Kory Prusaitis, a 25-year-old resident of Winterling Place in Palm Coast, was sitting in a chair at the AdventHealth emergency room waiting room in Palm Coast in early afternoon Tuesday (June 15). He was upset at hospital staff when told that his mother couldn’t come into the waiting room with him.
According to his arrest report, the 6-foot, 235-pound man then went on a small rampage, striking three people and ending up facing felony and misdemeanor battery charges. He’s being held at the Flagler County jail.
Surveillance camera footage shows Prusaitis suddenly standing up, “raising his right fist above his head and striking [J.] on the back of his head,” according to the arrest report. “The blow caused [J.] to stagger forward. He is shown turning toward [F.]. The footage did not clearly show him strike [F.]. Kory is then seen running out of the waiting room into the parking lot.”
“We have a well-staffed on-site safety and security department,” Dr. Paul Mucciolo, the medical director who oversees the ER at AdventHealth, said this morning. “We work closely with law enforcement who are prompt to respond to the needs of our patients and staff.”
It isn’t unusual for deputies, police officers and medical staff at the hospital to contend with belligerent and at times violent individuals, though more often than not, the individuals typically are in police custody and are brought to the ER for medical clearance–either because they speak of having symptoms that warrant medical attention, like chest pains, or because they have been tased, or because they are injured. At times they act up against the people caring for them and end up facing more serious charges over that. Tuesday’s case is a bit unusual because it took place in the waiting room, apparently escalating unexpectedly and much too rapidly for hospital security to intervene in time.
It’s not clear for what medical reason Prusaitis had gone to the emergency room. To one of the alleged victims, he appeared intoxicated and struck his first target inexplicably, on top of the head and with a closed fist. The second alleged victim walked up to him to try to stop him from hitting the man again–and himself got struck in much the same way. The first victim said he was talking to a staff member when he felt the blow to his head knock off his cap (he says he did not lose his balance). He then saw Prusaitis run out of the ER. He had to be treated for a bump on his head.
The third victim is a member of the AdventHealth security staff who chased after Prusaitis in the parking lot, where Prusaitis attempted to punch him, he told authorities. The security guard ducked. Prusaitis swung again, this time striking the guard with a closed first in the back of the head before the guard was able to take him down and detain him in handcuffs. The guard did not have any visible injuries and declined treatment.
Even after his arrest, Prusaitis had to be medically cleared. As he was being so cleared, he said he had “struck the old man,” and said he would “hit them all again,” according to his arrest report.
“The emergency room is a place where people go to feel better, not to be battered,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “I want to thank the bystanders that came to the first victim’s aid and commend the security guard for his efforts in successfully detaining this guy and assisting our deputies in getting him off the streets and
behind bars where he belongs.”
Prusaitis faces two counts of simple battery and one felony count of battery on a person over 65.
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Jerilyn says
This is going to get someone killed one day. No service on your police radio and male nurses refuse to help you with a combative patient. I being a former LEO in Flagler had to taser one person 5 times and with no help. After 47 complaints I have documents pertaining to the incident Advent Health refuses to respond to both email and phone calls!
Joe3 says
I’m a retired RN, and every hospital I worked at (including Psych Units & a State Psychiatric hospital)
I was told NOT TO INTERVENE with a combative patient .. E V E R Y . U N I T
I was instructed that intervention with a combative patient was Securitys’ job, and IF I were to be hurt – I would NOT BE COVERED by the hospital ..
I know Nurses that have been attacked by patients, and Common Sense says step in, thankfully nothing serious ever happened to me, but I do know nurses that have had their career ended by a combative patient ..
And Jerilyn you are right – ” This is going to get someone killed one day. “
Mary grosso says
This man needs ti be tested for lyme disease and toxoplasmosis one a bacteria toxo a parasite both hav been associated with rage schizoprenia bi polarism effect the brain not tested for on rountine basis suicidal an homocidal tendicecies
Jimbo99 says
FCOL, he acted like a 2 year old throwing a temper tantrum. When did 25 year olds become that pathetic, soft & weak ? Then again, how tough would it have been to placate his needs, to allow his mother to be with him ? I mean, his mother probably took him to the ER. New ER Room Covid protocols strike again ?
TR says
Jim, to answer your first question. It was when his generation was awarded trophies to everyone just for showing up. It also was because discipline was taken away from parents and the kids became spoiled.
The Geode says
“Discipline taken away”? Sure, go ahead and remove the accountability factor. Try the thought of people breeding and having children they CLEARLY can’t afford for the purpose of entitlements. You can instill discipline, structure, and order through genuine care and leading by example. This young man clearly didn’t have somebody in his life to hold him accountable. (probably raised by a “single baby-mama” or grandma) Blame your government for fostering the behavior of breeding for pay…
Coyote says
TR,
I have a habit of cutting, pasting, and saving an occasional quote or phrase which I feel is particularly relevant.
Here’s a paste from Cracked dot com (a comedy channel!!) from 2012 :
“The great sociological experiment among parents at the end of the 20th century finally has some results. The children of the Trophy Generation, protected in a cocoon of pure emotional indulgence and unwarranted encouragement, are now hatching into young adulthood, or at least those who survived exposure to honest human interaction and particularly strong gusts of wind are. In 2012, at last we have a chance to look them over and see what happens to a person who’s been raised exclusively on a diet of affirmation …. It turns out we f*^#%d up.:”
Remember, this is from 2012 – and it’s more relevant today than it was 9 years ago.
Mary Fusco says
Palm Coast has become a dumping ground for nuts. So sad what a once so peaceful place place has turned into.
JustAnObservation says
Keeping it classy, Kory. You are 6′ – 235 pounds – and get pi$$ed off because mommy can’t come into the ER with you? God help you if you have to survive alone in the real world.
And all this time I thought Rastas were promoting peace and harmony … Wonder if he will get his membership card yanked?
Trailer Bob says
He is not a rastafarian. I have met several losers in the area who think they are, but have never even been to jamaica. ( I have been there 9 times, adopted a rasta child, and know real rastas.)
Just another loser who wants to be somebody. Maybe someday he he will visit Jamaica and get a lesson learned bu real rastafarians.
JustAnObservation says
@ Trailer Bob … I know that. He is clearly a wanna-be. My comment was tinged with sarcasm but that is sometimes hard to detect in plain font …
Kim E Stone says
Advent Hospital is a fantastic Hospital filled with very fine caring experienced people. And I personally want to say I am sorry for the things they sometimes have to go through. I personally thank God they are in our town.