A man arrested after a standoff near Cooperstown, N.D., has been ordered to wear an electronic tracking bracelet for a year and receive treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.
Matthew Helm, 40, served in the first Persian Gulf War, and he was a helicopter door-gunner during fighting in Somalia in the 1990s, Helm's attorney, Ralph Carter, said Wednesday.
"As a result of his service, he developed PTSD, and it was determined by the VA that he is 100 percent disabled," Carter said.
Helm's arraignment was set for Wednesday, but it was cancelled because his case was resolved earlier this month after he pleaded guilty to three misdemeanor assault charges in Nelson County and three misdemeanors in Griggs County, including disorderly conduct, preventing arrest and carrying a concealed weapon.
Helm must spend seven weeks in an inpatient PTSD treatment program at a veterans' facility in Topeka, Kan., and 1½ years in an outpatient program. He was given credit for having served 158 days in jail.
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Authorities said Helm was involved in a domestic dispute June 3 at his ex-wife's home near McVille, N.D., in Nelson County. His ex-wife and two children were at the home, but no one was seriously injured, authorities said.
Helm left his ex-wife's home and went to his house, which is northwest of Cooperstown in Griggs County. Sheriff's deputies went to Helm's home, where he pointed a handgun at them, causing them to leave the home, authorities said.
After about an hour, Helm came out and was arrested without incident, authorities said.
Ingersoll reports on crime and courts. Reach him at (701) 780-1269; (800) 477-6572, ext. 269; or send e-mail to aingersoll@gfherald.com .
