Nurse Stops Attack on Blind Man

Nurse Intervenes in Dining Room Attack

A nurse stopped an attack on a blind resident by tackling the man assaulting him in an assisted-living dining room, police said. The nurse was injured while intervening at Summit of Uptown in Park Ridge, Illinois.

Thomas Jones, 79, faces attempted murder and two aggravated battery charges following the Oct. 11 incident. Police said the 73-year-old resident, who uses a wheelchair, survived the attack.

Resident and Nurse Taken for Treatment

Officers responded to a stabbing report shortly after 5:30 p.m., according to Park Ridge police. Investigators said Jones stabbed the resident during an altercation in the dining room.

The nurse witnessed the attack and tackled Jones to stop it, police said. The resident, nurse and Jones were taken to a hospital with injuries that authorities described as not life-threatening.

Police have not disclosed what led to the altercation. The reports did not identify the nurse or the resident by name.

Prosecutors Approve Three Felony Charges

Jones was released into police custody after receiving medical treatment. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office approved charges of attempted murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and aggravated battery to a nurse.

He was taken to the Cook County Courthouse in Skokie for a detention hearing, according to police. A hearing outcome was not provided in the reports reviewed, and the charges have not been proven at trial.

References: Man accused of stabbing blind resident at Park Ridge assisted living facility | 79-year-old charged in assisted living facility stabbing, Park Ridge police say | Police: 79-year-old man stabbed blind resident at assisted living facility