McKEESPORT (KDKA) — A UPMC employee was injured after authorities say she was knocked to the ground and allegedly beaten by a patient.

The incident happened over the weekend at UPMC McKeesport on the behavioral health floor.

Investigators say the patient was trying to escape from the hospital. The employee was so badly hurt that she had to have surgery for some of her injuries.

Colleen Heinric had jaw surgery Wednesday at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital.

“Colleen’s a very nice lady,” said Amber Cahill, a neighbor. “She helps the neighborhood. She helps the gentleman that lives next door, takes care of him. She’s kind; she’s just a great woman.”

It was Saturday night when authorities say 21-year-old Jamey Green, who is a patient on the behavioral health floor, is accused of turning violent.

According to the criminal complaint, the incident happened on the 5th floor. Heinric says the patient was standing close to a locked door when he asked her to come over and see something.

Authorities say Heinric turned and walked away, but that’s when Green reportedly went up from behind her and took her to the ground and started to beat her.

Heinric fell to the ground and was punched numerous times. When her keys fell out of her pocket, investigators say Green snatched them, opened the exit door and ran down the hospital stairwell pulling the fire alarm several times while running out from the hospital.

According to the criminal complaint, Green was taken into custody in the hospital parking lot while he was naked. There, he told officers that he was “Jesus Christ.”

He was taken back to the 5th floor and has since been moved to Western Psych. He faces aggravated assault, simple assault and harassment charges when he’s released.

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