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Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

Taser used on violent patient at Russell Health Centre

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 01/2/2013 7:27 PM

The RCMP had to use a Taser to subdue a patient who had become violent at the Russell Health Centre on Tuesday.

At about 5 p.m., police were called to the health centre after a 43-year-old male patient had threatened other patients and staff, the RCMP said Wednesday in a release.

The man was receiving treatment from a doctor and at least two nurses for injuries sustained in a morning snowmobile crash, but he became violent and assaulted them, police said.

He also assaulted a young girl, chased a young boy down the hallway and threatened other patients, the release said.

His violence continued when the RCMP arrived, resulting in an officer using a conducted energy weapon, more commonly known by its trade name, a Taser. The man was subdued but not injured by the weapon, the RCMP said.

Substance abuse is considered a contributing factor in the assaults, police said.

Charges are pending against a 43-year-old man from Waywayseecappo. He is in police custody.