A 35-year-old St. Louis man who was in custody of an area law-enforcement agency has been charged with multiple felonies after an alleged incident at a hospital on August 13.
According to a probable-cause statement, Dereck Onkle was being treated for a medical issue at Pinnacle Regional Hospital in Cooper County. While at the facility, Onkle was in the custody of the Cooper County Sheriff’s Office for multiple criminal cases. While being treated, law-enforcement officers say Onkle loosened the clip on his I-V, which allowed his blood to flow freely out of the tube. Onkle then got up and ran out of the room. Law enforcement on the scene caught Onkle in the hallway, attempted to restrain him and a struggle ensued.
During the struggle, Onkle was assisted to the floor, where he continued to bleed. Authorities say Onkle has Hepatitis C and knowingly exposed multiple law-enforcement officers to his blood as a result of his actions. Onkle was then brought under control, treated by medical staff and transported back to the Cooper County Detention Center (CCDC) without further issue.
Online court documents say Onkle has been charged with a Class B Felony for Assault in the Second Degree- Special Victim; and Class E Felonies for Resisting Arrest for a Felony and Escape or Attempted Escape from Custody While Under Arrest for a Felony. Bond has been fixed at $25,000 cash or surety.
Onkle’s initial hearing is pending at Cooper County Circuit Court.