Patient Bit Nurse's Fingers, Indicted on Felony Charges
Mary Elvira Hernandez, a 60-year-old woman from Temple, Texas, was indicted Wednesday by a Bell County grand jury for allegedly assaulting a nurse at Baylor Scott & White Hospital. According to the Bell County District Attorney's office, Hernandez bit a nurse who was attempting to treat her, which led to charges of assault of a public servant, a third-degree felony. If convicted, Hernandez faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
About The Case
According to police reports, Hernandez was admitted to the emergency room at Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Temple on Tuesday evening for an undisclosed medical issue. During treatment, Hernandez allegedly became combative and bit a nurse's fingers. Hospital security detained Hernandez until police arrived. The nurse was treated for minor injuries and returned to work.
According to the reports, Hendandez “started to swing her arms and scratched a nurse on the arm and then bit the fingers causing pain," the victimized nurse reported.
The Legal Process
Hernandez appeared before the grand jury. The grand jury reviewed evidence and witness testimony before indicting her on a charge of assault of a public servant.
Hernandez remains in the Bell County Jail on $30,000 bond as she awaits trial. The date for her arraignment and trial has not yet been set. She does not appear to have legal representation at this time.
If convicted of assaulting a public servant, a third-degree felony, Hernandez faces a prison sentence of 2 to 10 years and a fine of up to $10,000. The judge and jury will consider Hernandez's criminal history and the severity of the nurse's injuries when determining her sentence. The trial is expected to take place later this year at the Bell County Courthouse.
