SHEFFIELD – Having been in “lockdown” since Monday for security reasons, Helen Keller Hospital has just issued a media release that the health care facility has returned to normal operation.
Julia Boughner, Director of Community Relations for Helen Keller released this statement:
“As of 11:45 a.m. on Friday, December 21, 2012, Helen Keller Hospital is no longer on lockdown status. We are grateful to local law enforcement for their efforts and to our patients and visitors for their cooperation at this time. We would also like to thank the media for keeping the community informed.”
The hospital has not released any information with respect to the nature of the lockdown. The Quad-Cities Daily was told by The Sheffield Police Department that the reason for the lockdown was a threat allegedly made against the hospital by 78 year old, Charles F. Yarber of Tyler Ave., Muscle Shoals. According to police, Yarber, whose wife was a patient at Keller, Monday made some vague threats directed to hospital staff and others. He then left the Keller campus. Sheffield and Muscle Shoals police went to Yarber’s home and instructed him to stay away from the hospital. Late Tuesday afternoon, Yarber allegedly returned to Keller. Sheffield Police responded and placed the man under arrest.
Charles Yarber
Yarber is charged with criminal tresspass, and disorderly conduct/disturbing the peace. He spent Tuesday night in the Sheffield lockup, and made bail to following morning.
