Patient dies after altercation with security at D.C. hospital, family releases statement
WASHINGTON (WJLA) — A male patient at a Washington hospital died after an altercation with two security guards.
Officials say the patient died Thursday at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, and that the incident occurred near the hospital's main entrance. The security officers involved have been placed on administrative leave.
In a statement the hospital said the patient suffered a critical injury during an altercation with two security guards, and that the Metropolitan Police Department has opened an investigation into the incident.
Hospital officials will not say why, or how long the patient was originally in the hospital.
Tuesday the man left the hospital without being officially discharged and walked to the entrance of National Rehabilitation Hospital, across the street from MedStar. He was still in his hospital gown and was escorted back to the hospital by a nurse and a security member of the rehab hospital. That is when an altercation occurred outside the hospital doors. Officials will not elaborate on what happened, but the man needed immediate care and was taken to the emergency room, then the ICU. He then died two days later.
The Medical Examiner is performing an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
On Tuesday, Oct. 6 MedStar Washington Hospital Center released a statement on behalf of the patient's family saying:
"Out of deep respect for their relative, our patient's family has asked that we share some important details about him with the community. The patient was 74 years old, a loving husband to his wife of 40 years, and a wonderful father to his son and daughter. The family is deeply saddened by his loss and they will miss him. They continue to ask for privacy, as they cope with their grief at this difficult time."
