from Southwest Multi County Correction Center in Dickinson.

He faces five charges related to a break-in and shooting in Dickinson. Police shot Wetzel during the incident.

Wetzel disputes all charges and his story of what happened that day differs greatly from that of authorities.

The Purple Heart veteran suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and says he was having an episode the day of the incident. However, Wetzel said he was thinking clearly when police shot him.

In February, Judge William Herauf ordered Wetzel undergo an evaluation to determine whether he should stand trial. It was the third time Wetzel was ordered to go to the North Dakota State Hospital in Jamestown since his arrest.

Wetzel brought evidence supporting his story, according to Coombs' trial competency evaluation provided by Wetzel, Friday.

Police reports state Sgt. Dan Brown shot Wetzel once in the side outside a Dickinson residence Wetzel had broken into. Wetzel had also reportedly fired a gun inside the home, which caused a piece of a door to injure a resident.

Police reports also state Wetzel pointed a weapon at an officer before Brown fired.

Wetzel contends he had unloaded his gun and had his back turned to police when he was shot. He further alleges three officers fired at him simultaneously, striking him in the back.

Coombs said Wetzel showed signs of delusional thinking in the past, but said "the condition has decreased in severity."

Wetzel has continued to believe authorities are conspiring to cover up his alleged attempted murder, Coombs added.

"It is the position of the undersigned that this is delusional thought, which stems from the aforementioned mental illness," Coombs said in the report. "Despite these findings, it is concluded that he is able to consult with his attorney or stand-by counsel with a reasonable degree of rational understanding, which will permit him to assist in his own defense."

Wetzel is representing himself in court, but attorney Kelly Armstrong is advising him when needed.

Wetzel is also suing the four officers who responded to the incident. He filed a complaint against 17 people -- most of whom were government employees -- but a judge dismissed all except those against the four officers.

However, Wetzel has appealed the judge's decision.

"I don't want millions," Wetzel said Friday regarding the suit. "I don't want to go to prison for the rest of my life for something I didn't do."

Though Wetzel says evidence shows his side of the story is accurate, he said he hopes they can come to an agreement before going to trial.

The results of Wetzel's evaluation will likely lead to further hearings, said Jim Hope, Stark County assistant state's attorney. He declined to comment further on the matter.

Armstrong declined comment regarding the evaluation Friday.

Coombs also declined comment Friday.

Joel Wetzel case timeline

July 8, 2008: Wetzel shot by police after incident.

July 21, 2008: Wetzel released from the hospital, arrested and taken to the Southwest Multi County Correction Center.

Aug. 8, 2008: Wetzel applies for a court-appointed attorney.

October 2009: Wetzel fires his attorney, Kevin McCabe, and begins representing himself.

March 30, 2010: Doctor reports Wetzel is competent to proceed with trial.