By Associated Press - Friday, September 20, 2019

ROLLA, N.D. (AP) - A man awaiting trial for murder in Rolette County is now facing an additional charge of possessing a weapon in a correctional facility.

According to a criminal complaint, Sheriff Nathan Gustafson says Ronald Wootan was found with “a weapon assembled out of a razor blade and other parts” while he was in the Rolette County Jail. The 50-year-old Wootan was charged this week with the weapons felony.

KFYR-TV says Wootan will stand trial in February for the shooting death of 26-year-old James “Joe” Pochant in July 2018. He’s also accused of firing at a SWAT truck during a standoff.



A judge last month ordered a psychological exam for Wootan who’s scheduled to make an initial appearance on the weapons charge Sept. 23.

___

Information from: KFYR-TV, http://www.kfyrtv.com/

Copyright © 2026 The Washington Times, LLC.

Story Topics

Please read our comment policy before commenting.