Shreveport Woman Facing Battery Charges After Alleged Attack On Staff At Behavioral Hospital

Samantha Dillard was charged with battery after allegedly hitting and scratching a behavioral hospital worker during a dispute over a food tray.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 10, 2026, 11:20 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from KSLA

Police Respond To Report Of Violence At Local Behavioral Health Center

Law enforcement in Shreveport took a local woman into custody last week following a physical altercation at a specialized medical facility. On March 5, patrol officers were dispatched to the 2000 block of Desoto Street to investigate reports of an assault involving a patient and an employee. Upon arrival, officers met with the victim, who is a staff member at a behavioral hospital located at that address. The victim detailed a sudden escalation of aggression that occurred during a routine meal service.

Food Tray Dispute Leads To Facial Injuries And Scratches

According to statements provided to the Shreveport Police Department, the suspect, identified as Samantha Dillard, became agitated during a disagreement regarding a tray of food. The victim alleges that Dillard threw the tray at her before physically striking her in the face. During the ensuing struggle, the suspect reportedly scratched the victim multiple times. Officers noted that the swelling and marks on the employee's neck and face were consistent with the reported attack, leading to Dillard's immediate arrest on felony battery charges.

Rising Trend Of Healthcare Worker Assaults In Shreveport

The arrest of Samantha Dillard marks yet another instance in a series of violent episodes targeting medical professionals in the ArkLaTex region this year. Recent records show similar "serious assaults" occurring at other local institutions, including Brentwood Hospital. The frequency of these incidents has prompted concern among local health administrators regarding the safety of front line staff. In Jan. 26, another Shreveport man was investigated for a separate attack on medical professionals, highlighting a persistent challenge for hospitals operating in high stress environments.