Alicia Man Charged After Spitting on Hospital Staff, Making Threats

JONESBORO, Ark. — A 28-year-old man from Alicia is facing multiple charges, including several felonies, after allegedly spitting on medical staff at two Jonesboro hospitals and threatening violence.

John Thomas Keiffer is charged in connection with two separate incidents, one on July 24 at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital and a second on Aug. 2 at St. Bernards Medical Center, according to probable cause affidavits filed in both cases.

On Aug. 2, Craighead County deputies responded to a call from St. Bernards Medical Center’s emergency department shortly before 2 a.m. Hospital staff reported that Keiffer, described as an inmate, was spitting on health care workers and making threats. According to the affidavit, Keiffer, who was awaiting a medical procedure, became agitated when informed he could have neither food nor water beforehand. He allegedly began yelling and demanding to be released from custody.

Staff attempted to move Keiffer to a private room to prevent further disruption, but Keiffer allegedly spat on three hospital workers and a Craighead County jailer. While staff tried to place a spit hood on Keiffer, he reportedly attempted to bite them and threatened to return after his release, saying he would “shoot up the whole hospital.” A doctor also reported that Keiffer made repeated verbal threats to kill staff members.

In that case, Keiffer is charged with three Class D felonies: first-degree terroristic threatening, aggravated assault on a correctional facility employee, and aggravated assault on a health care worker.

In a separate incident at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital on July 24, Keiffer is accused of spitting directly onto a doctor’s face and into the doctor’s mouth during a discussion about treatment, according to affidavits. A patient sitter reportedly witnessed the incident.

In the NEA Baptist case, Keiffer faces a Class D felony charge of aggravated assault on a health care worker and a Class C misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct.

Keiffer's bond was set at $25,000 cash or surety after a hearing on Aug. 5 before Special Judge Ralph Wilson. During the hearing, Keiffer claimed the Craighead County Jail was not compliant with ADA standards and suggested he would benefit financially after suing the facility. A mental health evaluation was requested by the court.

Keiffer is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 21 for the St. Bernards case and Sept. 30 for the NEA Baptist case. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.