FORT PIERCE, Fla. (CBS12) — A Fort Pierce woman is facing a felony charge after authorities say she struck a healthcare worker during a medical procedure inside the St. Lucie County Jail.
The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office said that Markecia Shaneil Rolle, 36, was charged on May 19 following an incident that occurred days earlier, on May 15, at the St. Lucie County Corrections and Judicial Services Bureau on North Rock Road.
Investigators said the incident happened while Rolle, an inmate at the facility, was undergoing routine lab work in a triage room. A nurse employed by a contracted medical provider was attempting to draw blood when the situation escalated.
According to the arrest affidavit, Rolle initially directed the nurse to attempt a blood draw from her left hand after the first attempt on her right arm was unsuccessful, alleging she had been in a coma for three months. When the nurse continued searching for a viable site, Rolle allegedly became agitated, stood up suddenly, and swung her fist toward the nurse.
The strike made contact with the nurse’s left cheek, causing a visible scratch. A second employee in the room told investigators she witnessed the incident and confirmed that Rolle balled her fist before striking the victim, resulting in a break in the skin.
Authorities noted the victim was clearly identifiable as a medical worker, wearing black scrubs and an ID badge at the time of the incident. She told investigators she had identified herself as a nurse and explained the procedure to Rolle before attempting to draw blood.
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Following the altercation, Rolle was removed from the triage room and returned to her cell. There was no video footage of the incident because it occurred inside the medical area, investigators said, but statements from the victim and a witness were used to support the charge.
Detectives later conducted interviews with all parties involved, including Rolle, who was read her Miranda rights and agreed to speak with investigators.
According to court records, Rolle was charged with battery on a healthcare worker, a felony under Florida law that carries enhanced penalties when the victim is a medical or public safety employee performing official duties.
Separate case identified in court records
Separate court records reviewed list Rolle as a defendant in a case involving the same charge: battery on an emergency medical care provider or hospital personnel.
Those records show Rolle entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, and on March 25, the case was closed after a finding that she was mentally or physically unable to stand trial.
However, those filings appear to be tied to a different case involving Rolle. The dates in that case, including the March 25 disposition, precede the May 15 jail incident detailed in the arrest affidavit.
Based on the timeline and discrepancies, the court records referencing the insanity plea and competency finding do not appear to be connected to the reported jail assault that led to Rolle’s most recent arrest.