CPD: Man charged with aggravated battery after Provident Hospital attack

CHICAGO (WGN) — A man was charged Tuesday after he was identified as the person who stabbed one Provident Hospital staff member and injured another just 24 hours earlier.

According to the Chicago Police Department, 36-year-old Nathaniel Price was charged with two felony counts of aggravated battery and use of a deadly weapon Tuesday.

CPD said he was arrested in the 500 block of East 51st Street around 1:15 p.m. Monday after he was identified as the man who, less than 30 minutes earlier, stabbed and injured a 56-year-old man, then injured a 32-year-old man.

Price is scheduled for a detention hearing Wednesday.

On Monday, two emergency department workers at Provident Hospital of Cook County—found at 500 East 51st Street—were injured by a patient, according to a statement from a hospital spokesperson.

Chicago police said the suspect approached a 56-year-old staff member and pulled out a “sharp object” and stabbed the man in the chest area. Another staff member was also injured in the incident. The hospital went on lockdown for several hours before operations went back to normal.

Both staff members were listed in stable condition Monday, with one being taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center. Both were later released, according to a statement from Dr. Eric Mikaitis, the CEO of Cook County Health.

“I am grateful to share that the two Provident Hospital team members injured yesterday were treated and released. This situation had the potential to be tragic, and it is thanks to the quick and decisive actions of our staff that further harm was prevented.

“The safety and well-being of our staff, patients, and visitors remain our top priority. We are working closely with CPD as they continue their investigation and are reviewing all aspects of this incident to ensure that we continue to provide a secure environment for everyone in our facilities. We are also providing additional security and resources to support our team at Provident.

“Incidents like this are deeply unsettling and are sadly indicative of increasing violence against health care professionals. It is imperative that we recognize the strain this puts on our health care delivery system and the dedicated professionals who have devoted their careers to caring for others.

I want to extend my deepest appreciation to our entire Provident Hospital team for their unwavering commitment to the health and safety of our community.” – Dr. Eric Mikaitis