Man accused of pointing gun at Las Cruces health care clinic

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say a Las Cruces police officer wrestled a loaded handgun out of the hands of a patient who was undergoing treatment at a clinic.

Police say 56-year-old Mathew Rodger Smith of Hatch is jailed on suspicion of two counts of aggravated assault on a health care worker and one count of aggravated assault on a peace officer.

Smith is being held without bond at the Dona Ana County Detention Center.

It was unclear Wednesday if he has a lawyer yet.

Police responded to a report of a patient with behavioral issues at Fresenius Kidney Care on Tuesday afternoon.

Smith reportedly was displaying sudden outbursts and directing profane language toward the staff.

A nurse and another health care provider told police they were in fear of being shot by Smith.