Blytheville man arrested after attacking hospital staff
BLYTHEVILLE, Ark. — A Blytheville man is facing serious charges after reportedly attacking security and staff at a Mid-South hospital on Monday.
Johnny Jones is facing a slew of charges after reportedly attacking security and staff at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro on Monday.
The incident has raised concerns about the increased dangers facing medical professionals.
“It’s always concerning anytime you see an incident where ever it may be,” Media Relations Manager, Mitchell Nail said.
Nail says Federal Regulations prohibit him from commenting on what allegedly happened at the facility when according to Jonesboro Police, Jones was admitted for a fentanyl and marijuana overdose.
The incident was reportedly the second time hospital security had dealt with Jones, who had allegedly started by yelling and cursing at staff.
At one point, while the staff tried to sedate Jones, he reportedly struck a security guard in the mouth and tried to take his weapon. Police say he even fought members of the medical staff and spat in the faces of nurses.
“Arkansas recently passed a law that makes it where anytime a health care worker is attacked it is a felony,” Nail said.
For those who come to St. Bernards, they see constant reminders of the new law.
“We have signs posted everywhere but we do recognize those are deterrents and so deterrent involves multiple layers,” Nail said.
The most important layer according to Nail is having ample security, which Nail said St. Bernards has.
However, he does admit that seeing an increase of patients using and abusing dangerous, addictive drugs puts a new focus on how staff can handle violent situations.
Jones has since been released from Craighead County Jail on his own recognizance and is scheduled back in court in April.
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