Evansville Police arrested 28 year old Justin Brunner on several charges after he assaulted an officer in the Emergency Room at St. Vincent’s Hospital. The incident happened around 4:00 Tuesday.Â
Brunner was at the hospital for a crisis intervention assessment. While waiting to speak with a mental health professional, Brunner made several attempts to leave. Due to his mental state, he was not permitted to leave without being evaluated. Hospital staff requested the Evansville Police Officer who was working off duty at the E.R. sit with him while he waited to be evaluated.Â
EPD Detective Aaron McCormick, who was full uniform, was in an exam room with Brunner when Brunner tried to leave again. McCormick tried to prevent Brunner from leaving and there was a struggle. During the struggle, Detective McCormick fell and struck his face on the ground. Brunner then got on top of Detective McCormick and struck him in the head and face multiple times.Â
Brunner then left the room and began running through the Emergency Room. Despite having suffered a broken nose and other facial injuries, Detective McCormick was able to chase Brunner and catch him. Brunner continued to violently fight with Detective McCormick.Â
Several hospital staff members had to help Detective McCormick gain control of Brunner, including St. Vincent’s security officers. Brunner struck an ER nurse in the face as he continued to fight. The security officers uses a TASER on Brunner to get him under control.
Detective McCormick was hospitalized for the injuries he received during the incident.Â
Brunner was arrested for Battery with Injury on Public Safety Level 5 Felony, Battery on Public Safety Level 6 Felony, and Resisting Law Enforcement Level 6 Felony.
