An HCA Healthcare nurse was blitz-attacked with a tire iron at about 3 a.m. on July 6 in the hospital's parking lot, and Florida police charged a 27-year-old man with attempted murder two hours later.
A nurse was taking a break in the parking lot of HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital in Fort Walton Beach when a stranger hit her five to six times with a tire iron, according to an arrest report from the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office. The assailant fled after she fought back and screamed for help. The attack left severe lacerations and swelling, and eight surgical staples were required.
Police arrested Raul Milla Jr. after finding him on a bike with a bloody tire iron in the bicycle's basket and fresh blood on his shirt, according to the arrest report. Mr. Milla is charged with unpremeditated attempted murder.
"We are thankful that our colleague is recovering from this unspeakable act and we are providing support to her during this time," a spokesperson for Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare told Becker's. "The health and safety … of our patients, colleagues and visitors remains our highest priority, and we have robust security measures in place throughout our hospital campus. When made aware of the incident outside of our hospital, we notified law enforcement and we're assisting with their investigation. HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital will continue assisting fully with local law enforcement and we are very thankful for the efforts of the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office that led to the quick arrest of the suspect."