Patients at Arizona State Hospital accused of assaulting staff, holding them hostage

PHOENIX — Three patients at the Arizona State Hospital were arrested Monday after being accused of assaulting staff and holding them hostage, authorities said.

The forensic patients allegedly damaged various pieces of medical equipment and threatened to use them as weapons before barricading themselves in their treatment unit at about 8:30 a.m., the Arizona Department of Health Services said in a statement.

Hospital personnel then called police, who arrived and took the three patients into custody, ADHS said.

“Such incidents are extremely rare and the Arizona State Hospital has established procedures in place to protect staff and patients if one should occur,” ADHS said.

ADHS oversees the Arizona State Hospital, which is located near 24th Street and Van Buren Street .

Some staff members had minor injuries and were being evaluated.

No other information was available.

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