Charges: ER Patient Assaults Staff After Being Denied Pain Meds

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A 46-year-old Anoka woman is accused of assaulting a staff member at a Coon Rapids hospital after she was denied pain medication, according to charges filed.

Deana Kim Johnson faces one felony count of fourth-degree assault in connection to the April 29 incident.

According to the criminal complaint, a Coon Rapids police officer responded on the aforementioned date at 3:35 p.m. to the emergency room of Mercy Hospital regarding an assault.

Upon arrival, the officer met with the emergency room technician, who said Johnson had previously came to the hospital seeking medication attention for issues relating to prescription usage. Staff then determined she would be placed on a 72-hour hold.

The complaint says Johnson became upset when staff wouldn't give her pain medication and informed her of the 72-hour hold. She allegedly tried to flee the emergency room, but the door was locked. As the technician and another staff member started walking her back to her emergency room, she became combative and numerous staff had to intervene to stop her.

According to the complaint, Johnson balled up her hand during the struggle and struck the technician's forehead three times, knocking her glasses off.

If convicted, Johnson could face up to two years in prison and/or a $4,000 fine.