Unruly Patient Arrested at Riverside Medical Center

Last Thursday (April 3, 2026), officers with the Franklinton Police Department responded to Riverside Medical Center in reference to an unruly patient.

Upon arrival, officers made contact with hospital security, who advised that an unidentified male, later identified as 27-year-old Shaquille Barnes of Franklinton, had been in the waiting area for an extended period of time. Security personnel advised that the individual could not remain in the waiting area without being seen. The individual subsequently requested medical attention and was admitted for evaluation by emergency room staff. While inside the emergency department, officers observed the individual becoming loud, argumentative, and disruptive toward medical personnel. Following medical evaluation, the individual was discharged and advised by hospital staff and security that he was required to leave the premises.

The individual refused to comply with lawful instructions to leave the property. When officers attempted to detain him, he actively resisted by pulling away, kicking, and refusing verbal commands. While being escorted from the emergency room, the individual continued to resist and became physically combative with officers. Due to his continued resistance, officers were forced to take the individual to the ground in an effort to gain control. While on the ground, he continued aggressive behavior, including striking and spitting on officers. Officers ultimately regained control of the individual and placed him into custody. The individual’s actions disrupted emergency room operations, endangered medical staff and law enforcement personnel, and resulted in criminal charges.

Shaquille Barnes was arrested and booked into the Washington Parish Jail on the charges of Entry/Remain on Premises After Being Forbidden, Disturbing the Peace/Loud & Abusive Language, Resisting a Police Officer With Force or Violence, Battery on a Police Officer, Battery on an Officer With Injury (2 counts), and Leash Law Violation by the Franklinton Police Department.