WAYNE, Neb. — A Nebraska man was convicted on three felony charges after prosecutors said he assaulted healthcare workers while receiving treatment in a hospital emergency department, the Norfolk Daily News reported.
Kenneth Ryden, 36, pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree assault and two counts of attempted third-degree assault. He could face up to seven years in prison. District Judge Michael Long set sentencing for Oct. 14.
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The charges stem from an incident on March 11 at Providence Medical Center. At about 11:20 p.m., Wayne police responded after hospital staff reported that a patient had become violent with members of the ambulance crew, according to Wayne County Attorney Amy Miller.
Earlier that evening, Ryden had been discovered partially clothed in a ditch in Dixon County. He told authorities he had been involved in a vehicle crash, but investigators were unable to locate a vehicle.
An ambulance transported Ryden to the emergency department, where first responders told police his blood alcohol level was high enough to be considered life-threatening. Ryden was reportedly verbally abusive and physically combative throughout his medical care.
According to investigators, Ryden became violent while in the CT scanning area. He allegedly struck a paramedic in the face twice, and attempted to punch a radiologic technologist, but another first responder intervened before the blow landed. Authorities said Ryden additionally forced his hand into a female paramedic’s mouth, causing her pain.
Police said Ryden continued to resist after officers arrived and had to be restrained to prevent further assaults. An arrest affidavit states he repeatedly demanded pain medication while refusing other medical assessments and treatment offered by hospital staff.
