An M Health Fairview security guard has died from her injuries sustained in an assault by an emergency room patient on a police hold on Christmas Day in the city of Wyoming, Minn. The suspect was taken into custody in the parking lot after resisting arrest.
Andrea Merrell, age 43, of North Branch, Minn., was hospitalized following the assault, but succumbed to her injuries, according to a statement on Saturday by the Wyoming Police Department.
A prior statement by Wyoming PD hours after the incident on Thursday stated that at approximately 5:23 p.m., Wyoming PD officers were dispatched to a report of a patient who had run from the emergency department after being placed on a hold. Upon arrival, the Wyoming officer encountered a 35-year-old male suspect in the parking lot of the medical center. The suspect was non-compliant and physically resisted the officer during a prolonged engagement before being detained. No deadly force was used during the incident, police said
The statement said that Merrell, who was still unnamed at that time, had been transported to Regions Hospital in St. Paul for treatment. Wyoming PD said the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension will be assisting with the investigation.
Wyoming PD identified the suspect on Saturday as Jonathan Winch, 35, of Chisago City, and said he is currently being held at the Chisago County Jail. Probable cause charges listed currently show Winch is being held on first-degree assault and obstruction of the legal process, but charges will likely be upgraded in light of Merrell’s death.
Few details have been released on what led up to the assault, nor any details about the injuries Merrell sustained.
M Health Fairview posted on Facebook confirming Merrell’s death and said, “We are heartbroken to confirm that our colleague, Andrea Merrell, has died as a result of injuries sustained when she was attacked while responding to a patient elopement at the parking lot of M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center. Andrea was a valued member of our security team. Our hearts are with her loved ones and coworkers during this incredibly difficult time. We are focused on supporting our teams and ensuring they have the resources they need.” M Health Fairview said it will continue to work with law enforcement on the investigation.
The Invisible Wounds Project posted on Facebook saying, “Our hearts are broken by the death of M Health Fairview Security Officer Andrea Merrell, who succumbed to injuries sustained during an assault on Christmas Day. This profound loss has deeply impacted, and will continue to impact our frontline medical community.”
The Invisible Wounds Project invited the community affected by the tragedy to visit its Forest Lake location on Tuesday and Wednesday next week between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., as well as Wednesday morning for a Coffee and Conversations gathering from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
“We know this has been, and will remain, an incredibly difficult time for many. We want our frontline medical community and everyone who may be impacted to know that you are not alone, there is a safe place to go, support to lean on, and hope,” Invisible Wounds Project said.
The White Bear Lake Police Department said in a Facebook post that Merrell previously served on the White Bear Lake Fire Department and was also a Police Reserve Officer. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family, friends, and all who have served with her,” the post said.
Alpha News will continue to follow for updates and charges in the case.
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Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
Crime Watch MN
Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
