An Ocala man who was Baker Acted was charged with battery after trying to escape a hospital and punching a security officer in the face.
A Marion County Sheriff’s deputy responded to West Marion Community Hospital on June 8 in reference to the alleged battery.
A hospital security officer reported 25-year-old Joseph Donaldson was brought into the hospital under a Baker Act from the sheriff’s office. The security officer stated Donaldson was being evaluated and started to become impatient while demanding to see his doctor.
Donaldson then walked out of the hospital and the security officer said he tried to direct him back inside, but Donaldson would not comply. The officer reported Donaldson became frustrated and “shoulder-trucked him.” The officer reported Donaldson then hit him in the face, according to the sheriff’s report.
Donaldson was placed under arrest and transported to the Marion County Jail with a bond set at $5,000. He was charged with battery and released on bond the same day.