Doctor In Harassment Case To Seek Care Spokane Kidney Physician, Accused Of Making Threats, Seeks Treatment

Wed., June 25, 1997

By Tom Sowa toms@spokesman.com (509) 459-5492

A Spokane doctor accused of threatening to kill another physician has agreed to undergo psychiatric treatment at a Kansas hospital.

Dr. Mark R. Frazier indicated this week he will begin treatment at Menninger Memorial Hospital in Topeka. That hospital is known worldwide for treating psychiatric disorders.

Two weeks ago, a Spokane court ordered Frazier, 50, to stay away from Sacred Heart Medical Center and avoid contact with Dr. Curtis Wickre.

Wickre, like Frazier a kidney specialist, has said several staff workers have reported hearing Frazier say he plans to kill him.

Frazier, an avid gun collector, has denied making any threats against Wickre.

Scheduled to be arraigned this week on two criminal charges, Frazier has decided his best course is seeking medical care, said his attorney, Charles Rohr.

Those charges, malicious harassment and interference with a health-care facility, will not be dropped, said Deputy Prosecutor Larry Steinmetz.

Frazier’s parents live in Omaha, Neb. They reportedly mortgaged their home to help post $50,000 bail after Frazier’s arrest.

Court documents in support of the restraining order contain statements by two nurses saying they heard Frazier tell them he’d like to kill Wickre.

Wickre said Frazier blames him for a loss of patients, and a federal investigation into irregular medical billing practices.

Frazier’s decision to enter the Kansas hospital was voluntary, Rohr said in an order filed this week in Spokane County Superior Court.

Frazier could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

The restraining order against him requires he get court approval before leaving Spokane County. He signed an agreement this week saying he plans to be admitted to Menninger Hospital no later than Friday.

If he discontinues the program, he is required to contact Sacred Heart and return to Spokane.

The length of stay depends on his evaluation.

In addition to granting Frazier’s request to leave, Superior Court Judge Michael Donohue granted Sacred Heart’s request to make the restraining order permanent.

Until further notice, it states that Frazier must avoid alcohol, make no further contact with Wickre or his staff, and to not use or possess guns.

, DataTimes

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.