A Marked Tree man faces a felony charge after allegedly assaulting healthcare workers at a Jonesboro hospital.
Craighead County District Judge David Boling on Monday found probable cause to charge 61-year-old Donald Eddie Beck with aggravated assault on a healthcare worker, classified as a Class D felony.
The incident occurred on Oct. 20 at the NEA Baptist emergency room. According to a probable cause affidavit, Jonesboro Police Department officers were called to the hospital following reports of a combative patient.
When officers arrived, Beck was being restrained by hospital staff. Court documents state that during the incident, Beck punched one nurse on the left side of her face as she attempted to help him back into his hospital bed. He also allegedly grabbed another nurse’s right hand, bending it backward near her thumb, and spat on both nurses as well as toward other hospital employees.
Officers arrested Beck and transported him to the Craighead County Detention Center. However, detention center medical staff refused to accept Beck for intake due to medical concerns. He was then taken to the St. Bernards emergency room for evaluation. While there, Beck reportedly attempted to punch a physician in the face, according to the affidavit.
Beck is currently being held on a $10,000 cash or surety bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 16.