CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. – Police have arrested a 69-year-old man in connection with an alleged assault on a security officer at Holy Spirit Hospital in Camp Hill on July 9. Michael Graham faces an aggravated assault charge for the incident.
Related Article: Half of Healthcare Workers Mull Leaving Due to Safety Concerns
Authorities say police officers were dispatched to Holy Spirit Hospital at approximately 6:52 p.m. following a report of an assault. According to the police report, the call originated from the hospital’s security department, indicating that a patient had physically attacked a security officer.
Details of the Holy Spirit Hospital Assault
Upon arrival, police found Graham restrained to his bed and sedated after reportedly engaging in violent behavior. Hospital staff told police that Graham had been admitted to the hospital the previous evening. The incident escalated shortly after dinner when Graham reportedly became argumentative with nurses after they placed a fall alarm on him as a precautionary measure.
Authorities stated that Graham removed the fall alarm and attempted to leave his room. Nurses contacted the hospital’s security team after efforts to de-escalate the situation proved unsuccessful. Two security guards arrived on the scene and attempted to return Graham to his room.
According to police, one security officer initially convinced Graham to re-enter his room, but Graham began arguing again once inside. The second security officer tried directing Graham to his bed, but Graham allegedly adopted an aggressive stance. When the guard attempted to guide him physically, Graham reportedly struck him in the jaw.
Related Article: Are Campus Public Safety Wages Keeping Up with Inflation? Take Our Survey
Medical staff evaluated the injured security officer, finding he had sustained a swollen jaw. He also was experiencing neck pain. The full extent of his injuries are not clear.
Graham remains in custody and is charged with aggravated assault, according to authorities.