(Atlantic, Iowa) – An Atlantic man charged with Attempted Murder (a Class-B Felony) and Willful Injury Causing Serious Injury (a Class-C Felony) following an incident on December 5th, has entered a written plea of Not Guilty, and is scheduled to be arraigned Monday. Arraignment is a formal reading of a criminal charging document in the presence of the defendant, to officially inform them of the charges against them. According to court records, Defense Attorney Robert J. Engler entered the written plea for 34-year-old Richard J. Doss, Jr., on Friday (Jan. 7).

Doss Jr., was arrested after a man arrived at the Cass County Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Room after being stabbed. Atlantic Police said the incident happened at an apartment complex across the street from the hospital. The victim was treated at the hospital and then transported by helicopter to UNMC in Omaha for further treatment.

Doss Jr. was arrested December 6th, just hours after the stabbing. His trial is set for Feb. 22nd.