Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced that Jeffrey A. Sager, 55, has pleaded guilty to assaulting a Veterans Affairs (VA) police officer. Sager faces a maximum penalty of eight years in federal prison, although a sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
According to court documents, on February 13, 2024, Sager entered the Lake City VA Medical Center in Lake City, Florida. He immediately locked himself inside a triage room and began verbally assaulting a nurse who was inside with him. The nurse activated a silent panic alarm, prompting a response from VA police.
Sager refused multiple orders from the officers to open the triage room door. When officers eventually gained entry to the room, Sager fled down the hallway of the medical center. One officer managed to catch up to Sager, but Sager resisted, causing both of them to fall to the floor. In his attempt to escape, Sager kicked the officer in the shoulder, resulting in a dislocated shoulder and a fracture. Other officers responded to the situation.
