Patient Arrested For Attack, Sexual Assault On Metro Nurse

A hospital patient is accused of choking and sexually assaulting a nurse treating him at Integris Baptist Medical Center.

Police report it took hospital security and several officers to restrain the man.

Hospital officials said the nurse had minor injuries and was very shaken from the experience. She is expected to return to work soon.

Michael Morrow, 36, was brought to Integris from another medical facility on Friday. The nurse assigned to Morrow went to his room to check on him.

Police said that’s when Morrow got off his bed, lunged at the female nurse, pushed her against the wall and put both of his hands around her neck.

“He had apparently been in a room and receiving treatment when he began choking one of the nurses,” said Msgt. Gary Knight, Oklahoma City Police Department. “At some point during the assault, he actually sexually assaulted her as well.”

The police report stated the nurse had blood coming out of her mouth and was unable to free herself from Morrow's grip. 

“It wasn’t until another employee walked in and saw what was happening,” said Knight. “They could get aid to her to get the guy off of her.”

Hospital officials said a security guard responded and was able to rescue the nurse and handcuff Morrow.

“When officers were called there to the disturbance,” said Knight. “They got there where security was actually holding the suspect down.”

Police said it took several officers and a hospital security guard to put Morrow on a bed and restrain him. Police said once the suspect was restrained he would not speak or answer questions, but continued to struggle to free himself.

Morrow is in the Oklahoma County Jail on one complaint of assault and battery of an emergency medical care provider and sexual battery. His bond is set at $18,000.  

The hospital released the following statement:

Hospitals are places where employees dedicate their professional lives to caring for others. In this incident, the patient tried to attack the nurse who was caring for him. Fortunately, a doctor and fellow nurse working nearby heard the commotion and quickly intervened. Our on-site security responded immediately and subdued the patient until law enforcement could arrive. Once medically cleared, the patient was released into police custody. Our nurse sustained minor injuries and is understandably shaken. We are providing her with the medical and emotional support she needs.