JONESBORO, Ark. — A patient is accused of punching one nurse, bending another nurse’s hand backward and spitting on both during an incident at NEA Baptist’s emergency room, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Donald Eddie Beck faces an allegation of aggravated assault upon a health care worker, a Class D felony, according to first appearance paperwork dated Nov. 2. His bond was set at $10,000.
The affidavit states that Jonesboro police responded to the emergency room Oct. 20 after receiving a report of a combative patient. Officers arrived to find hospital staff restraining Beck.
While a nurse was trying to help Beck back into his hospital bed, Beck struck the nurse in the left side of his face with a closed fist, according to the affidavit.
Beck also grabbed another nurse’s right hand near her thumb and bent it backward, the affidavit alleges. He then spat on both nurses and continued spitting toward other hospital employees, according to the document.
Both nurses were hospital employees performing their duties at the time, the affidavit states.
Officers took Beck into custody and transported him to the Craighead County Detention Center. Jail medical staff refused intake, and he was taken to St. Bernards’ emergency room for medical clearance, according to the affidavit.
While being evaluated there, Beck attempted to strike a physician in the face, the affidavit alleges.
A judicial officer found probable cause for Beck’s arrest Nov. 2. The paperwork lists his next court appearance for Dec. 16.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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