A 32-year-old Bismarck man has been sentenced to three years in prison for terrorizing hospital staff and patients during a confrontation outside CHI St. Alexius Medical Center in 2023, according to court documents released this week.
The incident, which occurred in December 2023, drew a swift response from Bismarck Police after witnesses reported a man yelling threats and brandishing what appeared to be a weapon near the hospital’s main entrance.
Authorities later confirmed the object was not a firearm, but the suspect’s aggressive behavior led to a lockdown of nearby hospital areas as a precaution.
Prosecutors said the man, identified as Ryan Joseph Keller, pleaded guilty to a Class C felony count of terrorizing and disorderly conduct, following a plea agreement that included probation restrictions upon release.
The sentencing took place this week at the Burleigh County Courthouse, where Judge Bonnie Storbakken emphasized the seriousness of threatening behavior in public health settings, especially near medical facilities still recovering from post-pandemic strain.
“We appreciate the quick police response that kept our staff and patients safe,” said CHI St. Alexius spokesperson Mary Swanson, who confirmed that the hospital has since reviewed its emergency protocols.
The case serves as a reminder of how mental health crises and public safety often intersect. Bismarck officials continue to encourage residents to seek help through community resources rather than resorting to threats or violence.
Local programs such as the Burleigh County Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) and FirstLink’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline are among the resources available to residents facing distress.
