Man Accused of Wielding IV Pole, Threatening Hospital Staff

Officers used a stun gun to apprehend the suspect after he refused to comply with commands.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 3:36pm

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A 45-year-old Warren man named Charles Duke, III is accused of wielding an IV pole like a 'baseball bat' and fighting with hospital staff at St. Joseph Hospital, leading to officers using a stun gun to apprehend him after he refused to comply with their orders.

Why it matters

Incidents of violence against healthcare workers have been on the rise, raising concerns about patient and staff safety, as well as the ability of hospitals to provide care in a secure environment.

The details

According to the police report, officers were called to the hospital around 9:45 a.m. on Saturday after Duke became irate and refused to leave the facility. When officers arrived, they found Duke barricaded behind a patient bed, wielding a metal IV pole and carrying a metal patient tray tucked into the front of his jeans. Duke refused multiple commands to drop the pole and get on his knees, so officers deployed a stun gun to apprehend him.

  • The incident occurred around 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2026.
  • Duke was ordered to appear for his arraignment on Monday, March 17, 2026, but failed to show up.

The players

Charles Duke, III

A 45-year-old Warren man who was accused of wielding an IV pole and threatening hospital staff, leading to his arrest.

St. Joseph Hospital

The hospital where the incident took place, located in Warren, Ohio.

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What’s next

When Duke is caught, he is ordered to be held without bond for his arraignment.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing problem of violence against healthcare workers and the need for hospitals to prioritize safety and security measures to protect their staff and patients.