A former patient stabbed a nurse Friday at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg in Bethlehem, Pa., according to The Morning Call.
Authorities say the former patient, 19-year-old Joshua Rafael Santos, entered the hospital's emergency department shortly after 9 p.m. He remained in the ED waiting area until he followed a housekeeping employee into a restricted area of the hospital, according to the report.
A nurse saw Mr. Santos walking through the halls of the ED and asked if he needed assistance. Mr. Santos responded "no" and continued to the end of the hall where police say he approached nurse Leo Bermudez from behind and stabbed him in the neck.
Mr. Santos fled the scene of the attack but was apprehended by police a short time later. Authorities say the weapon used in the attack — a 5 ½ inch blade — was found when Mr. Santos was arrested. Mr. Santos is charged with attempted homicide and aggravated and simple assault. He is being help on $100,000 bail at the Lehigh County Jail, according to the report.
The nurse, who required emergency trauma surgery after the attack, treated Mr. Santos for an undisclosed condition in June.
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