Fort Collins police arrest suspect in beating, stabbing of homeless man on North College

Sady Swanson, Fort Collins Coloradoan
·1 min read

Police arrested a man they believe severely beat and stabbed a man behind a loading dock in north Fort Collins.

Security guards found the man, covered in blood from being beaten and stabbed, behind the loading dock in the 1600 block of North College Avenue about 4 a.m. March 6, according to a news release from Fort Collins police.

Police and medical crews arrived on scene shortly after, and the man — identified by police as someone experiencing homelessness — was transported to the hospital where he is still recovering, according to the release.

Through interviews with people in the surrounding area, police got a description of a man who had been arguing with the victim earlier that night. According to the release, investigators also found items they believe show the victim visited nearby businesses prior to being attacked.

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Investigators also looked at security footage and followed up with others in the homeless community and with local homeless services providers.

Investigators identified 21-year-old Andrew Fischer as a person of interest in the case in late March and, after completing an interview with him, arrested him on charges of attempted murder, first- and second-degree assault on March 26, according to court records.

Fischer remains in the Larimer County Jail on $300,000 bond. He is next scheduled to appear in court April 5.

Anyone with information about this incident can contact Fort Collins police Detective Justin Butler at 970-221-6340.

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All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in court. Arrests and charges are merely accusations by law enforcement until, and unless, a suspect is convicted of a crime.

Sady Swanson covers public safety, criminal justice, Larimer County government and more throughout Northern Colorado. You can send your story ideas to her at sswanson@coloradoan.com or on Twitter at @sadyswan. Support her work and that of other Coloradoan journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Fort Collins police arrest suspect in beating, stabbing of homeless man