Newport Man Angry over ER Wait Times Allegedly Punches Nurse in the Face

Newport Police charged a 55-year-old Newport man with simple assault and disorderly conduct after he allegedly punched a female nurse at Newport Hospital in the face on Wednesday afternoon.

Police said Robert Thomas Nelen, 55, of 44 Burnside Ave., Newport, walked into the emergency room at around 3:45 p.m. demanding to be seen immediately.

He reportedly was told he would be seen as soon as possible.

“Nelen was displeased with this and started yelling loudly and flailing about drawing the attention of security,” a police report stated.

A security guard responded to assist and when the guard was trying to calm him down he reportedly flailed his arm, pulling his right hand free from the security officer, striking the nurse in the face.

The nurse suffered minor injuries to her face.

By the time police arrived to the scene, Nelen was calm and had already been put into hospital clothing.

He was taken into custody without incident.

He was later released with a July 23 district court date.