Frank Donnelly
Staten Island Advance, N.Y.
NEW YORK — Two first responders were attacked Easter Sunday morning by a patient who battered them inside Richmond University Medical Center’s emergency room, allege prosecutors.
William Wood, 23, of Crystal Avenue, Port Richmond Center, assaulted two female emergency medical technicians in the West Brighton hospital at about 5:05 a.m., a criminal complaint said.
The defendant struck one victim with his fist and forearm, said the complaint.
Wood punched the second victim multiple times in the face, the complaint said.
Both victims were knocked to the ground.
One EMT suffered “substantial pain to her head,” the complaint said.
The other victim suffered “substantial pain” to her head and arm, said the complaint.
Wood was arrested and charged with two counts each of felony and misdemeanor assault.
He’s also accused of two lesser counts of harassment.
“Obviously, we’re now investigating the matter,” said defense lawyer Joseph Sorrentino. “There is allegedly a video which we’ll have to review. Mr. Wood has an absolutely clean record, comes from a law-abiding family and has the utmost respect and appreciation for first responders.”
Wood was arraigned remotely Monday in Criminal Court.
Sorrentino said Judge Gerianne Abriano released Wood on his own recognizance “based on his lack of a record and his strong community ties, both residential and employment.”
His case was adjourned to July 13.
———
©2020 Staten Island Advance, N.Y.