Wadena County (trfnews.i234.me) – A Sebeka man is facing charges after Astera Hospital in Wadena reported heavy damage to medical equipment.
According to a criminal complaint, the incident happened late on December 1.
Wadena Police and Otter Tail County deputies went to Astera Hospital in Wadena.
They responded after staff reported damage inside an emergency room.
Court records say Joshua R. Meech of Sebeka had been brought to the hospital earlier.
He reportedly arrived by ambulance for extreme intoxication.
When officers reached the room, they found Meech lying on a bed.
The complaint states there was clear damage throughout the treatment area.
Officers saw a smashed medical monitor in the room.
A computer had its keyboard pulled off and thrown on the floor.
Cupboard drawers were broken open.
Medical items were scattered across the room.
Staff told officers the damage occurred while Meech was in the area.
A doctor told investigators that Meech became angry because he wanted a sandwich.
The complaint says that anger quickly turned into violent behavior.
At one point, Meech reportedly came after the doctor in a hallway.
The doctor said he had to physically push Meech away.
He told officers he believed Meech was going to hit him.
Joshua R. Meech is accused of damaging medical equipment at Astera Hospital in Wadena.
The doctor estimated the loss at more than $20,000 in damaged equipment.
Astera Health provides hospital and clinic services in the region.
More information about the system is available on the Astera Health website.
According to the complaint, Meech was later cleared by medical staff to leave.
Officers then took him into custody.
While in the squad vehicle, he allegedly began hitting his head against the divider.
Court records say officers were able to calm him down.
No serious injury from that behavior is listed in the documents.
Prosecutors have now charged Joshua R. Meech with felony criminal damage to property.
He is also charged with gross misdemeanor assault of a physician.
Information on Minnesota property damage laws is available on the Minnesota statute site.
Details about assaults against medical workers can be found in related sections of
the Minnesota criminal code.
The case will move ahead in Wadena County District Court.
Future hearings and filings can be viewed on the Minnesota trial court public access site.
Meech is presumed innocent unless and until he is found guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
