Violent Arson Suspect Beats San Angelo Police Officer at the ER

SAN ANGELO – A San Angelo man is facing additional charges Tuesday afternoon after beating a police officer while attempting to escape custody at Shannon Emergency room.  

According to San Angelo Police Department Public Information Officer Richard Espinosa, Jimmy Keith was taken to the hospital with burns from a fire he started.  That's when the real fireworks began: 

On Oct. 5, 2021 around 5:35 p.m., San Angelo Police officers were dispatched to Bella Vista Apartments in San Angelo for a structure fire.

Officers and Fire Personnel arrived in scene and learned that Jimmy Keith (62 years of age) had sustained minor burns to himself after lighting a fire in his apartment. Keith was transported to Shannon Downtown to receive treatment for the burns that he had sustained during this incident.

Keith was under a detention at the hospital for Arson and was under the supervision of a San Angelo Police Officer. While receiving treatment at the hospital, Keith fled the facility and made it outside to the north side of the emergency room.

The officer stopped Keith and attempted to take him into custody but was struck multiple times in the face by the suspect. Multiple civilian staff members from Shannon and Ballinger EMS personnel assisted the Officer with taking Keith into custody.

Keith was ultimately charged with Arson, Assault on a Peace Officer, and evading arrest/detention. 
The Officer received treatment at Shannon for facial injuries he had sustained during this incident and was released from the hospital.

The San Angelo Police Department would like to thank all who assisted with taking Jimmy into custody.