NEW CASTLE, Del. – A male patient at Christiana Hospital has been arrested for allegedly stealing an SUV and then running over a security officer.
The suspect, Larry Kelley, 36, had been involved in a hit-and-run crash and was taken to the emergency room for treatment on the morning of Saturday, June 8, reports Fox 29.
According to investigators, Kelley became increasingly aggressive during his examination and fought with staff. He then fled the hospital, reports NBC Philadelphia. Several Christiana Hospital constables attempted to stop him, but Kelley got into an unoccupied, unlocked SUV sitting in front of the emergency department entrance. He then hit an officer with the vehicle and ran over the officer as he drove out of the parking lot.
The security officer sustained serious injuries and received treatment.
Delaware State Troopers and the Newport Police Department eventually found the stolen SUV about seven miles away from Christiana Hospital. They conducted a search of the area and found Kelley as he tried to enter a house. He was arrested without incident and taken back to the hospital. After being cleared by medical staff, he was taken to a local barracks for booking.
Kelley has been charged with second-degree assault, motor vehicle theft, theft under $1,500, resisting arrest, criminal trespass, driving without a valid license, and other traffic violations, according to a report from the Delaware State Police. He is being held on $11,500 cash bond.
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