The sitter was left unconscious. Colleagues say they’re rallying to help her recover.
DALLAS, Texas — A 30-year-old man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he violently attacked an elderly hospital sitter inside the emergency room at Baylor Scott & White in Dallas, just hours after being arrested by DART police for a separate incident.
According to an arrest affidavit, William Horoshak was brought to the hospital on June 26 for a mental health evaluation after he was arrested earlier that morning for criminal mischief.
Police say Horoshak was taken into custody at about 5 a.m. after DART officers responded to a criminal mischief call at 3422 E. Kiest Blvd. in Dallas. A DART bus driver told officers that Horoshak stepped into her lane while she was driving, forcing her to swerve. Horoshak allegedly struck the bus near the right passenger side door window and mirror–shattering the glass, per police.
He was arrested for criminal mischief over $2,500 but under $30,000, a state jail felony, before being transported to the hospital for a psychiatric evaluation.
That evening, at about 7 p.m., while inside the emergency department at Baylor Scott & White, Horoshak allegedly launched an unprovoked assault against a 76-year-old sitter employed by the hospital.
Court documents say he “began to repeatedly punch the victim about the face,” hitting her 13 times on the left side, pausing, then punching her three more times in the same area, ultimately rendering her unconscious. Horoshak’s arrest paperwork doesn’t explain a reason for the alleged attack.
“The victim also suffered severe pain, bruising, swelling, and bleeding about the left side of her face,” the affidavit reads.
The sitter was wearing Baylor Hospital scrubs and a badge at the time of the attack, per court documents. Horoshak now faces charges of: aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury (2 counts), assault of hospital personnel on hospital property (2 counts), and injury to an elderly person (2 counts).
In a statement, Baylor Scott & White Health said:
First and foremost, we are caring for our team member — supporting her physically, emotionally, and financially as she recovers. And we are equally focused on supporting our frontline colleagues with enhanced resources, including additional security on campus.
There is nothing more important to us than the safety of our people, patients, and visitors. Situations like these necessitate a thorough review of processes and procedures, which we have initiated.
Hospital coworkers have launched a GoFundMe titled “Stand with Ms. Bea In Her Time of Need” to assist with her recovery. To date, the fundraiser has raised more than 29,000 toward its $40,000 goal. Those who want to donate can do so here.