Man Blames THC Seltzer After Attempting to Drown Mother and Sister
A Minnesota man has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly trying to drown his mother and sister in Otter Tail Lake, later claiming that a THC-infused seltzer caused his violent outburst.
Franklin Dickinson, 42, was arrested after deputies responded to a 911 call reporting an attack at the lakeside on Sunday. According to prosecutors, Dickinson first attempted to strangle and drown his 25-year-old sister before turning on his 64-year-old mother when she intervened.
Authorities say Dickinson held his sister underwater until she lost consciousness. When his mother tried to help, he reportedly dragged her by the hair and attempted to pull her under as well.
Rescue and 911 Response
The incident could have been fatal if not for a neighbor’s intervention. A witness told investigators that Dickinson had pulled his sister under a dock, keeping her submerged for an extended period. Her mother’s cries for help drew the attention of a neighbor’s son, who jumped into the water and managed to pull Dickinson away from the victim.
One victim told deputies she believed she would not have survived without the neighbor’s rescue. Deputies who arrived at the scene observed visible injuries to her neck and collarbone consistent with strangulation and assault.
Suspect’s Explanation
When deputies confronted Dickinson, he allegedly told them he was having a severe reaction to a THC seltzer, a cannabis-infused drink that has gained popularity in Minnesota and other states. He did not provide further details about how much he had consumed.
Despite his explanation, prosecutors moved forward with serious charges, noting the deliberate and violent nature of the attack.
Charges Upgraded
Dickinson was initially charged with assault and domestic assault, but the Otter Tail County prosecutor confirmed that the charges have been upgraded. He now faces:
- One count of second-degree attempted murder
- Two counts of domestic assault by strangulation (felonies)
- One count of domestic assault causing fear (misdemeanor)
Court documents reviewed by local outlets KFGO and The Journal detail the severity of the assault, including the prolonged struggle in the water and the intervention required to save the victims’ lives.
Custody and Court Proceedings
Otter Tail County Jail records show Dickinson remains in custody. His bail conditions were not immediately disclosed. He is scheduled to appear in court on September 15.
Otter Tail County, located nearly 190 miles northwest of Minneapolis and about 75 miles southeast of Fargo, North Dakota, has rarely seen incidents of this nature, according to local officials.
Community Concerns
The case has sparked community discussion about the risks associated with cannabis-infused products, particularly in individuals with limited tolerance or mental health struggles. However, investigators emphasized that regardless of intoxication claims, Dickinson’s actions were intentional and posed an immediate risk to his family members’ lives.
The victims are recovering from their injuries, and authorities continue to monitor the case as it moves toward trial.
