A Garfield, Arkansas woman will be arraigned 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in Newton County Circuit Court after being charged with third-degree assault- special victim after allegedly punching a nurse at Freeman West Hospital.
Leanna Lee Wingett (DOB 2004) is being held without bond.
From the probable cause statement:
On June 27, 2026, in Newton County, Missouri, Leanna Wingett knowingly caused physical injury to a nurse employed by Freeman Hospital and acting within the scope of her official duties by intentionally charging at and striking her in the left forearm with a closed fist.
A security guard saw the incident, according to the report.
Wingett told the investigating officer she punched the nurse because "voices she hears tell her to threaten people."
The case was investigated by the Joplin Police Department.