A patient at Ira Davenport Hospital is facing multiple charges after allegedly assaulting a nurse and later attacking Troopers during processing.
State Police say Richard L. Freeland, 29, of Bath, elbowed a nurse in the nose while undergoing evaluation at the Steuben County facility on May 23. The nurse suffered physical injuries and required medical attention. Troopers responded to the hospital at 8:34 a.m. following a 911 call.
Freeland was arrested at the hospital without incident and taken to the State Police barracks in Bath for processing. Once in custody, he became combative, assaulted officers, and attempted to tamper with evidence. Investigators say Freeland tried to conceal a State Police body camera, stole agency property, and damaged handcuffs, leg shackles, and a patrol room wall.
Authorities say Freeland also spat on a Trooper and provided a false identity upon arriving at the hospital.
He was charged with assault in the second degree and tampering with physical evidence, both felonies. Additional charges include three counts of criminal mischief, two counts of petit larceny, falsifying business records, resisting arrest, obstruction of governmental administration, and two counts of harassment.
Freeland was processed and transported to the Steuben County Jail for arraignment.
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