Homeless man attacks two healthcare workers at Mobile Infirmary, police say

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - A homeless man is facing multiple charges after police said he assaulted two healthcare workers at Mobile Infirmary.

Investigators said 36-year-old Charles Duke tried to leave the hospital when he was stopped by medical staff. That’s when he threw an object at the workers and then spit on them.

Incidents like this have become all too common, leaving healthcare workers fearful for their safety. Statistics from the American Nurses Assocation show 1/4 healthcare workers will experience assault while on the job.

National Nurses United reported 80% of healthcare workers have experienced assault from patients in the last year.

Under Alabama law, assaulting a healthcare worker can lead to felony charges if the worker is engaged in their duties at the time of the attack. In order to face these charges, intent has to be proven.

Violence against medical staff continues to rise, leaving many calling for stronger protections and stricter penalties, like Abby Horton, president of the Alabama State Nurses Association.

“Violence against nurses and other healthcare workers has become an increasing problem,” Horton said.

Casey Martin is a patient care tech in an ICU in Huntsville and said he was assaulted by a patient.

“The patient just got a rapid onset of confusion, kicked me several times, pulled the other nurse’s hair, punched the other nurse,” Martin said. “At the end of the day I don’t want to hurt anybody, but at the same time I’ve got to watch out for myself.”

Martin said now is the time to update Alabama law so workers on the front line can be more protected.

“It’s just about voicing our opinions and saying you know I stand up for this and it’s not okay,” he said. “I want something done about it.”

According to jail records, Duke spent most of last year locked up in Metro Jail. He just got out after serving a sentence for resisting arrest.

His bond hearing is scheduled for March 21.