On January 1, 2013, at 5pm, Russell RCMP were informed of a violent patient at the Russell Health Centre. RCMP responded within minutes and found a 43-year-old Waywayseecappo man threatening hospital staff and patients.
It has since been determined that the man attended the hospital seeking medical treatment for unspecified injuries sustained in an early morning snowmobile crash. A doctor and at least two nurses were in the midst of treating the man when he became violent, assaulted them and proceeded to leave the room. The man then assaulted a young girl and chased another child in the hospital. He continued uttering threats towards other patients, some of whom were elderly.
Police say that the man remained extremely violent with an RCMP member on scene, resulting in the deployment of a Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW) to bring him under control. He did not receive any serious injuries stemming from the use of the CEW.
The quick thinking and actions of the hospital staff are credited with preventing serious injury to the children, visitors, and other patients.
RCMP report that motive for the assaults remains to be ascertained, however, substance abuse is considered a contributing factor. Numerous charges are pending and the suspect is currently in police custody.
