Patient Attacked By Roommate at Pennsylvania Hospital

BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP, Pa. – An 84-year-old man was attacked by another patient at The Medical Center, Beaver with a wooden chair on July 16. The attack left the man with a broken nose, a broken jaw, a broken eye socket and numerous injuries, according to Times Online.

Joseph Frank was attacked by his 48-year-old hospital roommate Patrick Brown. Around 11 p.m., a clinical technician noticed that their door was slightly ajar. When she approached the room, she noticed a wheelchair blocked the entrance. When Brown was asked to move the chair, he refused.

When officials were able to get inside the room, they discovered Frank bleeding on his bed. Prior to the incident, Brown had been sedated. Brown said he attacked Frank because he thought the nurses were going to give him more drugs.

Police are unsure whether Frank was assaulted before or after officials tried to get inside the hospital room. He was flown to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh for his injuries. On July 21, he was listed in critical condition.

For his part, Brown has been charged with criminal attempt, aggravated assault, simple assault and reckless endangerment. He is being held on $25,000 bail.

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