Man charged with assault for allegedly threatening roommate with knife
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IDAHO FALLS — A local man is behind bars after allegedly threatening his roommate with a knife.
During interviews with Idaho Falls Police officers, the victim said he first met Mathew John Walling, 21, at a church activity, according to an affidavit of probable cause obtained by EastIdahoNews.com. Walling needed a place to stay and began sleeping on the victim’s couch in January.
Then on Feb. 11, the victim called police, saying that on Feb. 6, Walling had threatened him with a knife, according to charging documents. The victim said on the night of the alleged attack he sat next to Walling on the couch to show him a funny video. Walling is alleged to have taken out a fixed blade knife and held it to the victim’s ear, demanding he answer his questions. Then Walling reportedly asked questions about the victim’s personal life.
“He was afraid Walling was going to hurt him or worse,” according to the affidavit of probable cause.
Investigators spoke with Walling, who said he was stressed and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Walling then admitted to pulling the knife but said he was not going to do anything with it. He then gave a knife to police that matched the description of the one used in the alleged attack.
In text messages to the victim, Walling is alleged to have said he was in “psychosis caused by trauma”, a lack of sleep, and excessive drug use. He then said he was sorry, he was scared, and “I don’t want any charges, please.”
Police then turned over the information to the Bonneville County Prosecutors’ Office. Walling was charged with felony aggravated assault on Feb. 25, but authorities could not find him until his arrest Monday.
Walling made his initial court appearance Monday afternoon and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on April 23. He remains in the Bonneville County Jail.