St. Maries doctor bitten in robbery attempt

Travis J. Harpole is facing a series of criminal charges following the alleged assault and attempted robbery of a doctor Thursday afternoon at St. Maries Family Medicine.

Harpole, 45, is charged with aggravated battery, attempted robbery with a firearms enhancement and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after the reported attack of Dr. Terry Davenport, who thwarted the robbery.

After entering St. Maries Family Medicine seeking consultation around 3 p.m., Davenport agreed to see Harpole, who soon brandished a loaded .40-caliber handgun and threatened the doctor, demanding prescription drugs.

According to reports, Davenport then stepped around Harpole and reached over his shoulder and grabbed his hand as he was the clearing the pistol from his waistband.

Harpole then reportedly bit Davenport, resulting in severe tissue damage and laceration. When a nurse entered the room and saw the altercation, she called 911.

Harpole appeared before a judge Friday and could face up to 40 years in prison if convicted of all three charges.

Davenport was back at work Friday, according to St. Maries Family Medicine.