CORNWALL, Ontario – A city nurse has suffered serious injuries and a man is now behind bars after a vicious assault at the Cornwall Community Hospital.
Police said on Saturday while the man was at the hospital he became embroiled in an altercation with a male nurse.
The incident escalated to the point where the nurse was struck several times with a metal bar, while the man threatened to kill him.
Jason Lauzon, 35, of Cornwall was arrested and charged with attempt murder, assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon, threats, mischief and breach of probation for failing to keep the peace.
He was held for a bail hearing.
The injuries to the nurse are not considered life-threatening.
Police Const. Dan Cloutier was unavailable to answer further questions concerning the attack.
Hospital officials, who have had to grapple with an increase in the number of acts of violence at the facility in recent weeks, said they are dealing with the issues.
“Unfortunately abuse, both verbal and physical, toward staff is occurring all too often in our emergency department,” said Jeanette Despatie, hospital CEO. “We have tried many preventative measures…but our recent experience is concerning.
“It is unfortunate that we are in a position where we need to spend precious healthcare dollars on security in order to protect our staff from incurring injuries from the people who they are trying to help. We continue to work closely with the local police to ensure our staff members are coming to work in a controlled, non-hostile environment.”
POLICE BUSY
Police were busy all weekend it seems. In unrelated incidents a pair of individuals have been charged with assaulting the cops.
Sage Wollinger, 19 of Cornwall was arrested Saturday and charged with assault police, assault with a weapon and threats.
It is alleged police were contacted to attend a York Street address for a disturbance call. Once on-scene police met with a woman who threw a toaster at them and threatened to kill them. The woman was taken into custody after a brief struggle and charged accordingly.
In another incident
A 62-year-old a Point Claire, Que. man was arrested Sunday and charged with assault and assault police. It is alleged during an argument with his 37-year-old wife a man pulled her hair and struck her behind the head with his hand, he then kicked the woman in the leg.
Police were contacted and an investigation ensued. During their investigation the man was taken into custody after a brief struggle with police and charged accordingly. He was transported to police headquarters and held for a bail hearing. His name was not released as it might identify the victim in the matter.
