Tewksbury State Hospital Patient Facing Assault/Lewd Conduct Charges

LOWELL - A patient at Tewksbury State Hospital is facing charges of assault and lewd contact after he punched one man several times in the nose and exposed himself to a female patient who was so traumatized she couldn't move or speak.

In Lowell District Court, Robert Arnsenault, 27, who lists his address at Tewksbury State Hospital, is facing charges of assault and battery on a disabled person and open and gross/ lewd and lascivious behavior. His next court date is April 7 for a status update.

Tewksbury police allege that in a July 31, 2015 incident, Arsenault, who is mentally ill, entered the "comfort room '' at the hospital where the 55-year-old female victim was sitting coloring in a coloring book. Arsenault began to make lewd and sexually suggestive comments to the woman, then pulled his pants down and exposed himself, according to court documents.

The victim could not speak, yell or move, police report. Arsenault then asked the victim if he was "impressive.'' He allegedly began doing a "booty dance,'' police said.

The victim was eventually able to escape and tell a staff member. The victim, who suffers from mental illness, remained in her room for the next four to five days. As a result, Arsenault was removed from the unit.

In a Jan. 22, 2012 incident, Arsenault is accused of punching a 57-year-old male patient in the face. The victim suffered a large lump on his nose due to the alleged assault, police said.