St. Thomas, ON – Friday August 15th 2025
Early this morning, the St. Thomas Police Service responded to an urgent call for assistance from the Emergency Department at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital after a 17-year-old youth became violent toward medical staff and security.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) had transported the youth to the hospital for medical care. Upon arrival, the youth began causing a disturbance, pulled the fire alarm, made threats to harm hospital staff and assaulted the nurses attempting to provide medical treatment. Upon police arrival, the youth assaulted three officers and continued to threaten staff and first responders.
To ensure the safety of the public, hospital personnel and other patients, officers and medical staff worked together to de-escalate the situation.
This incident highlights the increasing violence faced by emergency service workers, including paramedics, hospital staff, security, firefighters and police when responding to individuals in medical or mental health crisis. Protecting those who protect and care for others remains a priority for the St. Thomas Police Service. Our members will continue to work in partnership with our emergency service colleagues to ensure their safety while they carry out their duties.
As a result of this incident, the youth has been charged with:
- Three counts of assault a peace officer
- Two counts of assault
- Uttering threats – cause death or bodily harm
- False alarm of fire
A warrant for arrest has been requested. ST25014596
