Alicia resident John Thomas Keiffer, 28, faces three felony charges after allegedly threatening, spitting on, and attempting to bite health care workers and a detention officer at St. Bernards Emergency Department in Jonesboro. The details were outlined in a probable cause affidavit presented Wednesday.
According to court records, the incident occurred around 2 a.m. on August 2, while Keiffer, a detainee from the Craighead County Detention Center, was being treated at the hospital. A doctor stated that Keiffer became agitated after being informed he could not have food or water due to an upcoming medical procedure.
The affidavit said Keiffer initially remained calm but grew increasingly hostile with repeated denials of his requests. He began yelling for his release and disrupting the emergency department, prompting staff and a police officer to move him to a private room to minimize disturbances.
While being moved, Keiffer allegedly spit on a doctor, two nurses, and the corrections officer. The hospital staff then attempted to place a spit hood on him to prevent further incidents. During this process, he reportedly tried to bite staff members and issued threats, including statements about returning to the hospital to harm others. Keiffer also expressed suicidal thoughts and made repeated threats of violence, the affidavit said.
Medical staff noted in the affidavit that Keiffer appeared to fully understand his actions and statements, with no medical indications of mental incompetence.
Keiffer remains in custody on a $25,000 cash or surety bond. His arraignment is scheduled for August 21.