Wyoming hospital security guard dies after allegedly being assaulted by patient

A hospital security guard died after allegedly being assaulted by a patient at a Wyoming hospital on Dec. 25.

According to a news release from the Wyoming Police Department, law enforcement was dispatched to the report of a patient who had run from the emergency department at M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center after being placed on a hold.

The Wyoming officer encountered a 35-year-old male suspect in the medical center's parking lot. The suspect was non-compliant and resisted the officer during a prolonged engagement before being detained.

According to the release, the suspect, identified as 35-year-old Chisago City resident Jonathan Winch, allegedly assaulted a member of the hospital security staff before law enforcement arrived.

The hospital security guard, 43-year-old North Branch resident Andrea Merrell, died as a result of injuries sustained during the incident.

The investigation is ongoing, with assistance from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.