FARGO, N.D. — A Fargo man is facing felony and misdemeanor charges after police say he violently assaulted a victim and threatened to torture and kill them during an incident inside a Fargo apartment.
According to court documents, Derrick Lee Kingbird was arrested on January 9 following a 911 call reporting a possible assault. Fargo police responded to the apartment around 1:30 p.m., where they found a victim with visible injuries.
The victim initially hesitated to speak with officers, expressing fear of retaliation. They later reported that Kingbird struck them in the head and face eight or nine times and accused them of being a “snitch.” Court records state Kingbird told the victim he was waiting for an associate so they could torture them for information.
Police say Kingbird demonstrated how he would suffocate the victim by placing a plastic garbage bag over his head and tightening the drawstrings before removing it. He also allegedly grabbed a white cord, mimicked a whipping motion, and made threatening gestures while smiling.
The victim told police they believed they would be killed if they did not comply. Officers observed injuries above both eyes, a large bruise forming on the forehead, a cut on the nose, and facial swelling. The victim was taken to a local hospital for evaluation after reporting dizziness.
Court documents note the victim feared Kingbird due to his alleged affiliation with the “Native Mob” and believed he could arrange harm even while incarcerated.
Kingbird was booked into the Cass County Jail on felony terrorizing, a Class C felony, and domestic assault–simple battery, a Class B misdemeanor. He denied any incident occurred and did not provide a statement after his arrest.
Kingbird is scheduled to appear for arraignment on Tuesday, January 13, at 9 a.m.
