Assault charges laid after hospital incident

A man is facing charges for allegedly assaulting a hospital security guard, a police officer and a patient after an incident at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH).

Police responded to a Code White (aggression) incident at KGH on Sunday, July 2 after a patient assaulted another patient.

“A Kelowna General Hospital security guard responded and was able to stop the assault, however sustained minor injury to his face from a small metal object used by the same suspect,” Const. Mike Della-Paolera stated.

Officers arrested the suspect, a 42-year-old Kelowna man, and transported him to RCMP cells.

“During the male’s booking, and once his handcuffs were removed, he punched one of the arresting officers in the face,” Della-Paolera said. “The male suspect was arrested a second time for assaulting a peace officer and was secured in cells pending a court appearance.”

Interior Health said they would not provide additional details about the incident, but said they take any incidents of aggression seriously and recognize they impact all patients and staff who are involved, or witness them.

The suspect has been remanded in custody and will next appear in court on July 10 for two counts of assault with a weapon and one count of assaulting a peace officer.

“The RCMP would like to thank and commend the personnel and security staff for their quick response that likely prevented further injuries,“ Della-Paolera added.