Additional information has been released regarding the arrest of a man on an attempted murder charge. 22-year-old Joseph Lee Rosales of North Main Avenue in Newton was arrested Friday (February 24) by Hickory Police Officers. He’s charged with felony attempted first-degree murder. WHKY previously reported on the arrest of this suspect Monday (February 27), more details have been released.

Friday, shortly after 7 a.m., the Hickory Police Department’s Communication Center received a call from Catawba Valley Medical Center’s Police Department requesting assistance investigating a serious assault on a patient by another patient. Hickory Police Officers responded to the hospital and conducted an investigation.

Joseph Lee Rosales was identified as the suspect who assaulted the other patient. According to reports, the attack occurred in the psychiatric section of the hospital. Rosales allegedly struck and attempted to strangle the other patient. The incident occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. As a result of the investigation, Rosales was charged with the attempted murder count.

Rosales was in the hospital as a result of various mental health issues. Following the arrest, he was jailed in the Catawba County Detention Facility under $175,000 bond. He remained in jail as of earlier today (February 28). He made his first District Court appearance Monday. No upcoming court dates were listed.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to call the Hickory Police Department at 828-328-5551 or contact Investigator Helderman directly at 828-261-2621 or rhelderman@hickorync.gov.

[Some information in this story courtesy of Rick Gilbert, WACB]