Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
COLFAX –– Punching a nursing assistant in the face got an 18-year-old Clarkston woman a felony charge in Whitman County.
Jessi L. Betts, 18, of Clarkston was charged with assault in the third degree on Oct. 26, according to court records.
Betts was in the emergency room of the Whitman Hospital and Medical Clinics receiving treatment for injuries hospital staff suspected were “sustained in a car crash in Palouse.” The Palouse police met her first and reported she was acting strange and requested she be examined at a hospital.
She later left the hospital bare foot when the temperature was between 20 and 30 degrees. Staff called for help and a Whitman County deputy and a state Fish and Wildlife officer resounded. They found her on W. Fairview Street, downhill from the hospital.
“She didn’t seem to have a plan on where to go. She said she lived in Seattle … She later said she had a relative in town, but they were leaving any minute to go to the Grand Canyon,” wrote deputy Michael Melcher.
Betts was taken into protective custody and returned to the hospital. She was described as acting aggressive, pacing, threatening staff and “made comments about people being demonic and that they were possessed,” according to court records.
Melcher reported her behavior was similar to people using methamphetamine.
Staff attempted to draw a blood sample, but Betts allegedly punched a computer screen, and threatened to punch the wall, nursing staff, and the deputy.
Betts allegedly tried to flee, but was caught and punched a nursing assistant in the face when they tried to put her in a bed. She was restrained by aw enforcement and hospital staff. The next day she was cleared by the hospital and she was taken to jail.
Bill Stevenson is the former editor of the Whitman County Gazette, Colfax Daily Bulletin and Franklin Connection. He has nearly 30 years of journalism experience covering news in Eastern Washington.
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