Man arrested for alleged assault at MultiCare Emergency Department

A man was arrested after a violent outburst on Feb. 7 at MultiCare Emergency Department, located at 4312 Pacific Ave. SE, according to the Lacey Police Department (LPD). 

Officers responded to a call at 9:35 a.m. regarding disorderly conduct involving a patient, identified as Brian Christopher Phillips. He reportedly tore a metal bar from an X-ray machine and threw it at medical staff.  

The suspect was known to both authorities and medical staff in the hospital for his aggressive behaviour. 

A nurse involved in the incident told officers that the 31-year old suspect became noncompliant during an X-ray for a shoulder injury.  

He allegedly removed a 10-pound metal support bar and threw it in the direction of staff, narrowly missing one nurse.  

The nurse expressed fear from this incident stating, “she was scared for not only her safety but the safety of her co-workers and wanted to pursue charges.” 

Phillips, who had been medically cleared, was arrested in his hospital room. He was transported to Thurston County Jail and booked for third-degree assault.