Florida Hospital Patient Charged in Brutal Nurse Assault

A Florida nurse is in critical condition after being violently attacked by a patient, Stephen Scantlebury, at HCA Florida Palms West Hospital. The incident occurred when Scantlebury, who was under the Baker Act for a mental health crisis, jumped from his bed and repeatedly punched the nurse in the face, resulting in severe facial injuries. Witnesses reported that Scantlebury exhibited paranoid behavior leading up to the attack. Following the assault, he fled the scene but was apprehended by deputies after running into traffic. The nurse is likely to lose the use of both eyes due to 'essentially every bone in her face' being broken. Scantlebury has been charged with attempted second-degree murder, and prosecutors are considering a hate crime enhancement.