A Shenandoah man was jailed Sunday after he allegedly damaged $60,000 worth of equipment in operating rooms at Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street.
Pottsville police arrested Larry Dettery, 34, of 432 E. Arlington St., on the seventh floor of the hospital shortly after the incident, Capt. Richard Wojciechowsky said Monday.
Dettery was charged with criminal trespass and criminal mischief, both felony offenses, and misdemeanor charges of persistent disorderly conduct and possession of drug paraphernalia as well as a summary offense of public drunkenness.
Pottsville police Patrolman John Mohl, the arresting officer, said he was called to the hospital about 5:30 p.m. and was taken to the operating room area on the seventh floor and found the area in complete disarray.
He said that in the nurses station and waiting area, there were two computers thrown on the floor and carts containing medical equipment were knocked over.
In the three operating rooms, Mohl said life-saving equipment used for surgery was knocked over along with more computers.
"Every cabinet that contained equipment and supplies was thrown onto the floor through the operating room complex," Mohl said in his affidavit of probable cause.
The officer said it was clear that it was a deliberate act to destroy or damage hospital property.
Mohl said a security officer then reported finding a man that may have been barricaded in a recovery room. Mohl said he forced his way into the room and found Dettery lying on a hospital bed pushed against the door.
Dettery, who seemed to be under the influence of a controlled substance, was ranting, appeared delirious and didn't know where he was, Mohl said.
Mohl said Dettery was taken into custody and moved to the emergency room for treatment of a possible drug overdose.
Before being taken to the emergency room, Mohl said Dettery was searched and 15 small plastic bags containing a white powdery substance were found. Hospital staff also found drug paraphernalia in the operating rooms including three razor blades, three hypodermic needles and a metal spoon containing a white powdery substance.
Mohl interviewed Dr. Barry Jenkins, who said the medical devices damaged were for use in administering anesthesia and cost more than $60,000. Hospital staff also estimated it would cost more than $5,000 to repair the operating rooms, Mohl said.
After being released from the hospital, Mohl said Dettery was taken to City Hall, read his Miranda Rights and admitted to being inside the hospital since about 5 a.m.
He said he went to the hospital to visit a friend who was admitted Sunday morning and, after the visit, he remained in the hospital roaming the halls and taking drugs in bathrooms and empty rooms.
M. Michael Peckman, director of public relations and marketing for the hospital, referred all requests for information to Pottsville police.
Peckman did not explain how Dettery was able to walk into the operating suite at the hospital without authorization, nor would he discuss the damage.
"I cannot elaborate at this time on the equipment or how he was able to walk to the operating rooms and enter," Peckman said.
Wojciechowsky said Dettery was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $75,000 straight cash bail.