JONESBORO, Ark. — A patient faces felony charges after allegedly assaulting two nurses and threatening additional hospital staff at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital’s emergency room, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Donald Eddie Beck has been charged with aggravated assault upon a healthcare worker, a Class D felony, following an incident on October 20. His bond has been set at $10,000, and his next court appearance is scheduled for December 16, court records show.
Jonesboro police were called to the emergency room on the evening of the incident after receiving reports of a combative patient. Upon arrival, officers found hospital staff restraining Beck, the affidavit states.
While one nurse attempted to help Beck back into his hospital bed, Beck allegedly struck the nurse on the left side of his face using a closed fist. The affidavit further claims Beck bent another nurse’s hand backward near her thumb and spat on both nurses before continuing to spit in the direction of other hospital employees.
Both nurses were performing their professional duties at the time, the affidavit noted.
Police took Beck into custody and transported him to the Craighead County Detention Center. However, jail medical staff refused his intake due to medical concerns, requiring authorities to transfer him to St. Bernards Medical Center for evaluation. During his assessment there, Beck reportedly attempted to strike a physician in the face, according to the affidavit.
On November 2, a judicial officer found probable cause to proceed with charges against Beck. The allegation of aggravated assault upon a healthcare worker carries significant legal consequences under Arkansas law.
Officials remind the public that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.