Evansville man accused of hitting public safety officer multiple times in ER
Evansville IN Jan 17 2019
An Evansville man is accused of hitting a public safety officer multiple times in the Emergency Room at St. Vincent Hospital.
The incident happened on Tuesday around 4:00 a.m.
Evansville Police say 28-year-old Justin Brunner was in the ER for a crisis intervention assessment.
While Brunner was waiting to talk with a mental health professional, police say he tried to leave several times.
Due to his mental state, the hospital staff would not allow him to leave until he was evaluated.
According to police, the hospital staff asked an off-duty officer to sit with Brunner while he waited for his evaluation.
While the officer was in the room with Brunner, he said Brunner tried to leave again. The officer said he tried to keep him from leaving and a struggle ensued.
During the struggle, EPD say the officer fell and hit his face on the ground. They say Brunner got on top of him and hit him in the head and face multiple times.
Police say he left the room and began running through the ER.
The officer suffered a broken nose and other facial injuries but chased the suspect and caught him.
Police say Brunner continued to violently fight with the officer.
Several hospital staff members helped the officer gain control of Brunner, including St. Vincent’s security officers.
EPD says Brunner hit a nurse in the face while continuing to fight but was eventually tased by security officers.
The officer was hospitalized for his injuries.
Brunner was arrested and taken to the Vanderburgh County Jail. He’s being held without bond on felony battery charges.
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