Man charged for stabbing his friend during drunken fight
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RIGBY — Police arrested a Jefferson County man after investigating a stabbing that occurred around Halloween.
According to an affidavit of probable cause obtained by EastIdahoNews.com, Zackry Claren Mickelsen and the victim argued on the way home from a local bar. The incident escalated into a fistfight, and Mickelsen allegedly stabbed the victim while they were inside a vehicle.
During an interview with the victim, police write in their report that Mickelsen, the victim began fist fighting inside a car while Mickelsen’s girlfriend drove. When they pulled into the victim’s driveway, he said he felt a sharp pain and knew something wasn’t right.
“(The victim) said he never saw the weapon, but he started bleeding from his stomach area,” according to court documents. “He said, ‘Dude, you stabbed me.'”
After the stabbing, the victim got out and leaned against another car in the driveway as Mickelsen and his girlfriend left. After the victim called 911, first responders rushed him to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. Doctors told him he had indeed been stabbed. The puncture wound, which went 4 inches into the stomach, required surgery.
According to court documents, Mickelsen later returned the victim’s wallet, which had been left in the car where the stabbing occurred. The victim claimed the suspect apologized and offered to pay his medical bills if he didn’t report it. Mickelsen also reportedly told the victim he would give him his bow and other items, the victim told police.
Investigators saw blood on the car the victim said he leaned on. Additionally, the officer noted the clothing the victim turned over appeared to have been worn while being stabbed.
The victim said the two were intoxicated during the fight and often argue when they are drunk.
Officers were unable to locate Mickelsen at the property he stayed at in a fifth-wheel trailer. At some point during the investigation, the victim said he got a text from Mickelsen just saying “X.”
“(The victim) believes it means Zack is going to hurt him or finish the job,” the officer writes in the report.
Police said the victim’s girlfriend also received a text message believed to be from the woman driving the car “to watch her back.”
Police arrested Mickelsen, and he posted the $100,000 bond.
Mickelsen is charged with felony aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. If convicted, he could spend up to 15 years in prison.
He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Jan. 9.