A Hempstead man was arrested after allegedly injuring a hospital employee and becoming combative with police officers at Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, authorities said.
Emmanuel Okoro, 66, was charged following the July 18 incident at the hospital, located at 2201 Hempstead Turnpike, according to Nassau County police.
Third Squad detectives said officers were already at the hospital on an unrelated assignment when staff members approached them at about 6:30 p.m. and requested assistance with an uncooperative patient.
Hospital employees and officers told Okoro that he had been discharged, police said. He allegedly became aggressive and combative with the officers.
As police attempted to place him in handcuffs, Okoro allegedly swung his arm at the officers and grabbed the top of a desk in an effort to resist arrest. Officers subdued him and took him into custody.
Police said hospital staff later told officers that Okoro had become physical with an employee before their arrival. He allegedly grabbed the worker’s right wrist and twisted it.
The employee suffered substantial pain and developed a bump on his wrist that affected his mobility, according to police.
Okoro was charged with second-degree assault, a felony, and second-degree obstructing governmental administration, a misdemeanor.
Court records show Okoro pleaded not guilty during his July 19 arraignment. He was released with non-monetary conditions, and a temporary order of protection was issued.
His next appearance is scheduled for July 22 in Nassau District Court in Mineola.
Photo: NCPD
