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Patient pleads guilty to Easter attack on NY EMTs

One of the EMTs was punched multiple times in the face by the patient

Frank Donnelly
Staten Island Advance, N.Y.

NEW YORK — A patient accused of attacking two first responders last Easter Sunday morning in Richmond University Medical Center’s emergency room has pleaded guilty to a felony charge.

William Wood, 24, of Port Richmond Center, assaulted two female emergency medical technicians in the West Brighton hospital at about 5:05 a.m. on April 12, 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, it said.

Wood was indicted on felony and misdemeanor charges of assault and attempted assault.

The defendant pleaded guilty on Monday in state Supreme Court, St. George, to attempted second-degree assault to resolve the case.

In exchange, he’ll be sentenced on April 27 to five years’ probation. A full order of protection will be issued in the victims’ favor.

“William was a first-time offender,” said defense lawyer Joseph Sorrentino. “He’s a very respectful young man and has the utmost respect for first responders. He was very upset and contrite over this incident. He looks forward to satisfying the requirements of his probation and moving on with his life.”

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(c)2021 Staten Island Advance, N.Y.

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