Suspect who locked down Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith was arrested after being found inside a box

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Newly released bodycam footage from Fort Smith police officers shows the moment they discovered a man hiding in a box at Mercy, Fort Smith on July 22, 2024.

John West, 34, stands accused of bringing a painted water pistol to the hospital. Law enforcement searched the hospital campus for hours before he was found.

The footage shows police find West and repeatedly ask him to raise his hands and step out of the box.

The footage shows an officer grabbing West, pulling him onto his stomach, and handcuffing him.

West had previously been banned from Mercy Fort Smith, according to police.

West faces a charge of aggravated assault. Police say that's because he pointed the water pistol at a security guard.