After facing two counts of felony assault of a Maple Grove police officer, a St. Michael man was acquitted by reason of mental illness.

Trevor Don Morlock, 19, of St. Michael, initially was charged with one count of assault in the fourth degree, a felony, in Hennepin County District Court Dec. 19, 2011. 

In the complaint, police said Morlock punched Maple Grove Police Officer Mike Helman in the face after refusing to leave a Bed, Bath and Beyond store Dec. 16, 2011.

The complaint was amended in February 2011 to include a charge of felony assault in the third degree.

“Officer Helman sought medical treatment for the injuries to his head and brain. Doctors diagnosed him with a concussion,” according to the amended complaint. “Soon thereafter, Officer Helman began to suffer from post concussion symptoms, including dizziness, speech impairment, and memory loss. As of February 3, 2012, Officer Helman has not been able to return to work.”

In response to the acquittal on April 12, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office filed a petition with the court April 24 asking for a judicial commitment.

In the petition, Assistant Hennepin County Attorney Charles Weber said of Morlock, “The respondent was found not guilty by reason of mental illness of the charge(s) of Assault in the Third Degree (Felony) and Assault in the Fourth Degree (Felony).” According to the petition, the court’s order dated April 24, 2012, provides “factual basis for believing the patient is mentally ill and dangerous to the public, and in need of secure hospitalization.”

The Hennepin County’s Attorney’s Office asked for the court to commit Morlock to “the Minnesota Security Hospital, or other treatment facility …”

An exam hearing followed by a settlement conference is scheduled for May 9, according to a Fourth Judical District Court communications representative.

Patch will provide additional updates as they become available.

Update Sept. 6, 2012

A stay of commitment was given on June 9, 2012, according to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.