An ER doctor was allegedly attacked Thursday morning by a mentally unstable patient at the Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center.
By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – A man with mental health issues was arrested on various charges Thursday, after causing a scene at the Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center (MGRMC).
Brian Paul Heesaker, 41, of Safford, was booked into the Graham County Adult Detention Facility on charges of aggravated assault of a healthcare professional, threatening and intimidating, disorderly conduct, and making a terrorist threat.
According to a Safford Police report, an officer was dispatched at about 9:10 a.m. to MGRMC regarding the assault. Upon arrival, the officer located a number of hospital staff – including security guards – surrounding a white male he recognized as Heesaker, who was facedown on the ground and handcuffed with his hands in the front.
According to an Emergency Room doctor’s statement to police, Heesaker came to the hospital complaining about a neck injury. While the doctor was going over Heesaker’s medical history, the doctor questioned him about any previous mental health issues, which angered Heesaker and prompted him to attack the doctor. The doctor said Heesaker attempted to strike him and the pair tumbled to the ground and “scuffled.” The doctor advised he blocked Heesakers punches but that he would still prefer to press charges for aggravated assault. As is the case with any assault against a police officer, any assault against a health-care professional is also considered an aggravated assault.
Nurses at the hospital corroborated the doctor’s statement and advised Heesaker was already agitated and threatened to “blow everyone up and kill everybody at the hospital” prior to the doctor asking about his mental health.
Heesaker told an officer that he didn’t strike the doctor but only pushed him because the doctor pushed him first. He also denied threatening to blow up the hospital or to kill anyone.
Heesaker was then taken to the jail and booked on his above-listed charges. A councilor with ACTS was called and advised that the councilor would respond to the jail to evaluate the mental health of Heesaker.
