PD: Arizona man James Michael Whalen bites hospital worker

PRESCOTT VALLEY, AZ - A Prescott Valley man has been charged with aggravated assault after he allegedly bit a hospital worker trying to restrain him.

Prescott Valley police said in a news release that 31-year-old James Michael Whalen was under arrest for a fight that had occurred earlier when he began growling incoherently and kicking and biting officers.

Paramedics were called due to his behavior and possibly unknown intoxication. Officials say an officer had to ride in the ambulance with Whalen for emergency personnel's safety.

Whalen continued to be combative at the hospital, resisting and trying to assault officers and hospital staff, reportedly making threats.

Police said Whalen began spitting at and trying to bite hospital staff and officers and when hospital staff tried to put a protective device on Whalen he bit a member of the hospital staff on the wrist.

Whalen was eventually released from the hospital and taken to the Yavapai County Jail in Camp Verde where he was charged with aggravated assault and resisting arrest.

Two officers were used to transport Whalen as he was continually combative through the ride to jail.

The victim at the hospital received only a minor injury from the assault.

It is not know yet if Whalen was under the influence of illegal drugs at the time.