WHEELING - A Wheeling man remained in the Northern Regional Jail late Saturday on $1 million bond after being charged with the malicious wounding of another local man outside a bar in Elm Grove early Saturday.
According to Ohio County Magistrate Court records and Wheeling Police reports, Frederick Henry Higgins, 41, of the Big Wheeling Creek area, was arrested shortly after police received a call of a stabbing outside a bar located on Kruger Street. Ohio County Magistrate Charlie Murphy set Higgins' bond as cash only.
The victim, Doug Orum, 41, of Wheeling, reportedly suffered severe lacerations to his face, torso and arms which required several hours of surgery to repair at a local hospital. His condition was not known at press time.
Three units from the Wheeling Police Department, along with Wheeling Fire Department personnel, responded to the assault call at 12:39 a.m. Saturday.
Upon arrival, officers reported finding fire department paramedics assisting Orum out of the business. They said Orum had sustained "multiple deep cuts" and was covered with blood.
Orum told police that Higgins had cut him after they went outside at the rear of the bar and a struggle ensued. Orum said he and Higgins fell to the ground several times during the altercation. Security camera footage of the scene reportedly shows Orum pushing Higgins away and then Higgins fleeting the area on foot.
Another man came outside to assist Orum who was bleeding profusely from his wounds. Police searched the area and located Higgins on Wilson Lane. Police said Higgins had bleeding wounds on his face. Higgins denied having a knife on his person. Officers then located a bloody, white-handled box cutter in the field across from where Higgins was found. The box cutter was placed into evidence.
While escorting Higgins to a fire department ambulance, an officer said Timothy Jason Orum, 23, of Wheeling, was standing outside the bar and screamed at him and Higgins. The officer said he had to approach Timothy Orum to keep him from inciting another fight.
Timothy Orum continued to yell obscenities and threats at the officer, according to reports. Officers said Orum had bloodshot eyes, slowed speech and registered a .116 breath sample. He was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, obstructing an officer and public intoxication. He later was released on bond.
