Doctor Knocked Unconscious By Combative Patient: Police

EAST MEADOW, NY – A 56-year-old man was arrested after he knocked a doctor unconscious, punched a public safety officer and then lit his hospital bed on fire Saturday, Nassau Police said.

According to police, Joseph Hores, of Freeport, was being treated at Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow when Hores became combative with hospital staff after they refused to give him the treatment he was demanding.

While lying in his bed, Hores kicked his treating physician, a 54-year-old man in the face, which rendered the doctor unconscious, police said.

Hospital public safety officers intervened and Hores punched a 44-year-old male officer in the face, police said.

Hores was then restrained with soft restraints, but while in his bed, he was able to access a cigarette lighter from his pocket and lit his bed sheets on fire. police said. The fire was quickly extinguished by hospital staff.

The doctor was treated for a concussion and the officer was treated for a contusion. Hores was arrested and charged with two counts of second degree assault, fifth degree arson and fourth degree criminal mischief.

NCPD photo