Fall River Man Who Attempted to Assault Hospital Nurse Sentenced to Prison

Bristol County District Attorney’s Office

Thomas M. Quinn III

District Attorney

Press Release

February 29, 2016

A 34-year-old Fall River man with an extensive criminal history who attempted to assault a nurse at Saint Anne’s Hospital was sentenced to serve two to three years in state prison last Friday.

Eric J. Duarte, of 46 Buffinton Street pleaded guilty in Fall River Superior Court to a single count of assault with a dangerous weapon. Judge Gregg Pasquale issued sentencing, and the case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kyle McPherson.

On December 14, 2014 Fall River Police were called to Saint Anne’s Hospital in regards to a man who was out of control, verbally abusing hospital staff and threatening to fight security officials.

A nurse who was explaining Duarte’s medical options to him told police that he began pacing aggressively, screaming and yelling. The nurse then explained to Mr. Duarte that she was going to approach him and remove his intravenous line, but as she moved towards him, Mr. Duarte ripped it out himself and threw it at the nurse. As blood squirted onto the floor, Mr. Duarte continued his tirade. A responding officer also observed Mr. Duarte throwing items around the hospital room.

“Medical personnel at our local hospitals work very hard to treat people and save lives on a daily basis. They should nto be subjected to this type of behavior,” District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III said. “This prison sentence was appropriate given the facts and circumstances of the case, in addition to his long criminal rap sheet.”

Contact:

Gregg Miliote

Director of Communications

508-997-0711

774-292-9576—cell