ER Worker Recovering After Emergency Room Stabbing

Published 6:57 a.m. April 3rd, 2024

Updated 9:43 a.m. April 3rd, 2024

(KNSI) — Police are investigating after a hospital employee was stabbed and seriously injured by a patient Monday.

It happened at CentraCare Rice Hospital in Willmar. According to authorities, a 31-year-old man was in the emergency room for a mental health issue at about 11:30 a.m., and police were called when he became combative with hospital staff. He is then accused of pulling a knife and stabbing the staffer.

They managed to escape, and the suspect, who was also hurt, was subdued by EMS, hospital security and other ER workers.

Conditions for both were not released.

The suspect was jailed and is awaiting charges for first and second degree assault. They are already on probation for a different assault case.

CentraCare issued a statement to KNSI News that reads:

“At CentraCare, the safety and health of our employees, patients and visitors are our top priorities. We are saddened by the situation that unfolded Monday in the emergency room at CentraCare – Rice Memorial Hospital. Events like this are happening far too frequently at health care facilities around the country, and we are not immune. Our thoughts are with the employee who is recovering from their injuries as well as the staff who suffered emotional distress as a result of this incident. We are providing support teams for all involved and we will continually strive to create even safer environments for our patients, their families and all employees at CentraCare.”

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