THOMASVILLE — A man arrested after a Monday night store robbery attempt witnessed by a crowd got into more trouble after he was transported to Archbold Memorial Hospital for evaluation.

Jason Austin took cash at a Carroll Hill convenience store and threw it on the floor, according to Thomasville Police Department reports. People watching the activity stood at the door of the business and prevented him from leaving.

Austin said someone was trying to kill him and attempted to strike police officers with a food rack, according to the report.

After he was transported to Archbold for evaluation, police found crystal methamphetamine in a plastic wrap near a shoe the suspect left behind.

About 3:30 a.m. Tuesday, an officer working security at Archbold told police officers hospital employees were attempting to treat Austin when he yanked out his IV and attempted to flee from the hospital, an incident report states.

A security officer chased Austin, a report states, and Austin struck a hospital employee in the jaw while attempting to get away. The officer was unsuccessful in an attempt to tase Austin.

The suspect, bleeding profusely from where the IV was removed, was chased outside and eventually surrendered at taser point.

The bleeding was stopped, and 23-year-old Austin, 415 E. Washington St., was transported to the Thomas County Jail.

The hospital employee did not press charges.

In the Monday incident, Austin is charged with robbery, kidnapping/false imprisonment and obstruction by hindering law enforcement officers. 

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820