ST. JOHNSBURY — An inmate at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital assaulted two correctional officers and attempted to escape custody, Vermont State Police reported Friday.
Authorities said Joseph Heim, 48, of Fayston, attacked the officers Thursday around 11:30 a.m. following a medical event at the hospital.
Heim allegedly tried to seize a set of keys from the officers and fought with them.
The officers managed to restrain Heim and prevent his escape, reporting no injuries from the incident.
Heim, who has been in custody since earlier this week on drug possession and violation of release conditions, now faces three counts of simple assault, assault of correctional officer with bodily fluids, and escape charges.
He was arrested for possession of methamphetamines and five counts of violating conditions of release, stemming from an explosion in Fayston earlier this summer that injured him and another man.
Heim is scheduled to appear in the Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court in St. Johnsbury at 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 16 to respond to the charges.
The affidavit of probable cause will be filed with the court and made public following Heim’s arraignment.
Further details are not currently available.
