Western Psych Patient Jailed After Allegedly Attacking, Threatening To Kill Employee

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Police say a patient at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic has been charged with attacking an employee there, threatening to kill her.

The man is now on jail.

It happened on Valentine's Day, according to police and it involved a patient who was supposed to be under constant observation.

Now in the Allegheny County Jail is 37-year-old John Schmitt of West Deer. He was taken there because he's facing charges of aggravated assault and indecent assault.

The criminal complaint says the attack happened on the 6th floor of the hospital and that he grabbed the woman by the throat and slammed her to the wall, choking her. He then kissed her, bit her and groped her.

To control her, according to the criminal complaint, he told her, "... he had killed before and that he had no problem killing the victim if she didn't keep quiet."

There is no local record available indicated if he's ever been convicted of homicide.

The complaint also says he " ... continued to choke the victim to the point she felt she was going to pass out."

An employee tried to help and others intervened before the attack ended.

A spokesman for UPMC issued only this statement:

"While we cannot comment on any alleged incident due to Pennsylvania's Mental Health Procedures Act and an ongoing investigation, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic takes all such allegations very seriously and we are fully cooperating with the appropriate authorities. The safety and security of our employees and patients is of the highest priority."

Schmitt remains in the Allegheny County Jail in lieu of $200,000 bond.

His preliminary hearing is scheduled for next week.

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