Long Island man assaults hospital staff, resulting in one person on life support.
A 28-year-old man from Freeport, Long Island, has been indicted on multiple assault charges following a violent altercation at Mercy Hospital in Rockville Centre in October. Eduard Lopez faces serious accusations after allegedly attacking two security personnel who were attempting to assist him with medication administration, resulting in grave injuries to one of the guards, now placed on life support.
According to Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly, Lopez has been charged with three counts of felony assault and two counts of misdemeanor assault. Court documents reveal that he pleaded not guilty to these charges during a court appearance on Wednesday. He is currently detained on a bond set at 0,000.
The events unfolded in the early hours of October 16 when Lopez reportedly became agitated while receiving treatment at the hospital. Medical staff attempted to administer a sedative to help manage his behavior, which provoked an aggressive response from Lopez. During this confrontation, he allegedly attacked the security personnel, inflicting severe injuries on both individuals involved.
One of the guards sustained substantial injuries to his face and body, while the other, a 62-year-old retired New York City correction officer identified as Gardy Coriolan, suffered critical injuries. Coriolan entered cardiac arrest shortly after being assaulted and collapsed while heading towards the nursing station. Despite immediate medical intervention and transport to the hospital’s intensive care unit, he remains unresponsive, nearly two months post-incident, and is reliant on life support systems.
District Attorney Donnelly emphasized the severity of Lopez’s actions, noting that he violently resisted help from medical personnel and charged at the security staff, resulting in significant harm. Coriolan’s family has expressed devastation over the incident, with his wife describing his lifelong dedication to law enforcement and community service.
Lopez is scheduled to return to court on January 9, 2024. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of seven years in prison, reflecting the seriousness of the charges leveled against him. The case draws attention to the risks faced by healthcare and security staff in volatile situations within hospital settings, underscoring the urgent need for safety protocols and protective measures in healthcare environments.
This incident continues to evolve as the community awaits further developments in the judicial process. The health status of the injured officer remains a focal point for local media and advocates for enhanced protections for those who work in challenging circumstances.
