Judge finds man insane in knife attack on Wal-Mart manager

MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) – A judge has ruled a Muncie man was insane when he attacked a manager of a Wal-Mart store with a knife.

The Star Press reported Friday that Delaware Circuit Judge Linda Ralu Wolf during a recent bench trial found 42-year-old Rodney Patterson not guilty by reason of insanity. He was charged with aggravated battery, battery with a deadly weapon and resisting law enforcement.

Authorities say Patterson became agitated while completing a job application last November and cut the manager on the chest, arm and wrist.

Evaluations of Patterson’s mental status by a local psychiatrist and psychologist were admitted as evidence. Public defender Amber Neal said at a December hearing that Patterson had “significant mental health issues.”