Hospital Security Officer Murdered
WYOMING, Minn. A security officer on duty at a Minnesota medical center has been murdered.
Police said that the security officer, identified as Andrea Merrell, 43, of North Branch, Minnesota, was hospitalized after a violent assault and has since passed away.
The Wyoming Police Department announced that on Saturday, Dec. 27, that the hospital security officer died from severe injuries sustained on Christmas day.
The suspect, Jonathan Winch, 35, of Chisago City, is in custody at the Chisago County Jail, authorities say.
Law enforcement authorities have not yet released details on what criminal charges Winch is facing.
Friends and family said that she was a positive light for a lot of people, and that light for all of those people is a lot dimmer now.
The Wyoming Police Department stated that its officers responded to a report of a man who had fled from the emergency department at M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center after being placed on a hold at about 5:23 p.m. on Christmas day.
When security attempted to detain Winch he violently resisted and assaulted Merrell.
Winch also assaulted and resisted police when they attempted to arrest him.
M Health Fairview shared the following statement regarding Merrell’s death:
“We are heartbroken to confirm that our colleague, Andrea Merrell, has died as a result of injuries sustained when she was attacked while responding to a patient elopement at the parking lot of M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center.
“Andrea was a valued member of our security team. Our hearts are with her loved ones and coworkers during this incredibly difficult time. We are focused on supporting our teams and ensuring they have the resources they need.
“We continue to work with law enforcement as they investigate. Questions regarding the investigation should be directed to the Wyoming Police Department.”
