Izard County man fakes medical condition, assaults Stone County jailer in failed escape attempt

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An Izard County man has picked up two felony charges after he allegedly faked a medical condition and tried unsuccessfully to escape from the Stone County Jail. Already facing six charges from his previous arrest was 38-year-old Nicolas Adam Staggs of Calico Rock.

According to court documents in his cases, jail personnel discovered Staggs was possibly having a medical issue. It was noted Staggs had previously had a medical issue which was believed to be a fake seizure in an effort to be released from custody.

Jail staff put Staggs in a wheelchair but he then got out of the wheelchair and sat on the stairs. When one of the jailers went to check on the status of the ambulance, Staggs pushed the other jailer and ran into the kitchen which is not part of the jail.

The other jailer returned and the jailers attempted to get handcuffs on Staggs. He broke free and started swinging at the two jailers. He was eventually taken to the floor where he attempted to bite one of the jailers.

He was eventually taken back into custody and returned to his cell.

For that incident, Staggs was charged with second degree escape and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, both felonies.

Staggs was originally arrested two days earlier after his truck had broken down on State Highway 5 North and he and a female passenger were walking. A deputy recognized the two and confirmed with dispatch they had orders of protection against each other.

The deputy asked Staggs to turn around and put his hands behind his back. The deputy said Staggs became mouthy and then fled. The deputy chased him a short distance into the woods before Staggs fell, sat for a moment and then started walking back towards him and was taken into custody.

During a search of Staggs and the truck, the deputy found marijuana and an open can of beer. For that incident, Staggs is facing charges of fleeing on foot, resisting arrest, possession of marijuana, public intoxication, violation of a protection order and violation of a no contact order, all misdemeanors.

Staggs is still being held in the Stone County Jail with bonds totaling $407,500.

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