Repeat Offender Allegedly Attacks Hospital Police Officer Days After Initial Arrest at Same Facility

A North Carolina man, known for his extensive criminal record, has found himself back in custody following an alleged attack on a police officer at a Greenville hospital.

Authorities detained 37-year-old Justin Wilkes on Wednesday after he reportedly struck a campus police officer at ECU Health Medical Center, as reported by WBTV. The incident unfolded after Wilkes was asked to leave the hospital premises, leading to a confrontation where he allegedly began shouting at the officer.

During the arrest, Wilkes is accused of hitting the officer on the head and making statements intended to incite an immediate violent response. The situation highlights ongoing challenges in managing individuals with significant criminal backgrounds within community settings.

Justin Wilkes, 37, was taken into custody on Wednesday after he allegedly hit a campus police officer in the head at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, North Carolina, according to WBTV.  (Pitt County Jail)

As Wilkes was being arrested, he allegedly hit the officer in the head and made “utterances” with the intent to “provoke immediate violent retaliation.”

Wilkes was later arrested and charged with assaulting a police officer, disorderly conduct and resisting a public officer, according to jail records obtained by Fox News Digital. 

The incident happened at the ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, North Carolina on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026.  (Google Maps)

According to court records obtained by WBTV, Wiles was out of jail on pretrial release at the time of Wednesday’s arrest. 

He had previously been arrested on Feb. 11 – just one week earlier – for trespassing at the same hospital. 

Court records obtained by WBTV also indicate Wilkes has a lengthy criminal history dating back to 2005, with charges including drug offenses, assault and robbery. He had reportedly been sent to prison numerous times and was most recently released in July 2023.

Justin Wilkes had previously been arrested on Feb. 11 – just one week earlier – for trespassing at the same hospital, according to WBTV. (Pitt County Jail)

He currently remains in custody at the Pitt County Jail, where he is being held without bond. 

The Pitt County prosecutor’s office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.