Long Island Man Arrested For Threatening Hospital Security Guard After Being Told To Leave
Long Island NY March 25 2020
A Long Island man was arrested after allegedly threatening a security officer at a hospital after being asked to leave because of COVID-19 restrictions.
Nassau County resident Paul Simmons, 58, of Lakeview, was arrested around 10:40 p.m., Saturday, March 21, outside of Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, said the Nassau County Police.
According to detectives, Simmons entered the center, located at 2201 Hempstead Turnpike, through an employee entrance with his girlfriend to help her seek treatment for a minor injury.
While in the waiting room, Simmons was approached by a security guard and was advised that only patients are allowed in the hospital and no visitors are permitted due to the COVID-19 outbreak, police said.
Simmons became irate and threatened the security guard while displaying a taser and waving it in his direction. The security guard, 53, feared for his safety and called police.
Upon police arrival, Simmons was located outside the building a short distance away and was placed into custody without further incident. No other injuries were reported.
Simmons was charged with menacing and criminal possession of a weapon.
