Assault charges against a 46-year-old Pevely woman are expected after she allegedly punched an emergency room nurse early Sunday (Jan. 8) at Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Crystal City.
The Pevely woman was being treated at the hospital after she reportedly was assaulted at a party the night before at Goose Creek Lake in French Village. She had been transported to Mercy by the St. Francois County Ambulance District.
“As she was being treated, all of the sudden she doubled up her fist and punched the nurse in the stomach,” said Capt. Mike Pruneau of the Crystal City Police Department. The nurse, a 55-year-old Crystal City woman, suffered superficial injuries and did not require treatment, Pruneau said. He said the Pevely woman appeared to be under the influence.
“This is like the third time we’ve been called down there in a month,” Pruneau said. “These people have to understand they can’t go in there and assault nurses and doctors or the security guards. They have a zero-tolerance policy (at the hospital) and there are going to be consequences.
“They have to be able to behave themselves.”
John Winkelman, community relations manager, said Mercy takes safety seriously and trains its security people regularly.
“Our security officers do drills all the time, not just for this, but all possible scenarios,” he said. “I think this (incident) represents a national trend of people in emergency rooms being more violent or aggressive.
“The safety of our patients and coworkers is an ultimate concern for us. We’re grateful for the assistance of Crystal City Police and other law enforcement agencies that respond.”
Pruneau said charges likely will be sought in the city’s municipal court.